Halloween Hoot

A campfire, a wooded trail, cider and donuts, and Halloween stories. 

Yes; we're talking about the "Halloween Hoot."

The popular event at Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve in Rochester is planned for Oct. 19, 20 and 21 this year. 

Here's what you need to know: 

• Groups of 25 leave the woods every 10 minutes for a 45-minute walk along the nature center's trail. Times are as follows: Friday/Saturday: 6:20, 6:30, 6:40, 6:50, 7:00, 7:10, 7:20, 7:30, 7:40, 7:50, 8:00, 8:10, 8:20, 8:30; Sunday: 6:00, 6:10, 6:20, 6:30, 6:40, 6:50, 7:00, 7:10, 7:20


• Tickets are $7 per person and must be purchased in advance. Tickets must be purchased in person at Dinosaur Hill or by mail; call 248-656-0999 for information.


• Children are encouraged to dress in costume and bring small bags for trick-or-treating. The performances are kid-friendly and not designed to scare small children. 


• The night ends with cider and donuts.

“The Hoot is one of the area’s oldest and finest family-friendly Halloween events”, said Rita Becker of Dinosaur Hill. "Many families return year after year, and some of our pre-teen and teen actors remember coming to the Hoot with their families when they were little."