A guide in costume leads small groups of visitors through the Homestead. Along the one-mile path the tour group meets different townspeople who are residents of Sleepy Hollow in the late 1700s. Each group tells a part of the story so that as you continue on the path the whole story is told.
Along the way there is a barn where visitors are taught a broom dance and given lemonade and cake. Around a bonfire, the townspeople tell the story of the headless horseman. On a hayride and walking in very dark woods, the headless horseman visits.
The night my mom and I went it was very dark. A storm with lightning really added to the spookiness. It was fun to listen to the people talk as if they were from that time period and to see the story being acted out as the tour went along. I think it might be a little scary for children younger than second grade.
Be ready to do some walking on trails that are not smooth and dress for the weather. The tickets sell fast so you need to order as soon as you can. They did add another night so this year it will be Sept. 14 and 15 and Sept. 21 and 22.
Tickets are $7 per person and can be purchased at Deep River Waterpark, 9001 E. Highway 30 in Merrillville, Ind. Tickets go on sale at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 28 and may be bought in person until noon that day. After that, you can order tickets by calling (219) 945-0543. Buckley Homestead is located at 3006 Belshaw Road in Lowell. For more information, visit www.lakecountyparks.com.
