As the crisp autumn air settles over the picturesque towns of Iola and Scandinavia, Wisconsin, residents and visitors alike will soon be treated to a spectacularly spooky celebration. The highlight of this year’s Halloween festivities will undoubtedly be the Iola Haunted Mill, a bone-chilling attraction that promises to deliver screams and thrills throughout the Halloween season.
The Halloween calendar for Iola-Scandinavia is packed with events that will cater to every ghoul and goblin, young and old. From pumpkin painting to haunted tours, the community has pulled out all the stops to ensure a memorable and exciting Halloween experience for all.
Pumpkin Painting and Haunted Mill Kick-Off
The festivities will begin on Friday, Oct. 25, with a charming pumpkin painting event at the Iola Village Library at 2 p.m. This family-friendly activity will allow children and adults to unleash their creativity and get into the Halloween spirit. As the sun sets, brave souls can venture to the Iola Haunted Mill for its grand opening night. The mill will open its creaky doors from 6:30-10:30 p.m., offering a heart-pounding experience for those who dare to enter.
In the true spirit of the season, the Iola Haunted Mill is not just about scares but also about giving back to the community. Visitors to the mill can receive a $1 discount on admission by bringing a donation for the local food pantry. This initiative demonstrates the community’s commitment to helping those in need while enjoying the Halloween festivities.
Halloween Ride and Victorian Charm
Saturday, Oct. 26, will see the community revving up for the 3rd Annual Halloween Ride and Halloween Party. Motorcycle enthusiasts will gather at the 10LA Corner Bar & Grill, with registration from 10 to 11 a.m. The ride will depart at 11 a.m., followed by a lively party starting at 6 p.m., featuring live music by the Beautiful Dreamers from 8-11 p.m.
For those seeking a more refined Halloween experience, the Victorian House Tour & Craft Show will open its doors at 255 Mill Street in Scandinavia. This event, running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Oct. 26-27.
Trick-or-Treat Extravaganza
Sunday, Oct. 27, will be a day filled with trick-or-treating delights. The villages of Iola and Scandinavia will host their official Trick or Treat hours from 2-4 p.m. Residents are encouraged to turn on their porch lights to welcome little monsters and princesses alike.
For those looking for a centralized treat-gathering experience, the Iola United Methodist Church will host a Trunk or Treat event during the same hours. This safe and fun alternative allows children to collect candy from decorated car trunks in a controlled environment.
The day’s excitement will culminate with the Halloween Spooktacular at Jorgens Park Preserve from 3 to 6 p.m. This event will feature a variety of activities, including: Trunk or Treat, hay wagon rides, pumpkin decorating and launching via catapult, story readings, and chili and beverages will be available for purchase as a park fundraiser.
Halloween Night and Beyond
As Oct. 31 arrives, the Iola Haunted Mill will continue to be the star attraction. The mill will operate from 6:30-9 p.m. on Halloween night, offering one last chance for thrill-seekers to experience its terrors before the calendar turns to November.
However, the frights won’t end with Halloween. The Iola Haunted Mill will extend its run into November, with additional dates on Nov. 1-2 from 6:30-10:30 p.m. This extension allows those who couldn’t make it earlier in the season to experience the hair-raising haunted attraction.
As the Iola-Scandinavia area transforms into a Halloween haven, residents and visitors alike can look forward to a week filled with excitement, community spirit, and unforgettable memories. The Iola Haunted Mill is the centerpiece of these celebrations, promising to deliver screams and thrills that will echo long after the last jack-o’-lantern has been extinguished.
