THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Reiman Gardens lights up for fall: over 1,000 carved Jack-O'-Lanterns, a ¾-mile illuminated route, Candy Factory treats, and timed entry for safe, family-friendly evenings. Arrive within your ticket window and plan 40–80 minutes to experience the full walk.
Reiman Gardens lights up for fall: over 1,000 carved Jack-O'-Lanterns, a ¾-mile illuminated route, Candy Factory treats, and timed entry for safe, family-friendly evenings. Arrive within your ticket window and plan 40–80 minutes to experience the full walk.
Book with Reiman Gardens
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Reiman Gardens · Ames, Iowa
Spirits in the Gardens at Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa, transforms a university botanical collection into a glowing, family-friendly Halloween walk. From October 9–11 the East Entrance becomes the gateway to more than 1,000 carved Jack-O'-Lanterns arranged along a roughly three-quarter-mile illuminated path that threads through the garden's beds, bridges, and lawned terraces. The path takes 40–80 minutes to complete and stays under a gentle 5% slope, making it accessible for most visitors. This is not just a pumpkin display: the event blends cosplay, chemistry demonstrations, and a Candy Factory on the Events Plaza where trick-or-treaters collect sweets and non-candy items. Timed tickets control entry—arrive within your selected 15-minute window and stay as long as you like—ensuring steady, safe movement through one-way routes. Bathrooms are available inside the Gardens, including the Mahlstede Building, Hunziker House, and at Sycamore Falls; note that once you enter the one-way route you may need to return to the start to access some facilities. Practical details make Spirits in the Gardens stand out in the Ames fall calendar. Ninety percent of the route is paved, with a short turf section; strollers, wheelchairs, and personal mobility scooters are welcome, though Reiman Gardens cannot check out equipment during the event. Parking is free with preferred lot S2 and additional parking in S1, S3, S5, and S6; the Beach Avenue gate opens for exiting after the event. The Gardens manage crowd flow and safety with timed entry, clear signage to the East Entrance, and staff on site—good news for families and anyone seeking a relaxed, festival feel without long waits. Expect seasonal weather—rain or shine—the event runs evening hours each night (5pm–10pm Friday and Saturday; 5pm–9pm Sunday) and ends late, so dress for cool air and bring a bag for treats. Pets are not allowed except service animals. The route's gentle grades and accessible surfaces make this a low-barrier way to enjoy fall spectacle, while the pumpkins themselves offer endless small-stage surprises: carved faces, scenes, and playful installations staged amid formal beds and walkways. Whether you come for costume photos, to tote a stash of treats, or simply to wander under carved-glow light, Spirits in the Gardens converts familiar campus greens into an energized seasonal scene that feels both local and visit-ready. Check ticket times, arrive within your window at the East Entrance, and plan 40–80 minutes to fully experience the display. If you require special accommodations contact the Director of Guest Services at 515-294-8994 or [email protected] ahead of your visit. Note there are no refunds or exchanges for this special event; tickets may be transferred to another person. View the East Entrance route and parking maps provided with confirmation to smooth your arrival and exit and departure.
easy.
40–80 minutes.
Light walking on mostly paved surfaces; suitable for families and visitors using mobility aids.
Select a 15-minute entry window for the date you want; arrive during that window and you may then stay as long as you like—the window only controls entry time.
Yes—about 90% of the path is paved and the grade stays under 5%. Reiman Gardens cannot loan mobility equipment during the event; you may bring your own.
Parking is free. Preferred lot is S2; S1, S3, S5 and S6 are additional. The Beach Avenue gate is open for exiting after the event to reduce congestion.
No. Only service animals are permitted on site for this event.
Restrooms are available inside the Gardens at the Mahlstede Building, Hunziker House, and Sycamore Falls. Because the route is one-way, you may need to return to the start to access some facilities.
There are no refunds or exchanges for special event registrations; reservations may be transferred to another person. Events run rain or shine.
Spirits in the Gardens is a popular annual fall celebration at Reiman Gardens that highlights seasonal horticulture along with community programming.
Help keep the Gardens clean by disposing of wrappers and trash in provided bins; stick to paved paths to protect plantings and root systems.
Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa offers year-round horticultural displays, seasonal events, educational programs, and volunteer opportunities that engage families, students, and garden enthusiasts. The facility hosts a variety of public experiences including speaker series, guided and self-guided tours, hands-on youth day camps, and specialized workshops such as dried floral wreath making and floral design. Signature experiences include the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing — open daily and featuring up to 800 live butterflies from around 80 species — plus seasonal highlights like Butterfly Blizzard and Nature at NIGHT. Reiman Gardens programs combine accessible outdoor activities with instructional series and community-focused nights. Regular offerings include Nature with Nathan, a six-part entomology speaker series; Rovers at Reiman dog-friendly evenings; Garden Flow six-week gentle stretching sessions; Nature Journaling workshops; and members-only Wednesday walking club access. Community events range from Autumn Equinox Gothic Soiree (ages 18+) to Trivia Nights, Maker Nights, and seasonal forest bathing walks. Volunteer roles support Spirits in the Gardens (October 10–12), Pumpkin Prep, Butterfly Wing docent training, seasonal gardening and displays, and group volunteer opportunities. Reiman Gardens also offers admissions options, guided tours for youth and adults, and special previews like RG Express and Bonsai Show Member Preview. All program descriptions, schedules, and registration details are published by Reiman Gardens; visitors should consult official listings for dates, age requirements, and availability. Members' Wednesday Walking Club meets Wednesday mornings and provides access to the Butterfly Wing and Conservatory beginning at 9:00 AM, offering a quieter visit and the chance to see horticulturalists at work.
Book with Reiman Gardens