Cowboy Jack’s Haunted Trail

Saturday night we made the quick drive from Gonzales to Seguin to check out the return of Cowboy Jack's Haunted Trail at the Irma Lewis Seguin Outdoor Learning Center’s Interactive Theater.

Cowboy Jack is a haunting tale about a 1937 Dude Ranch where many unusual events have taken place in the woods. The saga continues with scenes unfolding along the trail including Cowboy Jack, his sister Jill, their wicked Granny, and Zombie Dudes. They also introduced new spine tingling characters. It has been three years since Brandi Atchley and her Playland Production team brought a show to this venue. This year, her father Ollie Morris, a Halloween Haunted House veteran made the drive up from San Antonio and helped her create the entire show and he designed the stage and curtain that you see once you enter the outdoor theater. Atchley reached out to the community and upwards of 30 volunteers signed up to do everything from lighting, to costume design to acting as zombies.

It’s a beautiful setting there and I was delighted to hear that Playland Productions donates a percentage of their proceeds back to the Center.

The “show” opens with Mr. Morris as story teller explaining what’s happened to Cowboy Jack and his family. We then follow a guide into the woods behind the stage to see and hear more. I won’t go into detail about what happens but it’s a good old fashioned scare. Ruby, age 12, said “It scared the ‘schnikeys’ out of me!”

I didn’t expect to be so afraid of the woods in the dark but they got me. Atchley said they will offer a less scary experience to younger guests earlier in the evening. But if you go later than dusk, expect the unexpected.

“We are very saddened and upset by the current events surrounding clowns,” Atchley said. “Due to these events we have decided not to place any clowns on our haunted trails this year.” You won’t miss the clowns because the cast of volunteers does a great job, it was well worth the admission fee and if you like a good scare this time of year, this is a must do.

 The haunted trail dates are Oct. 21, 22, 28 and 29. Gates will open at 5:30 pm and close at 10:00 pm. There will be a 6:30 p.m. dusk hour for families. Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $8 for children 12 years and under. The tickets will be sold at the gate. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 

The proceeds will benefit the Seguin Outdoor Learning Center. SOLC serves thousands of youth each year by providing quality hands on experiences in Outdoor Education as well as Environmental Science.