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By Kelli Nesbitt, Parks & Recreation Marketing Coordinator
What lurks in Lick Creek Park after sunset?
Join us Friday night to find out.
College Station Parks and Recreation's Haunted Hike returns for its third year on Friday from 6:30–9:30 p.m. at the Gary Halter Nature Center. The come-and-go event for ages 13 and older features guided cryptid hikes, creepy crawlers, crafts, games, spooky s’mores and more.
Registration is required, and space is limited. The cost is $15 for residents and $18 for non-residents and includes a souvenir Haunted Hike T-shirt. Costumes are welcome and closed-toe shoes are required. Additional parking is available at the Lick Creek equestrian entrance off Rock Prairie Road.
Here's what to expect:
- Texas Native Cryptid Tour: Take a guided hike through Lick Creek Park in search of legendary Texas creatures. Hikes are scheduled from 6:45–9:15 p.m. and feature Donkey Lady, Ottine Swamp Thing, Black-Eyed Children, El Chupacabra, Man-Bat, the Headless Horseman, Wolf Girl, La Lechuza, Lake Worth Monster, Houston Rat Man, Big Bird, Hogzilla and the NASA Gargoyle. Keep an eye out for Lick Creek Park’s real nighttime residents, too, including bats, fireflies, snakes, owls and other wildlife.
- Creepy Crafts: Take a break from the trail and create something inspired by creatures of the night. Make a flapping purple martin or Mexican free-tailed bat, try a web-weaving activity or make a Bigfoot plaster footprint.
- Creepy Crawlers and More: The Texas A&M Entomology Club will help you discover the creepy crawlers that call Lick Creek Park home. Special lights will attract real invertebrates for an up-close look at what emerges after dark. Explore the Nature Center grounds and snap photos with spooky displays, make a s’more, or grab salty and sweet treats from the haunted snack van.
- Games: Test your skills with the Monster Hunter Shooting Range, Pumpkin Pong, Crop Circle Toss, Plinko, Tilt Game, Guess What’s in the Box, soccer, darts, giant Jenga and giant Connect 4.
Limited-Edition T-Shirts
Haunted Hike registration includes a limited-edition Chupacabra t-shirt while supplies last. Sizes are limited, so register early for the best selection.
Grab your flashlight and join us for a night of cryptids, creepy crawlers and after-dark fun at Lick Creek Park. Looking for more? Explore our full lineup of October events for more spooky and festive activities.
For more information, contact the Gary Halter Nature Center at 979-764-6216 or parks@cstx.gov.
About the Blogger
Kelli Nesbitt has served the Parks and Recreation Department for 20 years, including 13 years as marketing coordinator. She also served as the marketing and community engagement specialist for the City of Bryan from 2023-25. A Bryan native, Nesbitt earned a bachelor's degree in health and kinesiology from Sam Houston State.
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