Illustration of a fall festival scene (16th Annual Trail of Scarecrows)
Family-Friendly Fall Activities

16th Annual Trail of Scarecrows

Prophetstown State Park features the 16th Annual Trail of Scarecrows, an accessible trail with displays for which visitors can vote by donating.

What to Expect

Dozens of scarecrows along an accessible park trail

Event Details

Duration

All day

Ages

All ages

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Department of Natural Resources

Local Insight & Ratings

Scare Factor

👻 👻 👻 👻 👻 (1/5)

Family Friendly

👶 👶 👶 👶 👶 (5/5)

Best For

Families, nature lovers, fall enthusiasts

Vibe

Festive, community-oriented, scenic

Energy Level

Low

Budget

$

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Medium

Location

Prophetstown State Park
5545 Swisher Road
West Lafayette, IN
47906

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: $
  • Accessibility: The trail is paved and accessible, suitable for easy hiking, biking, and strolling.
  • Pets: No pets allowed (Service animals welcome implied by park regulations, but not explicitly stated for this event)

Tips & Advice

  • Visit during daylight hours to best appreciate the scarecrow details and enjoy the accessible trail.
  • Bring small bills or be prepared to donate online if you wish to vote for your favorite scarecrow.
  • Check the park's official website for any updates on park hours or specific event details before your visit.
  • Consider combining your visit with other park activities, as the trail is accessible throughout the park.
  • If you're interested in displaying a scarecrow in the future, email jparks@dnr.in.gov to be added to the 2025 mailing list.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Vote for favorite scarecrows by donating to support park programs.
  • Prizes awarded for scarecrows with the most votes.
  • Email jparks@dnr.in.gov to be added to the 2025 scarecrow display mailing list.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the park hours during the Trail of Scarecrows?

The event is open daily during park hours. Specific park hours can be found on the Prophetstown State Park website.

How can I vote for my favorite scarecrow?

You can vote by making a donation of one dollar per vote to the Interpretive Services fund. Ballots can be picked up and dropped off at the park's main gate or visitor center.

Is the trail suitable for strollers or wheelchairs?

Yes, the trail is paved and accessible, making it easy for hiking, biking, and strolling with strollers or wheelchairs.

Can I display my own scarecrow?

Yes, if you are interested in displaying a scarecrow in 2025, you can email jparks@dnr.in.gov to be added to the mailing list.

Is there an admission fee for the park?

While the event itself is free to view, standard Indiana State Park entrance fees may apply. Check the park's website for current admission information.

Tags

scarecrow festivalfamily friendlyfall festivalpumpkin festivalcommunity eventhalloween festivalharvest festivalpumpkin patchhikingaccessible trail

More Halloween Events Near West Lafayette

More Halloween near Lafayette

Open the map around Lafayette →

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Sep 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Halloween Events Near Me editorial team