For a few nights before Halloween, West Chicago’s Park District opens its annual Spooky Trail, filled with thrilling attractions for community members of all ages. This year, the event will run Thursday, Oct. 23, and Friday, Oct. 24, from 6:30–9 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 25, from 7–9:30 p.m.
The trail features multiple scare zones, including the Zombie Graveyard, Asylum, and Kill Camp. The event centers on a legend that originated in Reed Keppler Park, referred to as the “Curse of the Spooky Trail.” At the start, guests hear the ancient tale before entering the forest, where they encounter a variety of eerie scenes, including ghouls, zombies, and other frightful figures.
Sarah Witteck, recreation manager for the West Chicago Park District, is the main organizer of the event. She serves as the creative force behind the production and coordinates the behind-the-scenes work that makes it possible.
The attraction has been a Park District tradition for years, though it did close during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It was brought back in 2021… after two years of having it as ‘Resurrection Trail’ we switched it to the Spooky Trail,” Witteck said.
The trail depends on volunteer scare actors who work to develop and perform their characters. Applicants can sign up through the district’s website.
Actors under the age of 18 must obtain parental consent and sign a permission form. Those 18 and older are required to complete a criminal background check and a volunteer form. Over the years, props have broken and costumes have torn, but donations from community members have helped the Park District keep the event running smoothly despite these challenges.
“I was working in the last area of the trail, and there’s this one group that I followed almost all the way back out to the parking lot,” scare actor Matthew Krysinski said. “They were gonna take a group photo, and then the entire group just turned around and saw me right there—and they did not take the photo.”
Many attendees have described the trail as both frightening and fun. While the experience is filled with screams, it also produces laughter from surprise and excitement. Thick fog adds to the atmosphere, making it difficult to tell which silhouettes are real and which are props.
The Park District also offers an alternative for families who prefer a lighter experience. This year’s “Not-So-Spooky Trail” is designed for those who enjoy Halloween festivities without the scares. “It’s perfect for high schoolers, and definitely younger kids if they go with a parent or adult,” scare actor Elisa O’Brien said.
Together, these events continue to make the Spooky Trail a longstanding Halloween tradition in West Chicago.
Correction
Oct. 25, 2025
A previous version of this article included minor stylistic issues and subjective language that could be interpreted as biased. The article has been revised to maintain a neutral tone and remove second-person references. Updates also include improved clarity in event dates and descriptions, consistent formatting of quotes, and adjustments for journalistic style. These edits do not affect the factual accuracy of the story.
