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Do This Now: Halloween is clearly in the air – and woods

Ghost walk at Whitewater State Park; night creatures at Jay Cooke.

October 29, 2015 at 6:20PM

Halloween (Robert Timmons/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Nature Un-spooked!

Jay Cooke State Park

10:30 a.m.-noon Saturday

Why does night seem so spooky? Find out about critters of the night. Stop by anytime to hear ongoing mini-talks. Meet at the River Inn Interpretive Center. (1-218-384-4610, mndnr.gov)

Ghost walk

Whitewater State Park

7-9 p.m. Friday

Learn about the people who have influenced the history of the Whitewater Valley. Guided groups will "hear" from ghosts of the valley during a night hike through one of the park's picnic grounds. Meet at the nature store lot. Bring your own flashlight. (1-507-932-3007, mndnr.gov)

Animal tracking

Fort Snelling State Park

9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Join the Minnesota Tracking Club for an introduction to the ancient art of tracking, which is the study and interpretation of the tracks (footprints) and other signs left behind by animals as they go about their lives. Tracking begins with identifying the animal that passed, and grows into understanding the intimate details of that animal's life. Bring a lunch, a notebook and a writing tool. Dress for comfort inside and outside. Registration required; call 612-725-2724. (mndnr.gov)

Night bike racing

Elm Creek Park Reserve

6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday

Experience the rush of night racing. Twist and turn through 10.5 miles of single-track trail illuminated by required mounted bike lights. There will be awards, door prizes and good times after every race. Cost is $15 for same-day registration and only $12 for those who preregister. To preregister call 763-559-6700 and reference #423635-01. Same-day registration begins at 5:30 p.m. Race start is at 6:30 p.m. The race is open to ages 14 and older, and helmets are required. (threeriversparks.org)