Evening tours of an 1871 mansion and a history book club focused on the Vietnam War are two activities being offered by Blue Earth County Historical Society.
Spine-tingling sights are slated several evenings throughout Halloween season at the historic R.D. Hubbard House, 606 S. Broad St. This year’s flashlight tours feature macabre tales of cursed toys and views of spaces that are rarely open to the public — the mansion’s attic, basement as well as the carriage house attic.
Tickets are $25 and reservations are required.
One-hour tours are 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Saturday and Nov. 1. A special Halloween edition Oct. 31 will explore the origins and folklore behind the holiday.
BECHS has kicked off its History Book Club’s fall series featuring Tim O’Brien’s novel “The Things They Carried.” The novel depicts the men of Alpha Company and a 43-year-old writer who survived his tour in Vietnam to become a father.
The quarterly book club goes beyond a classic group book read and discussion. Over three months, while participants read the book, additional activities are planned. A guest presentation is slated during the 11 a.m. Nov. 15 club meeting and a group discussion of “The Things They Carried” is slated 11 a.m. Dec. 20.
A $50 book club fee includes a paperback copy of the book, admission to the presentation and to the group book discussion. Attendees who already own copies of “The Things They Carried” will be charged $10 per session.
Books will be available to pick up from the history center at 424 Warren St. To request more information about the club or availability of book copies, email: Rachel@BlueEarthCountyHistory.com or call 507-345-5566.
To purchase tickets for the flashlight tours or for more information about the book club or other BECHS activities, go to: blueearthcountyhistory.com.
Fundraiser features haunted hay rides
Nicollet County Trail Association’s Mill Pond Haunted Hay Rides continue this weekend near 300 S. Front St. in St. Peter.
Rides are slated between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Adult tickets cost $20 and tickets for ages 6-15 cost $5.
Advance tickets may be purchased at Halloween Express Mankato, 1724 Madison Ave.
Most proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to cover expenses for grooming trails in Nicollet County. A portion will be distributed to nonprofits.
Haunted house adds tags, touches
New creepy features will be added to a Halloween season activity at Brown County Fairgrounds. Creatures and clowns will reach out of the dark to tag participants with stickers during 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. blackout tours of the New Ulm Nightmares Haunted House.
New Ulm Nightmares 2025 hours are 7-10 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Oct. 31 and Nov. 1.
Groups will be provided with one glowstick to use touring the tour. Participants will attempt to finish the tour without being touched by the haunted house’s performers.
Less-scary alternative tours of the event’s two haunted houses are offered. Activities include an escape room and a pumpkin-slinging game.
Tour prices start at $15 and may be reserved at: newulmnightmares.com.
Kids Day activities are planned 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $5 and participants should be 5 or older.
A portion of proceeds from the event will be used for Turner gymnastic programs in New Ulm.