Halloween Lovers, It’s Back! The Minnesota Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Returns For 2022
Update: 10/4/2022:
The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is back at the Minnesota Zoo In Apple Valley and it is bigger and better than ever! This years trail will lead you on a magical journey through "A Night At The Library." The event is going on now through November 5.
Original Story: 9/30/ 2021
Halloween lovers, you do not want to miss this incredible display!
The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is coming back to the The Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley. This incredible display is an unbelievable sight of pumpkins by the thousands that have been carefully carved and lit up. This is the third year of the event at the zoo even though they had to cancel last year due to the pandemic, making this season even more special.
In case you are wondering who carves all these pumpkins the answer is a company called Passion for Pumpkins from Oxford, MA . They do the designs and carve over 5,000 illuminated pumpkins you see on the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Trail. Passion for Pumpkins produces shows around the country.
According to the Minnesota Zoo website, this is a family-friendly event for all ages, but the entire trail is outside so you need to dress for the weather, plus there is quite a bit of walking involved.
A travel vlogger visited the display at the Minnesota Zoo in 2019, capturing this awesome video that gives you a taste of what the experience is like.
The walk to the entrance of the trail takes about 10 minutes and then the walk through the actual trail is a quarter mile long and takes an average of 40-45 minutes. Plus depending when you go, there could be an additional wait time to get into the trail. If possible it is encouraged to go during the week when it is not as crowded. Stroller and wheelchair rental is available on a first come first serve basis, and the entire trail is accessible.
If you're looking to check it out, the experience opens on Friday, October 1, and runs all the way through November 7. Plenty of time to make the trip (or a couple trips) to see it!
A heads up as you plan your trip: All tickets must be purchased in advance, which you can do from the Minnesota Zoo website. If you want more information or to purchase tickets, click here.