Fear Overload…A Night at the Abusement Park

Fear Overload…A Night at the Abusement Park

Happy Halloween! Today is the day when we come together to celebrate all things creepy and terrifying. Wrapping up our list is a haunt that offers a unique premise, horrifying effects, and enough torment to give you nightmares until the haunting season returns next year.

Words like "high shock" and "extreme" always draw us in when it comes to describing a haunt. Fear Overload promises to be California promises to be the most horrifying experience you can have in the state, offering two unique haunted houses in one terrifying scream park. In a year when many of the haunts seem to have fallen into the same theme patterns, Fear Overload set itself apart with two brand new experiences. Venture into the unseen darkness of California to find your way through the twisting, blood-curdling labyrinths of the Abusement Park and Ward 9.

A day in a theme park should create beautiful memories. These memories were shattered for the Baker family when their young daughter Sally was discovered hanged in the bathroom of the Baylor Amusement Park. Her death marked a curse that befell the park. Days passed, each bringing another employee found dangling. Brace yourself for the least happy place on earth and pray you get through the labyrinth before the rope finds its way to you. If you can get out of the Abusement Park, you will find yourself creeping past the government barriers of Ward 9. This asylum was set aside for only the most heinous and twisted of the criminally insane. These psychopaths were cast into the darkness of Ward 9 and left the wallow. In 1989 a violent earthquake hit San Leandro. The electricity short circuited and the rows of cells were suddenly unlocked. Criminals who had been in isolation for years spewed out and infected the building. Right before the security cameras cut off they caught footage of a woman, her face concealed by her long black hair, hacking one of the doctors to pieces. Explore the halls of the lost asylum…but don't let her look you in the face.

This victims' choice for scariest haunt in California elevates the art of the haunted house through truly innovative thinking and a stand-alone approach. Both haunted houses have hints of the classic and trendy in their theming but separate themselves by pushing the boundaries of both creativity and terror. Exceptional sets, dedicated actors, and consistent scares make this one of the best haunts out there.

Atrox Factory…Enter the Cage

Atrox Factory…Enter the Cage

With a name like Atrox Factory we had high hopes for this haunted house. After all, the name of the haunt itself means "horror factory". As a 50,000 square foot haunt, it is also a tremendous amount of space to fill—which means that much more opportunity for terror and twisted creativity. This Alabama horror landmark is the offspring of the "Slain House" haunt from a few years back. Transforming the massive space into Atrox Factory was a major feat, especially considering how small the original haunt was, but they more than stepped up to the challenge.

When you first enter Atrox you are ushered into the Arena. This area features a gift shop, concession areas, horror movies, and even meet and greets with big names in the horror industry. Don't forget to go up to the token booth to buy your dismembered body part that will claim your spot in line. This means you aren't standing around in the line waiting. When it is your turn, you are called upon to "enter the cage". If you are brave enough, enter the chain link cage that holds you before your turn in the haunt. You and 99 other victims file into the queue at a time. Don't feel comfort in numbers, however. As soon as you step inside the haunt you are swallowed by the size and at the mercy of the creatures and monsters that wait inside.

Find your strength and enter the study where the horrors that await you will be revealed—but not so much that you are truly prepared for the torment. When the secret door opens, you are thrown inside a world of nightmares that begin with the catacombs and do not end until you have finally escaped. You leave behind walls dripping with blood, the maniacal laughter of hidden clowns, and a maze where the walls move and you are never completely sure where you are. Classic scenes of horror and real paranormal activity, claustrophobia tunnels, and the mind-warping tricks will remain in your mind long after you try to close your eyes to sleep.

This massive haunted house is something you must experience to truly comprehend. The monsters and physical challenges of the haunt combined with the Hollywood-quality sets create an unforgettable experience. Many people may worry that the tremendous size and complexity of the haunt could mean confusion and chaos. The incredible organization and structure of the haunt, however, make it a smooth and brilliantly terrifying experience.

 

 

Nightmare at Beaver Lake…Camp Counselors Wanted

Nightmare at Beaver Lake…Camp Counselors Wanted

There is something wonderful about a haunted house designed to bring the entire family together in their terror. It is even better when this is done for a good cause. Nightmare at Beaver Lake offers plenty of chills and thrills, but with two different shows to make sure everyone can get their fill of Halloween fright whether they are just starting out on their pursuit of terror or have been riding the adrenaline train for decades. We love that this haunt combines the isolating fear of a haunted trail and the torment of a classic haunted house for a progressive night everyone can enjoy.

Every October something strange falls over the peaceful grounds of Beaver Lake. Creatures drift across the ground like fog and bring with them the eeriness that marks the season. As evening comes, families are welcomed to explore the classic-themed horrors that mark the haunted trail and inhabit the haunted house that waits at the end of their creepy stroll through the monster-infested woods. Hold your little ones close, however. When the clock strikes 8 o'clock, the Full Scare begins and the nightmares only grow. When the families have left and all that is left is the true thrill-seekers, the darkest creatures come out of hiding and the quaint lake seems to blacken in the moonlight.

Nightmare at Beaver Lake is unique in several ways. While many haunts have taken up the trend of donating proceeds to a charity of choice, it is much rarer to find one that also offers experiences appropriate for the entire family. We would hesitate to say the youngest members of the family would be happy at this haunt, but the trail and finale haunted house make for ghoulish fun for patrons 9 and up. The haunt is also special in that the haunted trail is actually dotted with a series of smaller haunted houses and mazes. There are far fewer startle scares and gore at this haunt than others. Rather, victims get their fill of fear from the artistry and pure, classic creepiness.

Salt Lake Fear Factory...Your Shift is Up

Salt Lake Fear Factory...Your Shift is Up

Be still our horror-loving hearts. This haunt is another of those delightful spots where the true tortured history of the haunt rivals the twisted tales woven by the actors. The Salt Lake Fear Factory is a glimpse of the abhorrent conditions of the early industrial era. The cold floors of the sprawling former cement factory hold the blood, screams, and lingering energy of the workers who lost their lives in the monstrous machinery that crafted the factory's wares. This haunted house takes its cues from the gruesome loss of life within the factory, but that is only the beginning of what awaits you if you are courageous enough to clock in for a shift.

In the days of the Industrial Revolution, factories were the epitome of advancement and technology. Overwhelming machines filled massive buildings and workers spent grueling days ensuring everything ran smoothly. Unfortunately, this didn't always happen. Portland Cement Works was a gleaming example of the advancements that had happened in manufacturing in the 1800s. Inside its impressive walls, however, was a workplace rift with danger and fear. This is where workers were slowly crushed to death as they were drawn into the massive gears of the machinery or melted away in the molten metal. The factory was abandoned after years of death and mayhem, but soon it was taken over by the monsters who now call on you to step into the emptied worker stalls. Find your way through the darkened mazes, but be wary of the machinery. There are those who say those gears are still hungry for blood.

The experience of the Salt Lake Fear Factory haunted house begins as soon as you climb out of your vehicle. If you can't find a spot in the factory lot or want to extend the party, take a ride on the Zombie Bus. As you wait you can listen to a variety of bands and take in the foreboding feeling of death around you. If the haunt itself isn't enough of an adrenaline rush for you, hop on the Last Ride for a zip line unlike any other. For those with more academic tastes, the haunt also offers paranormal tours of the truly haunted building without the thrill of the actors and sets.  

Land of Illusion…The Master Scream Park

Land of Illusion…The Master Scream Park

There are trends in haunts. Sometimes it seems like once you've seen one haunted house, you've seen all of them. That can get really tedious if you crave the terror and mind-bending torment of a good haunt. We'll admit to getting a little nervous when we saw the line-up of attractions at the Land of Illusion Scream Park in Ohio. The park promises 5 haunts, including 4 haunted houses and a haunted trail. The themes, however, sounded eerily similar to other haunts we've seen this year. The incredible sets and brilliant actors, however, proved to us that you can't judge a haunt by its theming.

The laughter of the circus may lure you to the dilapidated big top, but as you work your way through the dizzying 3D maze, the Killer Klowns may just turn your giggles into pleas for mercy. There are no hopes for laughs when you descend into the Temple of Terror. Find your way along the darkened corridors of the Temple where the unleashed ghouls and animated corpses of a long-forgotten curse try to transform you into one of their number. These torments are scarcely a preparation for what awaits you in Dr. Psycho's Sick Revenge. Here you must face the horror of a man driven mad by the tortured spirits of the criminally insane that were buried on the land where he built his home. A particular virulent spirit, that of young Agatha, possessed him and caused him to kill his pregnant wife, pushing him over the edge to murderous insanity. Step into his home to encounter the disgusting carnage that he left behind when he strung himself from the rafters and left himself for the rats to consume.

Have you ever visited the bayou in the dead of a Louisiana summer? No worries. Land of Illusion brought the darkest, bloodiest shanty out of the bayou and reassembled it right in the scream park. Here you can visit the horrifying Dubois family and learn why they call their old neighborhood Voodoo Bayou. If you have had your fill of haunted houses, let the family give you directions to their friendly neighborhood terror trail. The Middletown Haunted Trail is teeming with creatures, bloodthirsty killers, and the dark unknown. Nothing is between you and the forest floor but your own feet, so pray they don't let you down before you make it through.

We love that there is a bit of payback available for those who want to add to their night of horror. Climb aboard the army vehicle and brace yourself for a fight to save humanity. The undead are rising from their slumber and the guns on the vehicle are the only hope for the living. Man your battle station and take aim. Getting your nervous energy out has never been so important---or so much fun. The Zombie Sniper Patrol requires a separate admission ticket, but your regular admission into the scream park gives you unlimited admission to the other five attractions all night.

Hotel of Horror/ Altered Nightmares…Bed and Breakfast of the Damned

Hotel of Horror/ Altered Nightmares…Bed and Breakfast of the Damned

Pennsylvania offers some of the best unexpected haunted houses, and this is certainly among the best. Falling in line with the haunts that hold that special dark place in our hearts—that is, those with truly haunted and bloody history—the Hotel of Horror and Altered Nightmares haunts offer both professional actors and legitimate creepiness.

The Lake House Hotel has had a storied reputation since it was built in the late 1800s. It was here that the workers of the nearby mines spent their nights washing away their troubles and relaxing after the long day in the arms of one of the "ladies" who lingered there. The whispers say that many miners died there, succumbing to injuries from the mines and other mysterious causes. Some say their bodies were devoid of blood. The hotel has served as many things since, including offices and retail space. Soon it fell into disrepair and now stands empty, save for the whispering spirits and creeping creatures that have claimed its halls. Unfinished business tortures souls. If you are brave enough to face the darkness, you too may find yourself a part of the history of the Lake House.

The tormenting scenes of the Hotel of Horror and Altered Nightmares are not all this haunt offers. These two haunted houses are complemented by the Museum Macabre. This self-proclaimed "creepy ass" museum is filled with authentic remnants of the gruesome pasts of the medical field, prisons, asylums, and funerals. Tucked lovingly in the front parlor of the hotel, the museum offers a glimpse of antiques, artifacts, and even actual human remains. A visit with these exhibits alone bring chills and grisly nightmares.

Trail of Fear…The Experiment Awaits

Trail of Fear…The Experiment Awaits

Scream parks are the hot trend in entertaining terror. These haunts let you visit several haunted houses in the same area for the maximum mind-bending horror packed into your evening. The Trail of Fear took the idea of a scream park and blended it with the time-honored concept of a haunted trail. Rather than just walking your way through dark woods and waiting for creepers and monsters to jump out at you at each turn, you are finding your way down a trail where several haunts await you. Victims are invited to brave the trail and meet with the chilling inhabitants of the individual haunted houses they stumble upon along the way.

 

Trail of Fear features six separate areas for you to enjoy. We have to give some respect to the Pumpkin Junction, which offers free, non-scary Halloween fun for the little ones that come along for the evening. While their parents experience their worst nightmares, the children have the chance to trick-or-treat, do crafts, or roam through the Tunnel of Light. When the young ones are safely tucked away in Pumpkin Junction, it's time to venture down the Trail. Tour a series of excavation sites, buildings, and trails that were once used by the disturbed Dr. Michael Kultra and his team who utilized horrific surgical practices and mysterious archaeological discoveries. Escape the doctor and find yourself in Voodoo Bayou where a tormented family, the Voodoo Witch and her pet, the shape-shifting Loupe Garou, hunt you down. If you get out of the Bayou alive, take a break at the Cirque de Morte. A circus is all about fun, right? You may not have the same idea anymore once you have visited this 3D debacle of a circus. Don't let yourself get sucked into the show as you try to get through the maze. The final two attractions, Lord Bennington's Unusual Experiment and the Haunted Midway offer a more fun environment, including souvenir shops and an unusual spot where you can get your own coffin built for you.

 

Victims get drawn into a true nightmare at the Trail of Fear. More than just haunted houses, these attractions are fueled by Hollywood-quality special effects, dedicated actors, and detailed storylines that bring the horror to life. We love that there is a special space just for the little ones where they are protected from the blood and torment that awaits the older crowd.

Wells Township Haunted House...Your Guided Tour through Bloody History

Wells Township Haunted House...Your Guided Tour through Bloody History

Haunted houses with complex and detailed fictional concepts can be truly terrifying. When a haunt is truly steeped in blood and filled with actual spirits, however, there is a feeling that permeates the area. Victims approaching the haunt know once they step through the doors they are the mercy of the totally unknown. This is something we just can't get enough of. Wells Township Haunted House brings this intense creepiness with a haunted history that stretches back over a century. Movie monsters creep through the outdoor waiting area, catching unsuspecting victims by surprise while they enjoy the music of live bands.

Located just outside of Pittsburg, Wells Township was the ideal spot to build a warehouse and transportation depot in 1836. 30 years later it was the ideal place to store the hundreds of bodies that racked up during the Civil War. The bodies were gathered from surrounding battle fields and laid in the building to await the barge or train that would transport them home. Thousands of fallen soldiers were temporarily kept in the building. Even years after the war ended the building was used to house bodies. One was a thief found dead and nearly frozen on the train tracks. He was strung up by the rafters in the building and left for two days until he could be buried. When the time came he was interred in a shipping crate. It is said that Civil War spirits are among the most restless in this world. Soldiers roam, confused, angry, and sad, somewhere between the battle field where they fell and the world beyond. At Wells Township Haunted House you are welcomed inside and guided through the house. In each of its crumbling rooms you will hear the sordid history of the building and fall victim to the Old School haunts that await you. Be forewarned…this is an interactive haunt. You are not just meandering through on your own, or even running in blind terror however you can. You will be lead through the haunt where you will come in close personal contact with monsters and creepers who are ready to make you a part of the show.

Interactive haunts are relatively new, but we think they add a truly terrifying layer to haunted houses. This victim's choice haunt is particularly frightening because of its bloody history. Dedicated actors, unique entertainment, and the group guides push it over the edge.

Will you enter  the woods on the haunted hayride with zombies, ghosts, and something that can’t be named?  Will you face what is to come in the two haunted houses with courage, hide your face in fear, or scream until you’re hoarse?   Those are your only choices when you enter the Witch’s Woods in Massachusetts.

Admission to the woods include the Haunted Hayride, the Nightmare Mansion that has terrifying  scares around every corner and Castle Morbid which is a dark dungeon and may totally change your mind about what a haunted house really is. You will also be treated to the 3D Creepers Crypt.   Just  like any other crypt,  you can get in,  the question  is can you get out alive?

 

In addition you can visit the  Jack O’ Lantern  Jamboree and view professionally carved  pumpkins and the Haunted Chamber of Chills where you can view scenes from old horror movies. But be careful, some of the creatures  in the movies may come to life  while you’re watching.

Have fun and make sure you have nerves of steel before entering the Witch’s Woods.

Nightmare Haunted House…the Doctor is Out, the Mayhem is In

Nightmare Haunted House…the Doctor is Out, the Mayhem is In

There is something truly stomach-turning about the idea of an abandoned, evil-infested hospital. Hospitals are creepy enough as it is, but when you add a warped doctor and a history of death, the entire place takes on an even more horrifying essence. The Nightmare Haunted House in Kentucky promises a walk through the most horrifying, disturbing hospital that has ever stood.

Mercy Hospital was once the workplace of Dr. Colin Sheppard. He was revered as the best in his field, bringing hope and health to even desperately ill patients. In the 1950s there was no better doctor available. After a few years, however, the horror began. The storms took over the area and a veil of darkness fell over the hospital. During this time Dr. Sheppard's incredible skills began to fail. Patients died under his hand and he was cast out of the hospital under the scorn and ridicule of his colleagues. The area continued to be tormented by flooding and horrific winds. Power failed and the area seemed cut off from everywhere else.  The hospital warped, walls collapsing in on themselves and the entire building sealing its victims inside. Dr. Sheppard lingered in his isolated cottage, the nightmare that tortured him daily seeping into his very being and contorting him into a twisted, rotted specter of himself. In the hospital, things were worse. Food and water ran out, the medical professionals left became grisly mad scientists, experimenting on the dying and tormenting the survivors. Outside of the surrounding area, everyone thought the hospital had been shut down. Nearly 70 years later, however, the doors have been wrenched open and you are invited for visiting hours.

Victims visiting Nightmare Haunted House also have the chance to visit Terror on Tates Creek. This truly twisted haunt welcomes you to visit the warped carnival of Ivan, a carny whose ambitions of fame got the most of him. Whether you brave just one or both haunted houses, you are sure to leave with a few nightmares.

 

Hill of Terror…Your Journey to Torment

Hill of Terror…Your Journey to Torment

Though haunted houses are a true passion, we have to show respect for trail haunts that put the same level of sheer terror and maddening torment into the experience as the indoor scenes. The Hill of Terror is an extensive haunted wagon ride that winds its way through 100 acres of horror-soaked farmland. The disturbing isolation of the haunt grounds only increases the pure creepiness of the experience. With over 60 trained actors, the haunt is filled to the brim with blood-chilling enthusiasm.

Haunted trails are often one of several attractions at scream parks. They may even transport you from haunt to haunt. Some veteran thrill-seekers overlook the hayride as a second-rate haunt that lacks the depth and detail of haunted houses. Don't let those misconceptions fool you. Hill of Terror is nothing short of horrifying, with scene after scene of gruesome scares throughout the seemingly endless trail. Climb aboard the wagon with the torturous knowledge that nowhere is safe. This isn't like other haunted hayrides where if you sit in the middle of the wagon you are protected from most of the creepers and monsters who call the darkened recesses of the trail their home. On Hill of Terror you have no such safety. Your journey of torment brings you through an intense array of situations, forcing you to face your darkest nightmares in an infested barn, pitch black woods, a dizzying corn field, and the dilapidated trailer park home of crazed hillbillies. Don't think that if you survive the trip down the hill that you are safe. There is a reason those chainsaws are sounding louder and the chill of eyes upon your back is getting stronger.

This haunt is a victim's choice for value and detail. You can easily spend more than an hour on the Hill for one price and each time you come you will have a different experience. The actors are put through intensive training to ensure they give the victims the best experience possible. For a baby in the haunt industry, Hill of Terror is truly proving the power of a twisted mind and demented determination.

Haunted Montrose…The Devil is Truly Still in Georgia

Haunted Montrose…The Devil is Truly Still in Georgia

Haunts in the South have a special touch when it comes to weaving horror and spreading torment. Haunted Montrose is located outside of the city bustle of Atlanta, but this doesn't mean the haunted house is lacking anything. In fact, the dark, abandoned feeling of the farmland only adds to the spine-chilling eeriness of the atmosphere. With four separate attractions, this haunt tells us that when the Devil went down to Georgia, he never really left.

The Old Slaughterhouse slumbers at the edge of a dark expanse of overgrown farmland. Piles of debris give the sense that no one has been there for quite some time. Listen closely, however, and you will hear the stomach-turning sounds of the victims who have ventured into the house and never emerged. If you have the courage to step onto the property you will have the escape the bloodthirsty clan who has taken over and wants to make you one of their collection. Don't trust the nurses in their pristine white. They do not want to help you any further than the bloody tables in the back of the slowly collapsing building. Emerge from the buildings alive and a darkened maze awaits you.

Hollywood quality special effects make this a victim's choice for bloody horror. The haunted houses are distinctly different, yet are believable within the same haunt concept. We love the fresh take on the Slaughterhouse concept and the real terror that awaits at each corner.

 

The Warwick Hotel, in Huntington, Indiana, burned to the ground on October 13th, 1904 killing 302 people. The strange occurrences involving the Warwick family and the 13th floor of the building leading up to the fire still plague the reconstructed hotel. Reconstructed on its original site, this legendary real-life haunted hotel famous for supernatural happenings and a macabre history. Can you survive your stay on the 13th floor? Reginald Warwick couldn't.

·         Huntington Haunted Hotel

• 511 N Jefferson St, Huntington O

The Haunted Hotel-13th Floor is one of the BEST haunts in the area. You’re greeted by  Eldon the bellhop, your guide into the hotel and its infamous 13th Floor. Do enjoy your stay but be careful... the residents here are lonely. They don't get many visitors and miss the companionship you and I take for granted. They may not want you to leave. But not to worry, I promise they will take good care of you. Welcome to the Warwick Hotel.

Darksyde Acres Haunted House…Zombie Apocalypse Land and Sea

Darksyde Acres Haunted House…Zombie Apocalypse Land and Sea

We love a haunt that is more than just one haunted house. One fabulous haunted house can be great, but there is a lot to be said for a collection of haunts scattered across one park so you can fill a whole evening with screams. Darksyde Acres offers six sinister haunts to spike the Michigan night with terror. Hollywood-quality effects and professional actors more than earn this park its spot on our list.

The haunted hayride is a traditional favorite for this time of year. Darksyde earns extra points from us for bringing the delightful terror of the season to the younger generation. Starting in 2012, the scream park includes a haunted hayride designed for families. Introduce your little ones to Halloween horror in a way that won't land them in therapy for the rest of their lives. Once this mile of spooky fun is over, however, the little ones should get tucked in with a kiss and hopes for sweet dreams before you venture forward into our own personal nightmare. Wander through the rest of the haunts prepared to fight for your own survival. The zombie hordes have taken over the farmland and are eagerly recruiting more for their number. Join the army fighting off the impending swarm of undead armed only with paintball guns. Escape the land-crawlers and you must battle the rotting crew of Michigan's only haunted pirate ship. Encounter Captain Karcass and his bloody bride along with their decrepit crew for a haunted house that will make you wish you could walk the plank just to escape the torment.

Zombies are the hot trend in haunted houses, but we love that Darksyde Acres has taken this idea and put a salty twist on it with the pirate haunted house. We were also overjoyed to hear about the family friendly hayride. There's nothing like getting together with the whole clan for Halloween thrills.

Gateway to Darkness
Located in Wasilla, Alaska, this Halloween haunted attraction has been scaring their guests since 2007. Gateway to Darkness is the creation of husband and wife team, who found a common bond in their love of being scared. The duo first decided to try putting on their very own haunt by transforming their two-car garage into a Halloween graveyard and found that they loved the experience. Soon the couple began to travel to Halloween haunted attraction conventions and toured over 30 commercial haunts throughout the United States. With all of the makeup tips, costumes, props, and special effects they picked up in their travels, their home haunt quickly grew in size and attracted over 1,500 guests in 2006. For the next year, they decided to take their creation the commercial route and Gateway to Darkness was born.

The haunt was opened in Wasilla and is housed in a Quonset hut, which also hosts the Wasilla Splatterhouse Paintball (an indoor/outdoor paintball field) outside the Halloween season. From all accounts, Gateway to Darkness was an immediate success and has been drawing in more victims each year.

The Attraction
Billed as "Alaska's most professional Haunted Attraction," the theme of the attraction is to take their guests into their own private horror movie. Gateway to Darkness is specifically geared towards the teenage and adult crowds, and they even recommend that the haunt is not for children under 12.

Nightmare New England…Legacy Lives

Nightmare New England…Legacy Lives

New England is known for its quiet towns and close-knit communities. With Nightmare New England, however, we learned that appearances can often be deceiving. This scream park invites victims to take a stroll through a sweet New Hampshire community that went terribly wrong many years ago. We love a good evil family story, and this one certainly didn't let us down. The legacy of the Bishop family sticks with its victims long after they escape the expansive park.

You have heard the whispers about the Bishop family. They were outcasts, separated from the rest of the community, and kept at a distance because of their strange ways. When over 2 dozen people went missing over the course of several years, suspicion turned on the family. The Bishops were gathered up and tossed into jail. The unusual sounds and screams haven't stopped coming from the home, however, and new evidence has released the surviving Bishops from jail. They have settled into Brigham Manor, their old home, and you are invited to come for a visit. Stroll their hallways and see if you can solve the mystery of the missing. If you make it out of the house you will find yourself in Ravens Claw cemetery. Wind your way through the tombstones and gaping graves deep in the woods, hoping you get past the corpses and creatures who roam the grounds. Slip out of the cemetery and find your way to Riverside Hospital. This small hospital has been transformed into a psychiatric unit to take care of those who wander onto the grounds of the Bishop home and are changed in ghastly ways. Hold on to your glow stick tightly. It is the only thing that will illuminate your group's way as you move through the infested hallways. The Bishops are said to have infiltrated the hospital and horrific things are happening there. Have your explorations made you curious about the origins of the Bishops? Venture further into the woods and brave a visit to The Colony. Here an even darker family secret resides.

When your maddening climb up the Bishops' rotted family tree has finally come to an end you are welcome to explore the Monster Midway. Games, food, and music await you in the fearsome festive atmosphere. Be wary, though, the carnival isn't safe from the gruesome monsters who call the woods their home. This victim's choice for pure creepiness and story continuity may not have made it onto the Top 31, but we wouldn't take its terror factor for granted.

Frightmare Manor…Walk in the Footsteps of Evil

Frightmare Manor…Walk in the Footsteps of Evil

Late in the 1800s there was a quiet town in Tennessee called Hamblen County. Here is where the Lexer family called home. Jeremiah Lexer was a quiet man, a pillar of the community who had no issue with any of his neighbors or the law enforcement of the town. At least, this is what everyone thought until the day in 1902 when they stepped into his home to find it splattered with blood, his family slaughtered, and Jeremiah dead by his own hand. The town chose to keep the morbid affair quiet, but as the years passed, the grounds were gradually excavated. Bits and pieces of at least 30 bodies were discovered scattered among the buildings and across the grounds. Now, 111 years later, the estate of Jeremiah Lexer has been transformed into Frightmare Manor. This is unlike any haunted house we have added to our list. Here the victims are still being found and visitors are literally walking on the blood of the dozens cut down in the horror house. Four real-life haunts await modern day victims brave enough to step into the dark reality of a serial killer's home.

Frightmare Manor looks like a quaint farmhouse, but the moment you approach the door you realize you are not coming for a cordial visit. All around you are reminders of the Lexer family. Many of the items in the home have remained untouched since 1902, including the burned-out fireplaces and axe marks in the walls. Look closely and you just may notice scribbles along the walls—reminders of the grandchildren who once played in those cursed hallways. Step carefully as you climb the stairs Jeremiah did on the way to his demise. Remind yourself as you go that the house is filled with secret chutes he designed for the purpose of sending his victims into the basement. Once out of the house, move on to Frightmare Chaos. The original structure was destroyed, but this recreation was built to the exacting specifications of Jeremiah's original blueprints. You will notice the walls are stark white, a bold contrast to the splatters of blood. This was Jeremiah's own plan. He loved the look of blood against the white and craved the patterns it created as he tortured and experimented on his victims. If you can bear any more, follow the final path of Jeremiah's victims to find yourself in Frightmre Necropolis. This valley of death in the back corner of the farm land is where the majority of the victims were discovered. Cut to pieces, the victims were scattered among buildings and left to confound and confuse those who are still uncovering them. A final attraction awaits you if you have the strength. This challenge forces you to come face to face with your fears and gives you the opportunity to show your courage in front of friends and other victims.

This victim's choice haunt is so much more than a haunted house. Rare is the opportunity to roam amongst the belongings of a real serial killer and walk in the footsteps of those whose blood soaks the ground. Frightmare Manor earned its place on our list for pure terror and eerie reality.

 

 

Nightmare in the Country...Not a Peaceful Stroll Through the Woods

The dark, isolated feeling of the Oklahoma countryside is the perfect setting for any number of horrific experiences. The quiet of the open space and the incredible depth of the darkness can send chills down the spine of anyone, even the bravest of haunt veterans. Nightmare in the Country brings you into the deepest depths of a 5 acre farm for 6 intense attractions that will steal your image of the peaceful family farm forever.

There was a time when Nightmare in the Country offered a hayride through the nearly half mile of terror saturated grounds. This, however, was too peaceful a journey. Now you are left on foot to roam the trails and hope you can find your way out before the creatures claim you. During your trek you will encounter Weepingville, a ghost town that does not take the term lightly. On the outskirts of this town you may stumble into the Cemetery of Chills where some of the gruesome inhabitants of Weepingville have left their bodies and others are still creeping through the graves. It is not only the victims of accidents from the nearby Mine of Misery or those who didn't make it out of the Asylum alive that you have to fear as you try to make your way back to sanity. A toxic waste accident has made Oklahoma a bio-hazard zone. The entire area is silent, but in the blackness creep those who only made it out partially alive. Fight the undead to regain your life.

We love the multi-faceted character of Nightmare in the Country. The 6 haunted houses keep a continuous stream of the same story, but bring you into completely different surroundings with each haunt you visit. Having to trust your own feet is something entirely different than a haunted hayride and we are passionate about how the terror increases with each shaky step you take through the seemingly unending, monster-infested darkness. This is a Victim's Choice for in-your-face, immersive horror.

Freakling Brothers Horror Show...Nothing Short of Victimizing

Freakling Brothers Horror Show...Nothing Short of Victimizing

Clowns are one of those horrors we are used to seeing in haunted houses. We see them so much we just kind of anticipate them in most of the haunts. So when we saw "Freakling Brothers Horror Show" we figured it was just going to be more clowns. We were in for a delightful surprise. While you will encounter plenty of clowns in your adventure through the scariest show on earth, there are more monsters, more creatures, and more truly maddening experiences lurking just beyond every dark step. The Freakling Brothers Horror Show is the first haunt in Nevada to offer a Rated R experience. In this particular haunt you are not safe from the hands of the actors and you must be prepared for all of your senses to be assaulted.

The old saying says that everybody loves a circus. Well, it seems the Freakling Brothers went truly mad dedicating themselves to pushing the envelope and bringing new and innovative experiences to their shows. Kidnapping disturbed, mutated, and horrifying monsters from the darkest corners of Europe, the Brothers dragged them back to be a part of their Circus of Horrors. If you survive your audience with these three rings of torment, escape into Castle of the Vampyre. Evil lurks in the dark corridors of this dilapidated mansion and it is up to you to find your way out. If you still have a grasp on any of your sanity, prepare for your descent through the Gates of Hell. This Rated R haunted house is the first of its kind in Nevada. Before you are permitted to enter the haunt, you are required to sign a release. This task complete, you are invited to experience your own violent, tortuous death. The cold darkness presses in around you as you descend toward the depths of Hell to meet Satan himself. You are not a passive witness here. Prepare to become a part of the show as the monsters reach for you, their fingers grasping and clawing at you as you move blindly through the maze.

Freakling Brothers is a haunt like no other. New for 2013 is an incredibly intense, innovative experience that has never been attempted before. Called The Victim Experience, this add-on is offered to only 5 people each night. These victims are sent through the Gates of Hell maze last, and then their torture begins. Participants are warned to be prepared to stay for a while and to wear something they don't mind having destroyed. The Brothers keep pushing the envelope, paying more attention to pure, brutal terror than to elaborate scenery or expensive technology.

Field of Screams…If You Build It, They Will Die

Field of Screams…If You Build It, They Will Die

When we used to think of Lancaster, Pennsylvania the first thing that came to mind was rolling fields of corn and quiet, devout communities. This was before we heard of Field of Screams. Rounding out our Top 25, this intense haunt is a victim's choice for uniqueness and pure saturation of mind-bending horror. Though the premise of the four attractions may sound similar to other haunts, it is the degree of detail and dedication that pushes this haunt to the next level.

The haunted hayride is a time-honored Halloween festivity, and this is one of the first to be born. Step onto one of the custom-made wagons and prepare for a 20-minute ride through a darkened cornfield saturated in blood and macabre wonder. Here you come upon the twisted inhabitants of the farm, maniacal clowns, and indescribable creatures who have crept from toxic waste. When your joyride has ended, step inside the Den of Darkness for a bit of hospitality. This sagging three-story home had many lives as a farm house, a hotel, and a mansion estate. Each incarnation, however, shared a grisly feature. Explore carefully through the dusty, spider web-encrusted hallways or you may discover the source of the gruesome splatters on the walls and the dank smell in the air. Are you ready for escape? Try to run, but choose your path wisely because the Nocturnal Wasteland is just outside. Along this haunted trail you will encounter the darkest and most damaged of those who call Field of Screams home. Far more than a haunted house, this trail puts you on foot in the inky blackness of the woods. As you try to find your way out the members of an exclusive, murderous community of monsters is hunting for you. Has the fear pushed you over the edge of your sanity? Venture over to the Frightmare Asylum. They are dying for you to check in. You can become one of the truly twisted patients who roam the four floors of patient rooms, but be careful. The doctors and nurses have their own disturbing agenda and you may have the next appointment in the autopsy room.

The four haunts at Field of Screams have been counted as victims' choice haunted houses for several years. These extreme attractions combine sound, smell, and sight for a truly overwhelming, terrifying experience. Even those waiting in line aren't safe as creatures swarm the grounds hoping to keep their visitors for themselves.

Pirates of Emerson...Terror From the High Seas

Pirates of Emerson...Terror From the High Seas

We have built up a passion for haunted theme parks. One amazing haunted house is fabulous, but walking into a haunted wonderland is even better. Pirates of Emerson in California has become an infamous haunt due to its unique premise and stunning imagery. The haunt began as a creepy endeavor in a backyard and has developed over the years into a terrifying quest on the high seas. In more recent years the haunt has expanded to a truly impressive haunted theme park, featuring 6 individual experiences. Your exploration includes both indoor and outdoor experiences that test your courage against a range of monsters as well as the most frightening force of all…your own mind.

The dark waves of the sea have heaved up their most grisly of hidden secrets…the rotting corpses and angry spirits of a legion of pirates. If you dare step into their lair you should be aware that they are ready to recruit more into their number and they are happy to give you the most gruesome of initiations. Don't think you are safe when you make it back to dry land, however. Fear Beneath the Pier is waiting on the other end of the plank. Test yourself against the darkest recesses of your own mind in the Mental Maze. Getting sleepy? We recommended Hotel Hell, the quaint little stop on the edge of nowhere. A total of 6 haunted attractions let you fill an evening with screams and seafaring torment.

One of the things we love about the Pirates of Emerson is that victims are treated just to the haunted houses. These haunts are accompanied by the CarnEvil, a fright-filled midway offering games, shows, and live entertainment. The intricate sets and committed actors give each haunt its own isolated thrill.

As you drive down the dark lonely road toward Overload’s location at Coppal House Farm  you know you’re not in for just a haunted house experience but you’re in for something special. You will be welcomed by a friendly staff and  then,  after purchasing your tickets, led to a massive cornfield where you could find the headless horseman, if you’re lucky.

As you worm your way through the cornfield you will become acquainted with unnatural sounds and sights, as well as many interesting creatures.  The maze will then  thrust you into Pumpkin Alley,  a long straightaway filled with all kinds of glorious sights, such as hay bales, torches, and  evil tree sentinels.  The amazing carved pumpkins are filled with real candles that cast eerie shadows as you walk.  Then it’s off  to the dark world of Overload.

Glowing skeletons, vile creatures, and tortured souls are just some of the wonderful sights that will make your senses dance. The tunnels and mazes are filled with madmen, the undead, and a creature that will chase you with a chainsaw!   Have fun, stay safe, and happy hauntings.

Eastern State Penitentiary…Face Your Own Life Sentence

Eastern State Penitentiary…Face Your Own Life Sentence

We have seen haunted houses born out of a huge variety of situations. From dilapidated mental hospitals to outbreaks of crazed zombies, haunts burrow into our souls and drag out the most tormenting of fears. In the back of our minds, however, there is the somewhat comforting knowledge that most of these haunts are merely brilliantly-decorated buildings. The sounds were hear, the sights we see, no matter how horrifying, have been constructed for our shockingly pleasure. No such comfort exists at Eastern State Penitentiary. Terror Behind the Walls brings you deep into the intimidating fortress of a once fearsome prison where what you experience may be the performance of the talented actors, but they may also be the lingering echoes of the tortured men who lived and died behind the crumbling walls and rusting bars.

Your first stop is the yard outside infamous Cell 7 where you await your sentence. Watch scenes from paranormal explorations of the prison and mingle with your fellow inmates. Don't get too comfortable, however. Your cellmates have escaped and are coming to find you. Next you are herded into The Gauntlet, a dizzying maze crawling with creatures that make it even more difficult to find your way out. In Lock Down visit a crumbling 102-year-old cell block that was abandoned more than 40 years ago. Tread lightly. The inmates there are just electrified to meet you. Step even further back in time to a cellblock built in the 1800s for Detritus, a pitch black walk through a tangled, overgrown labyrinth of corridors and yard. A prison hospital is a terrifying place. The Infirmary brings you into the eerie chambers were the sick, injured, and dying were kept. In the psychiatric ward you will come up close and personal with what happens to the human spirit when kept in a cage for decades. Try to imagine what it was like to be a guard at a 1800s prison. Night Watch gives you no more than a flashlight to guide your way through the absolute darkness of the prison.

There is nothing more terrifying than reality. Eastern State Penitentiary forces you to come face to face with the very stark reality of prisons. This prison is long-since abandoned by living residents, but many believe those who made the history of this prison as twisted and bloody as it is still call it home. It earned its place on our list with its expansive attractions, dedicated actors, and the truly tormenting realness of the entire experience.

13th Floor Haunted House...Don't Look Down

13^th Floor Haunted House

 

The number 13 appears again. This time, however, the haunted house promises an exploration of the mythical 13^th floor. Most buildings, as the creators of the haunt will tell you, do not have a 13^th floor. Rather, there is a 12^th and then immediately a 14^th. Is this merely superstition or is there really something to fear on a floor named for the number of misfortune? Visit Denver's 13^th Floor Haunted House to find out for yourself.

Begin your quest for torment in the waiting area where you may feel secure, but don't let the calm environment fool you. The monsters have escaped and are stalking in every corner. Search for escape by stepping inside a devastated farm house to find the remnants of a zombie invasion. Explore what has been left, but be careful not to expose the battered survivors still hiding in the abandoned home. Stay quiet and walk quickly—the horde is still coming. Once through the house there are three out buildings to survive. The chicken coop, shed, and barn await, filled with the undead and the brave survivors fighting to assert the dominance of the living and reclaim their land. If you emerge from the battle with your brain still inside your skull, head to the queue area for your ascent to the 13^th floor. Don't take your trip lightly. Find a strong grip and hold on…your trip to the 13^th floor and back won't be a smooth one.

13^th Floor takes an innovative approach to haunts with an immersive haunted house and a thrilling sensory experience that reminds you exactly why there is no 13^th floor in most buildings. For added fun, the haunt gives every 113^th victim that survives both experiences his money back.

Nightmare on the Bayou...Where Reality and Fantasy Blur

Nightmare on the Bayou...Where Reality and Fantasy Blur

 

When most people think of Texas it is thoughts of dry, arid expanses that dominate their opinions. What we discovered, however, was that there is much more to this enormous state than just the dry heat. Visit the deep parts of the state and you will come upon the bayou, the creepy, Spanish-moss draped swamp that has been known to swallow people within moments of them venturing inside. We imagine many nightmares have begun in the bayou, and we were delighted to discover a haunt that truly lives up to its name.

The bayou is a dark place. The monsters here come in many forms, from the lurking alligators to the cryptic monsters to the twisted humans who prowl the marshlands in search of the unfortunate souls who have wandered in. Nightmare on the Bayou hunkers in the mysterious, seemingly forgotten regions of the Texas bayou within mere feet of one of the oldest cemeteries in the area. These real graves have offered more than just creepy ambiance to the haunt. Step carefully through the 15,000 square feet of tormenting terror because you may just come in contact with one of the several actual ghosts that have claimed the haunted house as their own. These spirits appear at will and dare you to head further into the realm of the monsters manufactured for your macabre enjoyment.

Nightmare on the Bayou touts itself as the only haunted house in the area with real ghosts. This incredibly detailed haunt draws from the purely terrifying surroundings of the bayou and an infestation of actual restless souls to create an experience more than worthy of a spot on our countdown.

House of Torment...Welcome to Your Nightmares

House of Torment...Welcome to Your Nightmares

We love when a haunt gets right to the point. "House of Torment" is a haunted house that lets you know exactly what you are in for…torment. This is not the largest or most complex of the haunts that have earned their place on our countdown, but it packs an incredible amount of blood-chilling, maddening horror into its three attractions. Texas is known for its powerhouse haunts and House of Torment has proven to be one of its best.

Blackthorne Asylum should have been a beacon of hope for the physically and mentally ill. Instead it was shrouded in mystery and the dark rumors of horrific experiments that occurred within its stone walls. The evil Dr. Ectobius performed cruel and twisted experiments on his patients, indulging his obsession with nightmares and their control over humankind. It was when he was dabbling in the occult, preparing to open the portal into the Realm of Torment that the doctor reached his collapse. Join other brave explorers as you sneak in to Blackthorne by a secret entrance to discover the horrors that lurk within. If you get out of the Asylum alive, delve deeper into the mystery by venturing into the crypts of the Ancients in Cursed. Here you will find the most horrifying monsters that have ever crept into your nightmares. Make your way past the Hellion and you may have a chance. All that is left is the Slaughterhouse. Here you are hunted, searched by warped creatures set on turning you into one of the murderous scarecrows that dot the expansive cornfields.

House of Torment fills 20,000 square feet with Hollywood-quality sets and talented, dedicated actors committed to terrorizing you to the brink of your sanity. Keep your wits about you or you may just end up lost to the experiments of the crumbling Asylum or claimed by the monsters that lurk the expansive haunted house.

Nightmare on 13^th Street is 36,000 square feet  of sheer terror!  It’s also one of the largest and longest running haunted houses in the United States having been in business for over 20 years.  Nightmare  on 13^th Street has also been featured on  the Travel Channel.

The spooky atmosphere can be felt even before you enter the front doors!  There is an 18 foot animatronics monster, The Slayer that stands guard over the entrance and you can see him from the street.

You wind your way through one amazing room after another, each with a different setting that’s sure to keep you up at night.  The demons haunting the Nightmare Before Christmas room and the Pirates of the Caribbean room are sure to please …and terrify


New this year, visitors can brave 13 bonus rooms for an additional $3. Xtreme! adds intensity to the Nightmare on 13th experience with darker, narrower passageways full of surprises.

Nightmare on 13th opens at 7:30pm daily (except Sundays) and will remain open through Saturday, October 30th. Admission is $13 for adult and $8 for children 10 years old and under. Discounts are available in exchange for donations of non-perishable food for the Utah Food Bank. VIP/Fast Passes give visitors the option to bypass the waiting line and enter the haunted house directly for an additional $3 above the cost of admission.

Nightmare on 13th has been an integral part of developing and continuously innovating the local haunted house tradition for the past 15 years. It is located at 300 West 1300 South, one block west of the Trax baseball stadium station. Haunted house lovers who are ready to get spooked can call the info line at (801) 467-8100 or visit www.nightmareon13th.com.

7 Floors of Hell...Descend into the Darkness

7 Floors of Hell...Descend into the Darkness

Many years ago there was a rumor that circled in Ohio. The stories told of a haunted house so incredibly frightening, so intensely maddening that no one had ever been able to get all the way through it. The legendary haunt was called "7 Floors of Hell" and each year the whispers increased and the mysterious haunted house became more and more horrifying. It seemed the haunt was just too extreme to be real. The truth was, it wasn't. There was no such house. That is, until the 1990s when a man with a macabre dream made the haunt into reality.

7 Floors of Hell may not be too terrifying to get through, but victims need strong minds to push them through all 7 torment-filled haunts at this twisted theme park. No visitor is truly prepared for the horrors he will encounter when he steps through the gates onto Monster Midway. Creatures lurk in every corner and custom-created animations blur the line between life, death, and technology. Don't get too close to the monsters or stop for a picture with that incredible set. It may just try to make you a part of the show. There are 7 haunted houses in the park. More than half of the event is changed each year, making it impossible to know what you are walking into even if you have seen it many times before. In 2013 the Blood Barn, Body Snatchers, Clown House, Killer Theater, House of Nightmares, and Mental Ward are joined by two more maddening events. Climb aboard a coffin and get trapped inside for the ride of your life as you feel what it is like to be buried alive. If you are brave enough, take up arms and join the fight against the Zombie Apocalypse.

Over the years 7 Floors of Hell has become a legend even beyond the myths of Ohio residents. With over 100 live actors and intricately-designed movie quality sets, this haunted theme park fills the air with screams night after night.

In 1993, the Haunted Hotel opened its doors in the lively, buzzing downtown Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego, CA. Since then, the haunt has been welcoming brave guests to wander down the dark, bloodstained hallways where shadowy figures line the walls and nightmarish scenes are rampant.  

 The outdoor setting enables the owners to do huge props and sets that are mindblowing.


DeFatta and Bruce keep the fear alive in the Scream Zone, located in North County, San Diego. The Scaregrounds are situated along five acres of the Del Mar Fairgrounds and include rolling floors, strobe lights, fog machines and dripping natural elements.

"The Scream Zone has three different events all at one location: The House of Horror, The Chamber and The Haunted Hayride.  So there is virtually something for everyone.

Prior to the season starting in September, the Haunted Hotel opens for a sneak peek during the international Comic-Con convention mid-July, which annually drives thousands of comic book lovers to San Diego. For two days only during the Comic-Con weekend, tourists and locals alike can get an exclusive look at the hotel’s upcoming scares.  It’s an event most haunt-goers cannot resist!

The Haunted Hotel, The Haunted Trail and Scream Zone will open this year from September 27 through November 2, 2013
It’s hands down San Diego’s best scare and the city’s biggest attraction during the fall.  Step inside… if you dare!

 

Night of Terror...Pray for Morning

Night of Terror…Pray for Morning

 

In the quiet New Jersey countryside there is a scenic farm called Creamy Acres. This farm sat on over 100 acres of beautiful, tranquil land until the darkness broke through. Now every inch of the farm crawls with evil. Here to terrorize you at the #15 spot on our list is the Night of Terror, an expansive thrill park featuring 7 haunted houses and attractions, including one of the longest and most elaborate haunted hayrides in the country.

It may only be the beginning of fall, but the biting winds of winter swirl across Creamy Acre on Night of Terror. The Frozen Tundra haunted house lures you in with the promise of a refreshing breeze, but soon you find yourself trapped among ferocious beasts looking for a warm body. Escape the wind and snow and you are rewarded with Ride of Terror. Climb aboard the comfortable wagon, but don't get too settled in. Keep your wits about you as the ride drags you through the longest hayride you have ever experienced. If you want to escape you will need to brave the horrors of the corn field maze. More than scarecrows wait for you there. If the torment brings you to the brink and you want to fight back, try the unique interactive paintball haunt. Here you are armed against the hordes of undead that crawl through the course, hoping to recruit you for their side. With 7 elaborate, extensively detailed haunts, there is plenty here to fill an entire evening of pure terror.

The movie quality sets and professional actors of Night of Terror make this one of the most immersive sensory haunts we've discovered. No one is safe once they have stepped onto the farm. You cannot even hide in the bathrooms hoping for the night to end. If you are on Creamy Acres, you are the property of the beasts.