Haunted Forest more than just thrills and chills

Be prepared to be scared — or not.

It’s entirely up to you as you tread trepidatiously through the Haunted Forest at Lucky Break Ranch and Tack on Mayne Road just off Highway 250 near Rivers this October.

For a few spooky nights ahead of Halloween, the Haunted Forest will be populated with ghoulies, ghosties and other ghastlies all prepared to give thrill-seekers a fright. And since some folks want the fun without the fright, designated scare-free times are offered each night.

But one thing everyone can agree on is supporting the charitable goals of this family-fun event.

This year they are raising money for CancerCare Manitoba and the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, and collecting food for the Riverdale Harvest Food Bank.

“The charitable side of the Haunted Forest has always been a huge part of why we do this,” said Kim Richardson, owner at Lucky Break Ranch and Tack.

“We want people to come out, have fun and maybe get the bee-jeebees scared out of them, But at the end of the day, we also want this event to make a difference.”

The “Fill the Coffin” Food Drive challenges visitors to help completely fill a coffin with food donations. For every item donated, a ticket is entered into a draw.

“Our goal is always to grow what we are able to give back each year. Every ticket purchased, raffle entered, 50/50 ticket bought and food item donated helps us do that,” Richardson said.

The charitable goals are a great excuse for the fun — which is extensive — but she said there is so much more to the experience than walking through a haunted attraction.

The trail through the forest is just over one kilometre, and there are carnival games, a bouncy castle, face painting, pumpkin carving, raffles, outdoor movies each night, a canteen and other activities happening throughout the event.

“One thing we are really proud of is continuing to add things that make it an evening the whole family can enjoy. You can come early, spend some time doing the activities, grab something from the canteen and then head into the forest when you’re ready,” Richardson said.

And to keep it friendly for everyone, the “No Scare” time slot runs from 4:30 to 7:30 each night. This is ideal for younger Halloweeners and their families and anyone else who wants to check out the forest but doesn’t enjoy a jump scare.

“The ‘No Scare’ gives little ones (and older ones) a chance to experience the excitement of Halloween without being terrified. They can dress up, enjoy the activities and walk through the forest at their own comfort level,” she said.

As for the rest of the evening … prepare yourself, mortals.

“That’s when the forest changes. Our scare actors come out and things get a whole lot more interesting. ‘Scare’ runs from 7:30 to 10 p.m. and is intended for older kids, teens and adults who actually want the Haunted Forest experience,” she said.

Visitors will encounter character actors throughout the trail, surprises and spookiness waiting in the dark. And some things are not so make-believe.

“Those coyotes and wolves howling at night are real,” said Richardson.

“Parents know their children best, so rather than putting a strict age on it, we encourage parents to decide whether their child enjoys being startled and scared. If they’re unsure, come during ‘No Scare’ first.”

Dressing for the weather is advised, as well as good footwear for the long walk. The trail is wheelchair accessible with a sturdy outdoor-ready wheelchair — however, it is a natural forest trail, so conditions vary with the weather. Costumes are welcome along with the food donations. Richardson said to plan to stay long enough to enjoy all of the activities without rushing.

“And during ‘Scare’ hours … don’t assume that thing beside the trail is just a decoration,” she said.

This is the fifth year for the event, which received a nomination for a 2026 Tribute to Tourism Award and was recognized as Event of the Year (Under 10,000) in Southwest Manitoba.

Richardson said one of her favourite things is watching families who make it a tradition to come back year after year.

“We’ve had kids who were nervous to even walk through during ‘No Scare’ one year come back later determined that this is the year they’re brave enough to do ‘Scare,’” she said.

“Five years later, people aren’t just asking if we’re doing it again — they’re asking when the dates are. That’s pretty special.”

The Haunted Forest is a community event, and Richardson is grateful to the many people and businesses in and around Rivers who pitch in to make the event happen — volunteers, sponsors, businesses and community members who donate time, supplies, equipment, money and talent.

“Without them, there simply wouldn’t be a Haunted Forest,” she said.

“So when you come through the gates, you’re not only coming out for a fun Halloween night. You’re supporting an event that brings people together, supports local and Manitoba charities, helps our local food bank and gives families a safe place to celebrate Halloween. That’s what makes all the work worth it.”

The Haunted Forest comes to life Oct. 15-18 and Oct. 23-25.

Tickets will be sold at the gate: adults $8, youth $5, family $20. Prairie Rovers is booking some transport for the event.

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