13 Not-to-Miss Frightful Haunted Houses Across America, Open Now
Don’t believe there’s a seasonal haunted house near you? Think again. From coast to coast, including the East, West, and Midwest, 13 haunted attractions revealed themselves across the United States this Halloween season. Each eerie attraction follows industry safety standards and features trained, costumed actors for immersive storytelling, special effects, and hours of themed set creation. What’s more, is that national outlets, including Travel Channel, Discovery Channel, Southern Living, and Buzzfeed, have covered all of the frightful attractions. Read through to the end to find out how to book!
13th Gate, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Navigate flooded passageways and creepy tunnels at Louisiana’s ultimate haunted experience. Guests descend to underground sewers infested by twisted carnival misfits at 13th Gate. CarnEvil Haunted Midway, across from the haunted house, features live music every Friday and Saturday in October, along with live fire dancing by Inferneaux Fire Troupe, and a new horror-themed selfie museum. Even after Halloween passes, the popular “Flashlight Fright Nights” on November 1 and 2, attracts visitors who want to explore the dark passages of The 13th Gate for a completely different experience.
Bennett’s Curse Haunted House, Baltimore, Maryland
Labeled “extreme” by some media with compelling, giant monsters, at Bennett’s Curse Haunted House, guests encounter ancient demons, vampires, and deranged medical patients. Visit four attractions in one location on one ticket, including House of the Demons, Halloween 3D, Ravenbrook Asylum, and Legends of Halloween. The frights continue after Halloween, with Black Out Night on November 2.
Cutting Edge, Fort Worth, Texas
The venue of Cutting Edge is enough to instill fear in any visitor: it’s located in a 116-year-old abandoned meat packing plant in Fort Worth’s historic Hell’s Half Acre. Voted #1 USA TODAY Best Haunted Attraction in 2023 and a four-time Guinness World Records holder as the “World’s Largest Haunted House,” you become the focus of the two-story attraction. The meat packing equipment from the Old West is still in use, but now it is a human processing area. If you’re heading to Cutting Edge, be sure to also visit Thrillvania Haunted House Park, located an hour east.
The Darkness, St. Louis, Missouri
With more than one million TikTok followers, it’s likely you’ve encountered The Darkness on social media. After 30 years, 2024 brings a fully renovated attraction with 15 new animations, scenes, and screams. With over ten possible experiences, there is a massive horror retail shop, arcade, horror monsters photo ops, and escape room.
The Dent Schoolhouse, Cincinnati, Ohio
It’s said that a murderous janitor made this school a haunted icon! Tour The Dent Schoolhouse in Cincinnati, a haunted 1894 schoolhouse. If you dare, partake in the spooks before enjoying Monster Midway, complete with photo ops, pumpkin-smashing axe throwing, mini escape games, and seasonal treats. If you’re interested in what goes into creating the frights, buy a ticket for one of the Behind the Scenes tours, which take place in the late afternoon every Saturday and Sunday in October. On a tight budget? Enjoy complimentary entry to The Cincinnati Haunted House Museum and The Jack O' Lantern Showcase.
Erebus, Pontiac, Michigan
Only a 30-minute drive from Detroit and an hour and a half from Lansing is Erebus, the biggest haunted attraction in Michigan. Embark on a half-mile walk through four stories of paths, a swamp, a bottomless pit, a mutant gorilla, a baby T-Rex, and a butcher at this scary attraction just 30 minutes from Detroit. Erebus is the biggest haunted attraction in Michigan and has been featured on Travel Channel and the Discovery Channel. If you want an extra dose of ghouls this season, sign up for their “Making of the Monster” tour.
Factory of Terror, Canton, Ohio
Fright fans flock to the Factory of Terror, a three-time “Largest Indoor Haunted House in the World” record holder, according to the Guinness World Records. A mile-long maze creates an industrial-strength scare in a former aluminum foundry. Over one hundred actors infuse life into the scenes, including five bars and five chilling sets with stories of massacre and evil. A bar-only ticket is available for mortals who can’t handle the scares.
Georgetown Morgue Haunted House, Seattle, Washington
A venue that was once a morgue is the perfect setting for the only professional haunted house in Washington state. Local lore says that nine staff members were cremated against their will here. Dare to step into the morgue, established in 1928, and see if any ghosts materialize. If you’re able to escape, stay to test your skills at the Dark Maze for an additional fee.
Haunted Overload, Lee, New Hampshire
Hundreds of hand-carved jack-o'lanterns light the night at Haunted Overload, situated on a five-acre farm. Stand in awe of 50-foot-tall wooden structures and sculptures, including a new gigantic wasp haunt with threatening, buzzy hives. Three levels of frights accommodate various comfort levels: Kids will enjoy the Day Haunt without any scares, while Fright Night Lite is optimal for those who want the show lights and sound effects without monsters. Those who crave surprise and terror should opt for level 3: Haunted Overload.
Headless Horseman Hayrides & Haunted Attraction, Ulster Park, New York
This Hudson Valley hamlet features 250 actors and 13 attractions, including several walking trails, haunted houses, and a maze. The “Darkest Offering” hayride is a new highlight for 2024. Two Saturday afternoons during October are reserved for kids to partake in the spirit of the season, scare-free.
HellsGate Haunted House, Lockport, Illinois
One hour from Chicago is HellsGate, a multi-level mansion hiding secret passages, giant slides, undead abominations, and nervous groundskeepers. It’s been rated the number one haunted house in Illinois and is owned by SAG-AFTRA actor John Laflamboy. Guests hit the sewers to uncover a laboratory, but the nightmares ensue – and last – long after you leave the haunted house grounds.
Kersey Valley Spookywoods, Archdale, North Carolina
Opening on October 4, nestled on 92 acres in the heart of North Carolina, Kersey Valley Spookywoods is celebrating 40 years of haunting. Nine all-new sets with 260 actors set the scenes for creepy attractions. At Yeti Lair, the cold abomination chases you through a snowy cave, and in Pumpkin Hollow, the Pumpkin Killer follows you through a labyrinth of autumn's most iconic symbols illuminated by the glow of jack-o-lanterns.
Salt Lake Fear Factory, Salt Lake City, Utah
You’ll discover industrial-grade fear within six buildings of terror at Salt Lake Fear Factory. Six stories and two underground passages maximize the terror. Even Travel Channel’s “Ghost Adventures” crew was jarred by the paranormal activity in the 100-year-old Portland Cement Factory where it all takes place. See if any ghosts come through to you during a Monday night Grimm Ghost Tour.
Haunted America Awaits
Haunted America strives to provide guests with the best entertainment experiences with the highest possible customer satisfaction in safe, haunted attractions across the United States. It is recommended guests buy tickets to any of the 13 haunted attractions in advance, online, for savings and your first choice of dates and times. They’re all dying to see you. Visit Haunted America to secure your tickets now.
