Inside Iowa State

Oct. 24, 2008

Get spooked

by Paula Van Brocklin

Grab a flashlight, bundle up and prepare to see friendly ghosts and goblins at the "Haunted Iowa State" walk through campus Wednesday, Oct. 29.

Sponsored by University Museums, the annual moonlit trek begins promptly at 7 p.m. from the campanile. Event-goers will be treated to familiar spooky sites, like the cemetery, Memorial Union and Farm House Museum. But something will be missing this year -- tour guides.

"It's a self-guided tour with a map of instructions and locations," said Allison Sheridan Juull, education specialist with University Museums. "We're restructuring the walk because we received feedback that people didn't like the large groups." The event drew about 600 people last year.

Participants may choose the order of the locations they visit. Each of the 15 sites will be staffed until 10 p.m. with a volunteer for further direction and guidance.

Farm House Museum is a favorite stop on the walk, not only for its ghostly tales but also for its delicious refreshments. Walkers can enjoy hot beverages like cider and cocoa, along with a variety of Halloween treats.

"Haunted Iowa State" is free and open to the public. For more information, go to www.museums.iastate.edu/HauntedISU.htm.

University Museums will sponsor its annual "Haunted Iowa State" Oct. 29. Participants may choose the order of the campus locations they visit. Each of 15 sites will be staffed from 7 to 10 p.m. with a volunteer for further direction and guidance.