Halloween Illuminations & Hayrides

The Halloween Illuminations & Hayrides event in Newburgh, Warrick County, is a seasonal Halloween celebration held October 10-12, 2025, at the Gene Aurand Trailhead area along the Rivertown Trail. It features spooky historical storytelling on guided hayrides combined with a self-guided walk along the Rivertown Trail illuminated with carved pumpkins, themed lights, and family-friendly ghost decorations. Admission is charged.

This event is a blend of guided and self-guided activities:

• Guided Hayrides: Visitors ride on a hay-filled wagon while listening to spooky tales about Newburgh’s past. Hayride tours typically depart every 20 minutes and last about 50 minutes.
• Halloween Illuminations Walk: Families can walk at their own pace from the Gene Aurand Trailhead along the Rivertown Trail to the Ohio River and back, enjoying illuminated woods, carved pumpkins, ghosts, and other Halloween decorations. The woods and red bridge area are festively lit and offer a unique visual experience.

The event generally runs in the evenings from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm during the specified dates. The combination of hayrides and trail illumination provides a family-friendly atmosphere blending local history, seasonal ambiance, and festive outdoor experiences.

Vibe and Surroundings:
Newburgh is a historic river town with a quaint downtown and scenic trails along the Ohio River. The event area’s natural woods, lit-up trails, and river backdrop create a spooky yet welcoming setting. The vibe is festive and geared towards families and those interested in local history presented in a fun, engaging way.

Activities and Schedule (rough outline):

• Guided hayrides depart regularly, roughly every 20 minutes, lasting about 50 minutes each, offering storytelling tours of spooky Newburgh history.
• Self-guided illuminated walks available nightly during event hours (5:30 pm–9:00 pm), letting visitors set their own pace along the trail decorated with pumpkins and lights.

History and Founding:
The Halloween Illuminations event is organized by Historic Newburgh, Inc., a local preservation group committed to promoting Newburgh’s heritage. The Illuminations and Hayrides have become an annual tradition showcasing the town’s history and Halloween spirit. The event incorporates local folklore and history into an immersive outdoor experience, reflecting a longstanding community effort to celebrate heritage with engaging public programming.

Contact and more info can be obtained through Historic Newburgh’s website or by phone at (812) 853-2815.