Full Hunter’s Moon Hike at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum: Explore the Arb After Dark

There’s something completely different about being outside on a crisp October night.

The trees are nearly bare. The air has that unmistakable late-fall chill. Everything gets quiet once the sun goes down, and a familiar trail can suddenly feel completely different in the darkness.

Now add a full moon overhead, candlelit paths and a bonfire waiting at the end.

That’s exactly the kind of fall night the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is creating with its Full Hunter’s Moon Hike, returning in October 2026.

This special after-hours event gives visitors a rare opportunity to experience the Arboretum once the regular daytime crowds have gone home. Instead of colorful gardens and sunny walking trails, you’ll explore under the glow of the October full moon, follow softly lit paths to moon-viewing areas and finish the evening warming up beside a bonfire.

If you’re looking for a unique fall date night, a peaceful family outing or simply something different to add to your Minnesota fall bucket list, this is one I’d put on the calendar.

When Is the Full Hunter’s Moon Hike in 2026?

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s 2026 Full Hunter’s Moon Hike takes place:

Monday, October 26, 2026

6:30–9:30 p.m.

The event is held at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska and is a special ticketed, after-hours experience.

That timing is part of what makes it so interesting. By late October, sunset comes early in Minnesota, so you’ll be experiencing the Arboretum in genuine darkness rather than waiting until the very end of the evening for the sun to disappear.

And because it takes place just a few days before Halloween, the whole thing has a wonderfully atmospheric October feel without actually being a Halloween event.

No monsters.

No haunted trail.

No one jumping out from behind a tree.

Just you, the woods and the moon.

Although I’m not making any promises about what your imagination decides is hiding behind the trees.

What Happens During the Full Hunter’s Moon Hike?

The evening is designed to let visitors experience the Arboretum and the natural world in a completely different way.

Rather than following the same routine as a daytime visit, guests head outside after dark and explore paths illuminated by tea lights.

The softly lit routes lead toward areas where you can get some of the best views of the moon.

There’s also an educational component centered around astronomy and nature, so the evening is more than simply walking around outside in the dark.

Then, after exploring, visitors can gather around a bonfire and roast marshmallows.

And honestly, that’s about as close as you can get to the perfect Minnesota October evening.

Why Is It Called the Hunter’s Moon?

The full moon names we hear throughout the year have long been associated with seasons, nature and traditional calendars.

The Hunter’s Moon is generally the full moon that follows the Harvest Moon.

Historically, this time of year marked the transition deeper into autumn. Harvests had been gathered, fields were more open and the bright moonlight could provide additional visibility during evening hunting.

Today, most of us are considerably more likely to spend the Hunter’s Moon drinking something warm and taking pictures than hunting for dinner.

I’m perfectly fine with that evolution.

The name still fits the season beautifully, though. By late October, the landscape has changed dramatically from summer, and the bright full moon against a cool autumn sky creates one of those moments that makes you appreciate being outside.

The Arboretum Feels Completely Different at Night

If you’ve visited the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum during the day, you already know how beautiful it is.

But nighttime changes everything.

The sounds are different.

The shadows are different.

You notice the sky more.

You hear leaves moving along the trail.

You may notice wildlife that would be much harder to hear when the Arboretum is filled with daytime visitors.

And instead of looking at flowers and gardens, your attention naturally shifts upward toward the moon and stars.

That’s part of what makes special after-hours events so appealing. You’re visiting the same place, but it doesn’t feel like the same experience.

Follow the Tea-Light-Lit Paths

One of my favorite details about this event is the use of tea lights to illuminate portions of the hiking route.

You’re not walking down a brightly illuminated city sidewalk.

The idea is to maintain the nighttime atmosphere while giving visitors a route to follow toward the moon-viewing locations.

Imagine walking through the Arboretum on a cool October evening with little lights guiding the way while the full moon shines through the trees.

That’s going to be gorgeous.

It’s also one of those experiences where I’d intentionally slow down.

This isn’t a race to reach the end of the trail.

Listen.

Look around.

Let your eyes adjust to the darkness.

And enjoy being somewhere that feels a little removed from everyday life for a couple of hours.

Warm Up Around the Bonfire

After walking around on an October night, the bonfire is going to feel especially good.

Guests can gather around the fire and roast marshmallows, adding one more cozy fall tradition to the evening.

This might actually be my favorite part of the event.

There’s something about standing around a bonfire when it’s cold outside that immediately makes an evening feel memorable.

You’re tired from walking.

Your cheeks are cold.

Then you get close to the fire and suddenly you’re perfectly warm.

Add a roasted marshmallow and I’m happy.

Beverages are also available for purchase during Full Moon Hike events, so you can potentially grab something to sip while enjoying the evening.

This Would Be Such a Good Fall Date Night

If you’re tired of the usual dinner-and-a-movie date, put this one on your list.

The Full Hunter’s Moon Hike has everything you need for a really easy fall date:

A beautiful setting.

A little walking.

Time to actually talk.

A full moon.

A bonfire.

Marshmallows.

And no pressure to dress up.

You could grab dinner in Chaska or Chanhassen before the event and then head to the Arboretum for the hike.

Or keep things simple and let the hike be the main event.

Either way, it feels much more memorable than spending another evening scrolling through your phone while deciding what to watch.

Families Can Enjoy It Too

This isn’t an adults-only event.

The Arboretum lists its Full Hunter’s Moon Hike as a family-friendly experience, making it an interesting option for kids and teens who enjoy nature.

I think older kids may especially appreciate this one.

Going to the Arboretum at night already feels unusual.

Add the full moon, candlelit trails and bonfire and suddenly a nature walk feels much more like an adventure.

And because the event is educational without being structured like a classroom lesson, kids can learn a little about astronomy and the natural world while they’re actually experiencing it.

Teenagers Might Think This One Is Pretty Cool

This is another outing where presentation matters.

Don’t say:

“We’re going for an educational nature walk.”

Try:

“Want to hike through the Arboretum after dark under the full moon?”

Much better.

Let them bring their phone or camera and try some nighttime photography.

See who can get the best moon picture.

Grab a warm drink.

Roast marshmallows.

It’s relaxed enough that teenagers can enjoy themselves without feeling like they’re attending an organized children’s activity.

How Much Does the Full Hunter’s Moon Hike Cost?

Because this is an after-hours event, regular Arboretum admission doesn’t automatically cover it.

Current Full Moon Hike pricing is:

$7.50 for Arboretum members

$7.50 for children ages 15 and younger

$20 for nonmembers

Reservations are required, and I’d purchase tickets ahead of time rather than assuming you’ll be able to show up that evening.

The relatively inexpensive children’s ticket also makes this pretty reasonable for a family fall activity compared with many of the larger Halloween attractions around the Twin Cities.

Dress Warmer Than You Think You Need To

This is October 26.

In Minnesota.

At night.

Dress accordingly.

Even if the afternoon is relatively mild, temperatures can drop quickly after sunset.

I’d wear comfortable walking shoes, long pants, a warm sweatshirt or sweater and a jacket. Depending on the forecast, you may also want a hat, gloves and warmer outerwear.

Layers are ideal because you’ll warm up while you’re walking and cool down when you stop to look at the moon.

And don’t forget that this event is held rain or shine.

Check the forecast before leaving home and bring appropriate gear if rain is possible.

Wear Shoes Made for an Actual Hike

This isn’t the night for cute fall boots with absolutely no traction.

Full Moon Hike routes aren’t always limited to paved paths.

You may encounter natural surfaces, uneven terrain and darker sections of trail.

Wear comfortable shoes with decent traction that you don’t mind getting a little dirty.

The goal is to admire the moon.

Not become intimately acquainted with the ground.

Accessibility Can Vary by Route

This is an important consideration before purchasing tickets.

The Arboretum notes that Full Moon Hike routes are not always on paved paths and may not be wheelchair accessible.

However, staff may be able to help identify alternatives or make accommodations depending on individual needs.

Accessible parking can also be arranged by special request.

If someone in your group has mobility concerns, contact the Arboretum before the event rather than waiting until you arrive. That will give staff an opportunity to explain the route and discuss what accommodations may be possible.

What If It’s Cloudy?

This is Minnesota, so obviously the weather gets a vote.

Full Moon Hikes are held rain or shine.

A cloudy evening may mean the moon isn’t visible for the entire event—or possibly at all.

But I don’t think that necessarily ruins the experience.

You’re still exploring the Arboretum after hours.

The tea-lit paths are still there.

The bonfire is still cozy.

And you’re still getting an October night outside.

Obviously, a clear sky with a huge glowing moon would be ideal.

But nature doesn’t take reservations.

Bring a Flashlight—But Don’t Ruin the Atmosphere

I’d bring a small flashlight or use your phone’s flashlight as a backup, especially for getting to and from your vehicle.

But once you’re on the designated route, let your eyes adjust to the lower light whenever it’s safe to do so.

Constantly shining a bright flashlight around makes it harder for your eyes to adapt to darkness and can interfere with other visitors trying to enjoy the nighttime experience.

The tea lights are part of the atmosphere.

Let them do their job.

Try Taking Moon Photos With Your Phone

The Full Hunter’s Moon Hike should give you some beautiful photo opportunities, but photographing the moon can be tricky.

If you’re using your phone, try tapping directly on the moon to set the exposure and then lowering the brightness before taking the picture.

You can also try framing the moon through tree branches rather than zooming in as far as possible.

Sometimes a smaller moon surrounded by an interesting landscape makes a much prettier photograph than a blurry glowing circle filling the screen.

And definitely take a few pictures around the bonfire and along the softly lit paths.

Those may end up being your favorite shots from the night.

You Can Still Catch the Arboretum’s Fall Displays

There’s another reason October 26 is such an interesting time to visit.

The Arboretum’s Scarecrows, Pumpkins & Harvest Fun celebration runs through November 1, and Pumpkin Palooza continues through October 31.

That means the Arboretum is still very much in fall mode.

If you have the time, you could visit earlier in the day to see the scarecrows, Pumpkin House, fall gardens and the massive collection of pumpkins, squash and gourds before returning your attention to the moon that evening.

Just remember that the Full Hunter’s Moon Hike is a separate special-ticketed event.

Stop at the AppleHouse Earlier in the Day

If you’re making an entire fall day out of your trip to Chaska, stop at the Arboretum’s AppleHouse before the hike.

The AppleHouse is open during the fall season and sells Minnesota-grown apples along with pumpkins, squash, gourds and seasonal foods.

Through October 31, visitors Tuesday through Sunday can also find fresh donuts, coffee and cider.

Unfortunately, October 26, 2026 falls on a Monday, so don’t plan your entire evening around Monday donuts without checking the current offerings first.

The apples, however?

Absolutely worth investigating.

This Is a Completely Different Kind of October Activity

I’ve been finding so many Halloween and fall events around Minnesota, and what I love most is how different they are from one another.

Some nights you may want haunted houses and screaming.

Other nights you want thousands of glowing jack-o’-lanterns.

Sometimes you want pumpkins, apple orchards and corn mazes.

And sometimes you just want to walk through the woods under a full moon.

The Full Hunter’s Moon Hike is for that night.

It’s quiet.

It’s beautiful.

It’s outdoors.

And it lets you experience one of Minnesota’s most popular destinations in a way you normally can’t.

Add the Full Hunter’s Moon Hike to Your Minnesota Fall Bucket List

Fall doesn’t always need to be packed with activities.

Sometimes the best way to enjoy the season is to actually slow down long enough to notice it.

On October 26, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is giving visitors the chance to do exactly that.

Bundle up.

Follow the softly lit trails.

Look for the moon between the trees.

Learn a little about the night sky.

Then find your way back to the bonfire, roast a marshmallow and warm your hands by the fire.

No haunted house.

No giant crowds rushing through a festival.

No elaborate agenda.

Just a cold October night, a beautiful Minnesota landscape and a full moon overhead.

And sometimes that’s exactly the kind of fall night you remember.