Looking for the best Halloween events near St. Louis? Follow the glow to Jack’s Lighted Trail at Eckert’s, a family-friendly nighttime adventure filled with towering corn stalks, illuminated pumpkins, colorful installations and a few surprises hidden along the way.
Located at Eckert’s Belleville Farm, just minutes from downtown St. Louis, the half-mile Halloween light trail returns on select evenings from September 11 through October 30, 2026. Whether you are planning a family outing, date night or full day of fall fun near St. Louis, here is everything you need to know before you go.
Begin with Fall Fun at Eckert’s Belleville Farm
Make the most of your visit by arriving before sunset. Start the afternoon with apple picking near St. Louis or pumpkin picking near St. Louis, depending on crop availability. A trip to the orchard or pumpkin patch is an easy way to turn your evening at Jack’s Lighted Trail into a complete fall day at the farm.
Because crop conditions can change throughout the season, be sure to check current picking availability before heading to the farm.
Before your scheduled trail time, visit the Eckert’s Country Store for fresh bakery treats, seasonal produce and farm favorites to take home. You can also enjoy farm-fresh food, hard cider and live entertainment at the Cider Shed on select evenings.
Where to Check In for Jack’s Lighted Trail
Jack’s Lighted Trail takes place at:
Eckert’s Belleville Farm
951 South Green Mount Road
Belleville, Illinois 62220
When you arrive, check in at the big red barn north of the Garden Center at the top of the hill. Guests should arrive during their reserved 30-minute entry window. From there, a tractor-drawn wagon will carry you out to the start of the trail.
Tickets are required for everyone age two and older. Purchase Jack’s Lighted Trail tickets online in advance because popular evenings may sell out and admission costs more at the gate.
What You’ll See Along Jack’s LightedTrail
The experience follows one glowing half-mile loop through 15 themed scenes. Expect larger-than-life carvings, thousands of colorful lights, tunnels of illumination and plenty of places to stop for photos.
Highlights along this pumpkin light trail near St. Louis include:
- Alice in Wonderland
- The Witches
- Local Treasures
- Mad Farmer Chris
- Jack’s Patch
- The Spook-Easy
- The Corn Stalk Lighted Path
- Scarecrows and Ghosts
- The Cemetery
- The Tunnel
- Day of the Dead
- Classic Monsters
- Nature
- Wizard of Oz
- The Shipwreck
Although the trail embraces the spirit of Halloween, it is festive rather than frightening. There are no traditional haunted-house scares, making it a welcoming family-friendly Halloween experience near St. Louis for children, parents, grandparents and groups of friends.
Don’t Miss the Corn Stalk Lighted Path
One of the most memorable parts of Jack’s Lighted Trail is the illuminated path through towering corn stalks. The surrounding corn, glowing displays and larger-than-life characters create a fully immersive fall setting—and some of the best photo opportunities of the evening.
Give yourself time to explore rather than rushing through. The trail is designed as an experience, with new details and friendly surprises waiting around every turn.
Find the Hidden Spook-Easy
Here is the secret every grown-up should know: there is a hidden Spook-Easy tucked along the route.
Follow the trail carefully and look for clues leading to this concealed seasonal stop, where guests can pause for a hauntingly good sip. It is one of the signature surprises that makes Jack’s Lighted Trail at Eckert’s more than a traditional light display.
The Spook-Easy adds a playful grown-up element while keeping the overall event comfortable for families. Drinks and treats are sold separately, so bring a credit or debit card for purchases along the trail.
Stop by the Witches and Their Brew
Keep an eye out for the witches as you make your way through the trail. Their glowing corner of the farm features plenty of Halloween atmosphere and a magical brew experience that brings another interactive touch to the journey.
This is one of the best places to slow down, take photos and look for small details. Like the Spook-Easy, the witches’ area rewards guests who take their time and explore.
Gather at the Cider Shed
The Eckert’s Cider Shed serves as a gathering place during the evening, offering plenty of room to relax with friends and family. Stop for farm-fresh food, seasonal snacks, sweet cider or Eckert’s small-batch hard cider before or after walking the trail.
The open-air setting is particularly inviting on a crisp fall night. It also gives groups a natural place to meet, recharge and enjoy more time together instead of heading home immediately after completing the trail.
For an easy all-in-one treat, guests can add a Glow Up Package when purchasing tickets. The package includes a cider doughnut, a glow-in-the-dark cup filled with sweet or hard cider and a foam glow stick.
Live music and other seasonal programming are also offered on select dates. Check the Eckert’s Belleville event calendar to see what else is happening during your visit.
Take All the Photos
A phone with a fully charged battery is essential. Jack’s Lighted Trail features photo opportunities from beginning to end, including walls of glowing pumpkins, illuminated tunnels, colorful trees and larger-than-life scenes.
For the best nighttime photos:
- Turn off your flash to preserve the glow of the lights.
- Tap the brightest part of the display before taking the photo.
- Pause at the larger scenes for group pictures.
- Visit around or just after sunset to capture both the evening sky and illuminated trail.
- Wear fall colors or Halloween-inspired outfits that stand out against the lights.
Choose a Special Event Night
In addition to regular admission evenings, Jack’s Lighted Trail at Eckert’s offers themed nights throughout the season:
- Jack’s After Dark — October 22: An adults-only evening featuring the complete trail, a specialty cocktail and a light-up item.
- Costume Night and Trails of Treats — October 29: Children receive treat bags and can wear family-friendly costumes while exploring the trail.
Special nights require separate tickets, so check the ticketing page before choosing your visit date.
What to Know Before You Go
A little preparation will make your Eckert’s fall experience even better:
- Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes. The trail surface is gravel rather than pavement.
- Bring a running or all-terrain stroller if visiting with young children.
- Dress in layers for changing fall temperatures.
- Leave outside food and drinks at home.
- Bring a credit or debit card. Trail admission, food, drinks and souvenirs are cashless.
- Leashed pets are welcome in outdoor areas, although only service animals may enter the restaurant and Country Store.
- Check the weather before leaving. The trail may close if conditions become severe or unsafe.
- Allow extra time before or after your trail reservation to visit the Cider Shed and Country Store.
For more information about arrival times, parking, accessibility, weather policies and what to bring, review the Jack’s Lighted Trail visitor FAQ before your visit.
Plan Your Visit to Jack’s Lighted Trail
For anyone searching for things to do in Belleville, Illinois, St. Louis fall events or a family Halloween event near St. Louis, Jack’s Lighted Trail at Eckert’s Belleville Farm belongs at the top of the list.
Come early for apple or pumpkin picking, enjoy dinner and cider at the farm, ride the wagon to the trail and explore every glowing scene. Just remember to look closely—the witches, secret Spook-Easy and other surprises are waiting to be discovered.
Jack’s Lighted Trail runs on select nights through October 30 and is closed on Halloween. Purchase tickets online in advance to reserve your preferred date and arrival time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jack’s Lighted Trail scary?
No. Jack’s Lighted Trail has a playful Halloween atmosphere but is not designed as a haunted attraction. It is appropriate for guests of all ages.
How long is Jack’s Lighted Trail?
The walking trail is approximately half a mile and features 15 illuminated scenes.
Are the pumpkins real?
The displays include both real and artificial pumpkins. The artificial pumpkins are hand-carved so their designs remain vibrant throughout the season.
Can I bring a stroller?
Yes, but the trail is gravel rather than paved. A running or all-terrain stroller is recommended.
Where is Jack’s Lighted Trail?
The event is held at Eckert’s Belleville Farm, located at 951 South Green Mount Road in Belleville, Illinois.
Should I purchase tickets in advance?
Yes. Advance online tickets are recommended because dates can sell out and tickets purchased at the gate cost more.
