Guided hikes and events with a Halloween bent at Minnesota parks

Sibley State Park, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday

Hike the Pond View Trail, which will be lit by jack-o'-lanterns. A few activities, a snack and hot drink will follow. Pack a flashlight to help guide you to and from your vehicle. (1-320-354-2002, mndnr.gov)

Creatures of the night

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Saturday

Learn about what is making those sometimes eerie noises at night. Meet at the Interpretive Center. Stick around for a Halloween Film Festival featuring nature films about owls, bats, wolves and spiders from 1 to 3 p.m. (1-320-532-3269, mndnr.gov)

Geocaching

Fort Snelling State Park, 1-3 p.m. Saturday

Halloween howl

Lake Maria State Park. 5-8 p.m. Saturday

This event begins with a program on the snakes of Minnesota, their unique lifestyles and where to find them. The naturalist will bring live snakes. At 6 p.m., there will be a crafts program for children. Feel free to wear a costume. Registration required. Call 763-878-2325. (mndnr.gov)

Ghost walk

Whitewater State Park, 7-9 p.m. Saturday

Beat back buckthorn

Hyland Lake Park Reserve, 9 a.m.-noon Saturday

Help preserve forests and woodlands by removing an invasive species. Youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required. For ages 8 and older. This event is at Tierney's Woods.

Scavenger hunt

Cleary Lake Regional Park, 4-5:30 p.m. Tuesday

Outdoors skills

French Regional Park, 1-3 p.m. Thursday