Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a complete fraidy cat when it comes to scary things, Halloween is a time for people to face their fears for just one night. There’s something about subjecting yourself to terror, even if it’s obviously fake and harmless.
Haunted houses have been around for quite some time, but they keep improving because of newer technologies. The special effects, acting and makeup used in these attractions have become much more realistic and frightening. Many haunted houses even feature first-rate animatronics now. According to Reuters News, “there are 1,200 large-scale, for-profit haunted attractions in the U.S. plus another 3,000 haunted houses operated by charities that open for only a day or two every year.”
“I think they’re the best way to celebrate halloween,” said Eric Duffert, a senior film major. “On Halloween, you can either get candy or dress up. Haunted houses give the holiday some variety at least.”
A haunted house, which typically takes place indoors, involves visitors walking through the attraction while experiencing all sorts of terror. Personally, I’m not a fan of them, mainly because I’m a wimp when it comes to that kind of stuff. The only haunted house you’ll catch me in is The Haunted Mansion in Disney World. However, there are plenty of students on campus from all over the states who enjoy scaring the pants off themselves.
If it’s thrills you’re seeking, look no further. After interviewing multiple students regarding their favorite haunted houses they’ve been to, I’ve narrowed them down to a list of the top six. I based it off how scary, expensive and realistic they are, as well as how interesting their themes are. Did your home state make it to the list?
Statesville Haunted Prison
Chicago, IL:
Statesville Haunted Prison is not your average slammer. In this attraction, you’ll find yourself walking through 23 maximum security cells as you come face to face with all sorts of disturbing criminals. “The fact that it was actually a prison at one point makes it scary enough as it is,” said Josh Shilney, a sophomore criminology and philosophy major from Chicago. This haunted house has been featured on the Travel Channel and has received a lot of special recognition, including the Top 10 haunts of Haunts Magazine in 2013. General admission is $30 but you can also purchase group tickets for $21 each with a minimum of 15 people, which is only available on Thursday nights.
Barrett’s Haunted Mansion
Abington, MA:
From “Sweet Sixteen” to “Buried Alive,” Barrett’s Haunted Mansion keeps things unique by changing up its theme every year. The theme for this year is “Alice in Wonderland.” They also added a whole new attraction called The Cell, which use to be where the miniature golfing was held. “I love watching how they’ve progressed throughout the years,” said Megan Owens, a sophomore advertising and public relations major from Boston. “One year that stood out to me the most was when they had a clown theme. I hate clowns, so you can bet that it was extra terrifying for me.” Tickets are $23 per person.
Waverly Hills Sanatorium
Louisville, KY:
Waverly Hills is a haunted house that takes place in a historical hospital that was mainly used to house patients suffering from Tuberculosis. For only $20 a person, you can walk through the many rooms and experience the paranormal. They also offer private paranormal investigations and ghost hunts during the off season for $100 per person. “It definitely gave me the chills,” said Clare Isakson, a sophomore business management major from Connecticut. “I remember there being a room you walk through that had these lights on the wall that made it look like you were going upside down.”
Hell’s Playground
Brodhead, WI
Don’t let the word “playground” fool you. This is certainly no place for children or anyone who doesn’t mind not getting any sleep for the rest of their lives, for that matter. This place takes haunted houses to a whole other level––a much lower one, that is. This attraction allows you to walk through the innermost depths of Hell as you encounter a variety of horrific scenes and creatures. Not only are visitors required to sign a waiver, but they have to go through a security check as well. “It was by far the scariest haunted house I’ve ever been to,” said Rachel Hanke, a freshman undecided major from Wisconsin. “They make you walk through a whole bunch of scenes like in a movie, like car accidents and gang fights. The acting was excellent. It all felt so real.”
Haunted Stanley Hotel
Estes Park, CO
The Haunted Stanley Hotel offers an authentic thrill like no other. Based off of a true story and the inspiration of the movie, The Shining, this place is swarming with ghosts and spirits. And if you’re feeling extra brave, you have the option of spending the night there. “Seeing the parts in the movie come to life was really awesome,” said Russell Martin, a sophomore international business and marketing major from Florida.
Radley Haunted House
St. Petersburg, FL
And let’s not forget about all of the Floridians out there. Radley Haunted House, which is located in Tampa, is a great place to go with friends if you’re bored on campus during Halloween and want to get scared. This year, the haunted house is based on the theme “Ashes of Innocence,” and plays off of the terrifying concept of an abandoned and haunted orphanage. This attraction consists of a very dark space with two slight changes of elevation in the dark. Admission is free, but a donation of $4 per person is suggested.
Madison Irwin can be reached at madison.irwin@spartans.ut.edu