Walking on the haunted side at Hiwan Homestead

 A tiny pirate and mermaid were among many costumed youngsters who came with their parents to the annual Halloween event at the Hiwan Homestead Museum last Friday.

Sandy Barnes

Susan Grannell serves as a guide and greeter at the Halloween event at the Hiwan Homestead Museum Friday.

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As they walked through the doors of the vintage home, a laughing, careening picture greeted visitors coming to see spooky decorations and enjoy treats and craft-making.

“We’re primarily promoting silliness,” said Susan Grannell, who helped coordinate the event with other staff members at the museum. “We do this just before Halloween because children can dress up one more time.”

Two of the downstairs rooms of the home were filled with kids who were creating a variety of Halloween decorations. Wearing a high pointed hat, Rory Gearhart was working on a black cat figure while Ryn Gardner, in a bunny costume, watched. 

In the cozy and spacious kitchen, a black cauldron sat on a table with plates of Halloween-style cookies for guests.

Many of the visitors came in their mothers’ arms. The event attracts little tykes because of the early hour it is held, said Grannell. When the doors opened at 4 p.m., there were parents and kids lined up outside, she said. In less than two hours, more than 100 people visited the museum.

Initially built in 1893 as a one-room cabin, the Hiwan homestead expanded over the years into a 25-room lodge. The museum is furnished with original and historic furnishings. Its artifacts include a Native American art collection of Eric Douglas, longtime curator of native arts at the Denver Art Museum.  

Located off Meadow Drive at 4208 Timbervale Road, the museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. For more information, call 720-497-7680.

Contact reporter Sandy Barnes at sandy@evergreenco.com or call 303-350-1042.