TOP 5 BEST TOP 5 SCARIEST TOP 5 DETAILED
Our team goes through haunted attractions all throughout Illinois finding you the best, scariest and most detailed haunts.
Haunted Attraction Reviews 2024
The Old Joliet Haunted Prison
The Old Joliet Haunted Prison
The Old Joliet Haunted Prison
- Location: Joliet, IL
- Arrival: 6:48pm
We had a strong start and strong finish while visiting The Old Joliet Haunted Prison for the 2024 season. Upon our arrival we noticed great line actors getting good scares from the crowd. One thing to mention is this haunt has three attractions in one location.
Attraction no.1: While we waited in line for the main attraction, we had an eerie feeling. As we made our way along the side of the prison, we received many great jump scares from lurking actors. These actors did fantastic scaring forward, on top of that they also did fantastic getting multiple scares from a single group. Once we made our way into the prison, there was fantastic set detail on every corner, along with great lighting to make each and every set pop. As we made our way throughout the haunt the actors flawlessly executed scares, this haunt has by far been the best with proper scare execution.
Inside the prison, many of the jump scares we received was when we were passing the open prison cells, the open prison cells always gave our guard up, when we least expected it, an actor came in bringing us a great startle scare. One thing to mention is the insane energy these actors have as well. In some areas it was basically actors bouncing off the walls going insane.
Scare Rating: High
Attraction no.2: After we finished the main attraction, we then made our way to the second attraction. This was basically shooting monsters with a laser tag gun. Honestly, this was a fun experience. There were monsters popping out left and right. Overall, this second attraction was a great and fun experience.
Scare Rating: Low
Attraction no.3: Our final attraction was an intense one, this was a maze with strobes everywhere. Not only that, but there were also many actors with chainsaws lurking the corners, these actors delivered great scares. So, if you have a fear of chainsaws, we believe this final attraction will put you to the test.
Scare Rating: Medium
Twisted Crypt Haunted House
The Old Joliet Haunted Prison
The Old Joliet Haunted Prison
- Location: Rockford, IL
- Arrival: 10:05pm
Our visit to Twisted Crypt this year was fantastic, this haunt definitely knows how to put on a great show. If you ever been to Twisted Crypt before you will notice many of these actors here use a southern accent. Upon our arrival there was a short line, this was most likely because we arrived fifty-five minutes before close.
Twisted Crypt is known for the short skits the actors give the customers throughout the haunt. While inside the haunt our group was very entertained by the actors, they made us laugh and occasionally got a scare or two out of us. Every single actor did seem to know the room they were working very well, this also made the experience so much better. Although it was opening night, the entire show was flawlessly done. Inside the haunt we also noticed the great use of lighting, this made many of the scene's pop.
Overall, this haunt is definitely worth it. Many of the actors made the show very entertaining, as a matter of fact, Illinois Top 5 might have to take a second visit to Twisted Crypt for the 2024 haunt season. Very well done.
Scare Rating: Low
13th Floor Haunted House
The Old Joliet Haunted Prison
13th Floor Haunted House
- Location: Schiller Park, IL
- Arrival: 7:30pm
Well, this was a great improvement compared to last year. What we immediately noticed was the perfect timing to execute a scare. Pretty much every room with an actor in it got the scare right on point. This haunt is pretty easy to spot out from the road, we arrived at 7:30pm which was right when they opened.
We immediately entered the haunt as there was really no line, once we arrived. There were two-line actors from what we saw, both line actors did a phenomenal job. After we passed the line, we then were face to face with a beautiful facade. In this area where the facade was, they basically explained the rules before entering the haunt.
When we entered the haunt there was beautiful detail in every room, but what also made the rooms pop even more was how well lit they were. Now let's get on to how the show was, the show overall was great. One specific area that should be mentioned is the church. Not only is this a creepy church but, the church is also at a forty-five-degree slant, which was very trippy. There are many more areas we want to mention as well, like the wrecked ship scene.
Honestly, the show overall was way better compared to last year like we mentioned, it was also an honor to visit 13th Floor for the 2024 haunt season.
Scare Rating: High
Basement of the Dead
Disturbia Haunted House
13th Floor Haunted House
Location: Aurora, IL
Arrival: 7:00pm
Ahh, the good ole Basement of the Dead. This haunt is a very good one and scary one. Something to mention is that this haunt is very dark and loud as well. Our arrival was right at opening, there was a bunch of line actors entertaining the crowd. On top of that they had great music blasting in the line as well.
When we entered Basement of the Dead, we instantly noticed a brand-new room in the very beginning of the haunt. This room was so well lit, there was also amazing detail throughout the entire room as well. One thing to mention is every single actor did fantastic this year, we encountered several actors that were basically bouncing off the walls going insane. One of the rooms to mention where this insanity was happening is the sewer. but wait there's more, the entire Shattered 3D portion was complete insanity as well. We remember one actress who was literally swinging from the ceiling, which was crazy.
We should also mention this haunt also uses a lot of air blasters to give you a good scare as well, not sure what the correct term is but let's just say "air blasters. These are secretly hidden throughout the entire haunt, and they will give you one hell of a scare. Overall, the show this year was fantastic. On top of that the scares were very well done as well.
Scare Rating: Really High
Also, one thing to be aware of is this haunt uses heavy smells as well. Many of the smells may slightly disturb the nose.
Disturbia Haunted House
Disturbia Haunted House
Disturbia Haunted House
Location: Downers Grove, IL
Arrival: 8:28pm
Honestly, don't know how to start this off but, what a flawlessly done show by Disturbia. This was by far the best show we have ever seen in Illinois Top 5 Haunted Attractions history! To be completely honest, wasn't really expecting the show to be this good.
We arrived a bit over an hour after they opened, instantly we could hear the music and screams coming from the line. Once we entered the queue line many of the actors kept us entertained, they also got a good startle or two out of us as well. After we got out of line to enter the haunt, we then entered a rules room. This area was pretty self-explanatory,
After the rules room we then entered the haunt, instantly we received a fantastic scare from an actress in a drop box. It was from that point on it was confirmed that this would be a great haunt. Some of the rooms that stood out were the doll house, back porch, sewer, and the hospital. These areas were fantastic, there were numerous times throughout this area we got startled pretty good. Another thing to mention is a new room they now have at Disturbia, this is a ghost room. Believe it or not this has to be our favorite room of all time. Some things that creeped us out was how the actors were moving exactly like the animatronics which really threw us off.
Overall, this was an insanely scary show, there is a good chance we might go and take a second visit for the 2024 haunt season. Very well done Disturbia! You all knocked it out of the park this year!
Scare Rating: EXTREMELY HIGH
HellsGate Haunted House
Disturbia Haunted House
Disturbia Haunted House
Location: Lockport, IL
Arrival: 7:00pm
well, we meet again HellsGate... During our visit for the 2024 haunt season it was definitely not disappointing. However, it did seemed slammed packed for an opening night. Just remember, you will be taking a bus down murder road to get to HellsGate. There was fantastic line entertainment along with great music playing upon arrival.
Once we went past the line there was an actor explaining the rules before entering the woods. If you've been to HellsGate before you will instantly notice a Slight change done in the woods for the 2024 season. We wont spoil it, one thing we do have to admit is the woods did outperform the main haunt this year. Now, the main reason for this was due to the insane dominancy these actors showed in the spots they were placed in. Not only that but, they did amazing scaring forward in the woods as well.
While making our way up to the mansion after getting through the woods there were actors surrounding the grounds. Our favorite part as usual are the twins at the beginning who always give a great intro as usual. Throughout the show our group did feel a bit rushed in some scenes but, this was probably from how busy it was. While inside there was an amazing new room we noticed right away. They call it the sewer, this area has some insane detail. It wasn't only this room with great detail, it was literally every square inch that had beautiful detail.
Although it was opening night, every single actor did phenomenal. In all honesty this was the best opening night performance we have ever seen.
Scare Rating: Medium
Massacre Haunted House
Midnight Terror Haunted House
Midnight Terror Haunted House
Location: Montgomery, IL
Arrival: 7:00pm
Now, that was a great show done by Massacre for the 2024 season. Before we arrived we stopped at the bar next door located in the same strip the haunt is located on. When the haunt did open many line actors were lurking outside. Instantly we could feel the energy in the air. Once we entered the line in the covered waiting they had music blasting throughout the line.
Once we entered the haunt, immediately there was immersive sets. These aren't just you know regular sets, the detail is absolutely insane! While inside the actors did amazing with scaring forward, many of the actors did seem to work the areas they were put in very well. Some of the areas that really stood out were the house, hospital, church, doll room, and the jungle scene. Keep in mind this haunt is very intense, yes those areas stood out but, the torture chamber was just insane. not to spoil anything but cover your nose while inside the torture chamber.
We also noticed the fantastic crowd control as well, all of the groups were spaced out very well. This made the experience so much better.
Scare Rating: Medium
On a final note, Massacre did an outstanding job this year. We look forward to visiting every year.
Midnight Terror Haunted House
Midnight Terror Haunted House
Midnight Terror Haunted House
Location: Oak Lawn, IL
Arrival: 7:00pm
Beautiful performance Midnight Terror! This haunt we didn't expect to put on this great of a show. We arrived right at opening, once on the property music can be heard from the covered waiting outside. There was many line actors entertaining the crowd, many customers were screaming of fear.
First thing we noticed when entering the haunt was the great lighting and beautiful detail Midnight Terror had. We must admit, the actors did amazing this year as well. In our opinion this was by far better than any other year. There was consistent scares throughout the entire haunt, consistent multiple scares if there was a group of four or more, it was fantastic. One area that should be mentioned is the clown area outside, this is a brand new area that was just a beautiful new addition to the haunt. You will see this new area at the end.
Now, lets talk about the life of the haunt. All actors had a power advantage in the spots they worked in. Due to that all scares were just perfect. Honestly, we have to admit most of these actors we thought were just props at first, this got many great scares out of us cause obviously we didn't expect it.
Overall, this was a great haunt highly recommend visiting Midnight Terror for the 2024 haunt season.
Scare Rating: Medium
Dungeon of Doom
Midnight Terror Haunted House
Dungeon of Doom
Location: Zion, IL
Arrival: 7:13pm
This haunt is a continuous top rated haunt throughout the state of Illinois. During our 2024 visit it truly did not disappoint. Upon our arrival, we had this eerie feeling. Once we entered the haunt, the entire scenery was just creepy, but, the actors really set the tone in with a great performance.
Many of the areas brought fear into the group we went with. Keep in mind, we didn't know the people we went with, but, the fear in each and every person was great. One area we should mention is at the end of the haunt. This room was literally on bags, the entire room was moving. It was very trippy. There are many more areas we should mention, like another area that should be mentioned is the hospital. Every single actor in this area did great, all of them were on top with scaring forward.
With how our experience went with Dungeon of Doom, we will be taking a second visit for the 2024 season. Overall, it was a fantastic haunt as it is every single year.
Also... There is an option to get buried alive as well, we highly recommend you to purchase that extra add on. Dungeon of Doom isn't just fear. This haunt is a state of panic!
Scare Rating: EXTREMELY HIGH
Realm of Terror
Realm of Terror
Dungeon of Doom
Location: Round Lake Beach, IL
Arrival: 9:57pm
During our visit for the 2024 season this haunt did not disappoint. well, honestly this haunt always seems to impress us. Upon our arrival we were met with the actors roaming the grounds. Many gave off this really creepy vibe, they were also very interactive as well. We then entered the line to the haunt, which was a very short wait.
After entering the haunt everything seemed very intense, many things made this haunt feel intense. Obviously the actors are what made this haunt have that intense feel. Room after room there was consistent scares, on top of that these actors did reset immediately after executing a scare. Honestly, this haunt was great throughout every room. One thing to mention is it did seem that all actors had a great sound cue for upcoming groups as well.
Once we finished the haunt we felt like it was worth every penny, this was one great show. We highly recommend anyone to take a visit to Real of Terror. Overall, the staff is great along with the entire scenery.
Scare Rating: Really High
Sonny Acres
Realm of Terror
Evil Intentions
Location: West Chicago, IL
Arrival: 6:45pm
Well this wasn't a show we were expecting this good! we have to admit Sonny Acres blew it out of the water this year. To start this off, Sonny acres during the fall season is just a whole vibe itself. Once we arrived the place was packed. There are many activities to do here, our main focus was the haunted hayride and barn.
Our first visit was to the haunted barn, now don't let this barn fool you, this barn does pack a punch. Once we were inside the haunted barn we were shown a short introduction on a tv screen. Careful, you will be met with a surprise at the end of the introduction. While making our way throughout the haunt it was very dark. Pretty much every room had a fantastic scare, some of these scares came from animatronics as they were perfectly placed to execute a scare.
We must mention, while inside this barn screams can be heard throughout the entire barn from customers, it was great! One area that stood out to us the most was a dark corn maze we believe. This part was just perfect, one actor in this area just perfectly timed scares for every group. On a closing note.... BEAUTIFULLY DONE!
Scare Rating: High
Now onto the haunted hayride. We truly believe this has to be the best haunted hayride experience in Illinois. While on the hayride there was many things that caught our attention. There was a clown area that was top notch. Although one area that had our attention was a cannon that shot out real popcorn, which was completely unexpected. There was also fantastic actors scaring the crowd as well. Overall, Sonny Acres blew our mind this year with this hayride, you can easily tell a ton of money went into this experience. We would highly recommend for anyone this October to take a visit to Sonny Acres farm and check out this haunted hayride.
Scare Rating: Low
Evil Intentions
Realm of Terror
Evil Intentions
Location: Maple Park, IL
Arrival: 6:23pm
Welcome to your new home Evil Intention! We'll admit, as you can tell we arrived a bit early to observe the new home for Evil Intentions. We see what Evil Intentions is doing with this whole property, and you best believe once this build is complete the entire area will be one big monster of an investment.
Once arrived we could see the evil red lights throughout the property. While waiting in line there wasn't really line actors until we got the greenlight to enter a cornfield that had dim lighting. While walking through this cornfield it was loaded with scares, many of the scares were perfectly executed. After we finished the cornfield we then were met with the haunt. Outside the haunt there was a massive facade. However, there wasn't really the Evil Intentions detail that there use to be. Keep in mind this is a brand new location, so the build is still a process. We believe after a couple of years with this haunt settling in its new location the amazing detail will be there.
Throughout the remainder of the haunt there was scenes with mazing actors. Most of these scenes do have massive potential but, we must wait for this monster of a haunt to settle in. Overall, the space used inside this new building seemed to be utilized very well. We are very excited to see the upcoming years for Evil Intentions.
Scare Rating: Low
Insanity Haunted House
Insanity Haunted House
Insanity Haunted House
Location: Peru, IL
Arrival: 7:00pm
Our visit this year to Insanity by far exceeded our expectations. Yes, this haunt was fantastic. We arrived right at opening, music can be heard throughout the line. Many of the customers did seem to be having a good time. We then were met with two incredible line actors, these actors were lurking for a next victim in line. There was so many customers getting startled while waiting in line.
We then had the greenlight to enter the haunt. While in the rules room it was pretty self explanatory. After we entered the first room a slight creepy vibe settled in. This haunt was very consistent with scares. It was room after room with amazing scares, this haunt did absolutely fantastic with scares. Many rooms had a great use of scents along with lighting as well. This is was made that unsettling vibe come in.
One room that should be mentioned was like a chaos room, this whole area as a matter of fact was insane. Every room was the same but there was basically one way out, room after room after room it was really mind tricking. This haunt really tested your mental state.
On a closing note, Insanity did fantastic. This was just a beautiful haunt. We look forward to visiting year after year. This is a must not miss show!
Scare Rating: Really High
The Catacombs
Insanity Haunted House
Insanity Haunted House
Location: Chicago, IL
Arrival: 7:00pm
We had a pleasant visit to this haunt for the 2024 season. Every year we look forward to visiting this haunt, and this year we thought they did great as usual. Upon arrival there was a couple of line actors. Our wait in the line was short.
As soon as we entered the haunt an actress gave us a great introduction, you can tell she was dedicated to her role. After the introduction, we then entered the haunt. While we were in the dark Catacombs actors in every corner were waiting. Many rooms here had actors showing dedication to the role they were in. There was fear among everyone, some of these rooms you entered the door on the end you entered in got closed. This left you trapped with the actors in a small congested space. They then went chaotic.
As we continued to make our way throughout this haunt, we then made our way into a pitch black room. Again, we heard the doors from behind lock... This sent chills down our spines, lights all this sudden turned on. Actors in every corner of that room went crazy.
Personally we believe this haunt is a fantastic place to bring the family with. Personally, we highly recommend you people that are reading this to check this haunt out.
Scare Rating: Low
Killdare Haunted City
Insanity Haunted House
Killdare Haunted City
Location: Bridgeview, IL
Arrival: 7:22pm
Seems like Killdare did some massive renovations this year for the 2024 season. Not just a couple of renovations, more like seventy-five percent of the haunt has been completely redone. Seems like a completely new haunt if you ask us.
Our arrival was twenty-two minutes after opening, the haunt is kind of hidden. There are some signs on the side of the road to bring you to the destination. After we parked we can see that this haunt is outdoors, anyone can tell this is an old school haunt just by the looks of it. After we entered the line there was three line actors at the time. All three line actors focused more on entertaining the crowd, we do have to say they did do a fantastic job at it.
Our journey began in a forest, the path was very dark. There was many creatures lurking around, while on the path there was a couple of scenes. Once scene that caught our attention was a satanic temple. This specific scene had actors around every unexpected corner. After we escaped the forest we then were face to face with a creepy caboose. Before entering the caboose you can hear city sounds on speakers that can be heard throughout the entire haunt.
Many of the scenes had chaotic actors, but... the area that really stood out was the clown area. This specific clown area was just so different compared to the other haunts. Some other areas that stood out was a trailer. Now thus was a creepy one, there was two actors inside giving anyone who entered a welcoming/unwelcoming vibe.
In the end, Killdare did way better this year compared to previous years. With the amount of time it took us to finish this haunt, it is definitely a good bang for your buck.
Scare Rating: High
Factory of Fear
Terror at Skellington Manor
Killdare Haunted City
Location: Moline, IL
Arrival: 7:00pm
Factory of Fear was just a great haunt from the start. When entering the queue line the entire area was just fulfilled with detail. Our wait in line was short due to us arriving at opening. On a screen the rules to the haunt were displayed, the rules were pretty self explanatory.
As soon as the show began we then entered a church scene with red lights, the entire church had a demonic vibe to it. As we made our way through this amazing haunt there was just beautiful detail. This somewhat distracted us, this gave every single actor a great opportunity to execute a scare. One thing to mention is this haunt had just amazing consistency with scares in every single room.
There are so many areas we want to mention. However, this was the first for us. This haunt had a call center scene, phones were ringing, actors were perfectly timing scares left and right. It was just brutal! One more scene to mention was a slanted church, this church was just insanely trippy to the vision.
With how the layout was in Factory of Fear it was really different compared to other haunts. This layout was was completely built to empower the actors. Every actor had the power to get three scares in different rooms all from basically one location, very very clever.
Scare Rating: Medium
After we finished there was a second attraction call Fear Underground. Best way to describe this area... A PANIC TEST! We entered Fear Underground, there was nothing but loud music and complete darkness. Screams could be heard all throughout this second attraction. Again, there was just consistent scares, this was a true experience that will have many people talking about after.
Some of the scares that came into play were actors using light, which it did need you to adjust to the dark again after the scare was delivered. After this experience we would one hundred percent recommend this haunt to anyone.
Scare Rating: Really High
Shock House
Terror at Skellington Manor
Terror at Skellington Manor
Location: Rock Island, IL
Arrival: 8:33pm
Our travel was over one hundred miles to visit this great haunt, a little after arrival there were customers outside nervous to enter Shock House. After we purchased our ticket there was some vendors inside a venue area, after getting into line there was a good amount of actors terrorizing the waiting customers. These queue line actors did a great job with the customers.
After entering the show there was a sick laser wall, as we kept walking forward we approached what seemed to be the outside of a house. Once entering actors came in out of nowhere. All actors did scare forward, this was a great way to keep the flow of the show perfect. Many of these scenes consisted of pop out scares. As our journey continued there was basically no animatronics. So that just shows this is a naturally aspirated actor driven haunt, which everyone loves.
Later on we then came to another part of the haunt that was 3D. After entering there were amazing visuals from head to toe, sadly the 3D portion wasn't really that long, cause it was a really fun experience.
One of the final areas was a blackout portion. this part had great jump scares in many areas. Many parts in this threw us off, it was a great show done by Shock House.
Scare Rating: Medium
Terror at Skellington Manor
Terror at Skellington Manor
Terror at Skellington Manor
Location: Rock Island, IL
Arrival: 9:33pm
Terror at Skellington Manor is a multi level haunted attraction. We noticed some icon horror actors in the queue line. Even with our arrival being late the wait time in line was short.
When the greenlight was given to us we walked up a flight of stairs, the opening scene had a very old school type of vibe to it. Many rooms were dark but had the perfect use of dim lighting, the entire haunt was just a fantastic old school show. All actors inside this haunt did fantastic, they all made our experience great.
Now how about we mention some rooms that stood out. One area that really stood out was the clown area called Freak Show, this was such a simple but effective setup. This room had a good amount of actors in it, the actors did a great job engaging with customers, a specific part of this area was really cool. There was a animatronic band playing, we did stop and soak in the beautiful scenery throughout the whole Freak Show area.
Our final area was a chainsaw scene, this was way different from any other haunt we have ever seen. While getting frightened by chainsaws there was gates. However, these gates were moved by the actors changing paths leaving you trapped. Many customers were screaming in this entire area. In the end this was one of the best old school haunt experiences ever. So... if you have time, please go and check this amazing haunt out!
Scare Rating: Medium
Necrosis Haunted House
Necrosis Haunted House
Necrosis Haunted House
Location: Rantoul, IL
Arrival: 7:30pm
Necrosis in our opinion performed a beautiful show for the 2024 season. As usual we arrived at opening time, there was a good amount of actors lurking outside. Many people were getting photos with the line actors, most people arrived twenty minutes before opening but, the line actors were outside already.
We waited roughly around nineteen minutes in line, there was a good taste of heavy metal music playing in line as well. Once we entered the haunt we got a good scare right off the bat, the actor popped out of a panel swinging both doors open creating a loud bang. Some actors did blend in with the dark perfectly, so as you can guess a great scare was delivered. Our favorite area was the hotel scene. This part had an animatronic on stairs that came down at you with a strobe light lighting up the area.
This haunt consisted of pop out scares, and they were definitely effective, the group behind was so scared they even caught up to us. Keep in mind we don't walk slow. That just shows how great Necrosis did this year. While continuing our journey we noticed a couple of new props, and lets just say they went very well in each scene they were put in.
Nearly every actor dominated the role they were in, and due to this it made Necrosis a great show. What also made this a great show was just how well every actor knew the area they were working in. Everyone looked comfortable and knew their power zones in the rooms.
To anyone in the Rantoul area this year for October, go on and take a visit to Necrosis. In our opinion this was the best year yet!
Scare Rating: High
Hayride of Horror
Necrosis Haunted House
Necrosis Haunted House
Location: Lockport, IL
Arrival: 6:57pm
Based off of our visit this year to Hayride of Horror, we highly recommend anyone that is looking for a family outing to come here this October. Once we arrived there was a good amount of activities to do before starting the journey on the Hayride of Horror. There was a really cool vendor that was charging five dollars to get buried alive, and honestly we couldn't resist.
Once we were in line there was a decent amount of line actors interacting with the crowd. Some of these line actors got great scares from the crowd just by doing simple but effective techniques. After the line we then began our journey on the hayride. There was an enormous open field with many different scenes. One thing to mention is the actors did great with timing when it came to scares. One specific are that did well was a scene where actors had bats. All of the actors were beating the bats on a car emitting a loud sound. Many of the customers on the hayride seemed entertained in this area. Close to the end of the hayride there was another scene. This scene was like a doctor based area, there was patients screaming! Out of nowhere a very creepy doctor came on the hayride looking at all of the customers, we are pretty sure he was looking for his next victim.
In the end the hayride was great, with a good amount of scenes and actors. Also, there is a second attraction as well. This one is called Curse Of The Bayou.
Scare Rating: Low
Once in line for Curse Of The Bayou we noticed it was outdoors as well. We could hear screams all throughout this second attraction. After we entered there was a good use of lighting so everyone can have a clear view of the path. This second attraction was just loaded with scares, these actors were also very interactive as well. Of course there is a part with a chainsaw! However the actor that had the chainsaw was going all in scaring every single person who passed. While making our way through the actors did kind of slow you down to keep the groups nice and spaced out so no one will collide with other groups, very well done. An actress did specifically stop me, she wanted the "skull guy" that was on my shoulder, this actress did creep me out, there was a sweet but also demonic voice she used. All Actors in this second attraction just did great!
This was just a great experience overall! If any of you have any free days during the weekends in October please come by and visit Hayride of Horror.
Scare Rating: Medium
Boo Crew Haunted House
Necrosis Haunted House
Boo Crew Haunted House
Location: Mechanicsburg, IL
Arrival: 7:10pm
Boo Crew is a continuous high ranked haunt every single year on our Top 5 List. This monster of a haunt never seems to disappoint us ever! About ten minutes after opening we arrived to the amazing Boo Crew. This place was packed! We must warn you, this haunt sells out almost every night. So, get your tickets in advance.
Every year we go here this haunt does amazing at handling sold out nights, we personally feel they know the perfect amount of customers to sell to before stopping sales. While in line there was a great amount of line actors, these actors did just straight up scares, and let me tell you it worked every single time. We have never heard so many screams from a queue line before. After leaving the line there was a really cool barn, but pay close attention. After a certain amount of time a red light goes on and the barn looks like it just went up into flames. We then entered a creepy cabin, this part was really cool. There was a short video played that was telling us about the twenty-five year history of Boo Crew.
Once our journey began in the woods there was a very unsettling feeling. Actors from left to right came out with just beautifully executed scares. Many scenes in the woods caught our attention but, one specific area took the cake! We encountered a plane but then... IT CAME CRASHING DOWN! This amazing animatronic got the scare of a lifetime out of us. Some other areas that were really cool was a hearse, but a surprise came with that hearse. Out of the Blue a coffin came sliding from the back, the amazing team at Boo Crew have some very unique ways to distract you to set up a great scare. So many areas caught our attention in the woods. What also should be mentioned is that the path this year seemed brand new.
Once we finished with the first part of the haunt there was the haunted house. There was a short wait to enter inside, as soon as we entered there was very well lit rooms, throughout most of the haunt every single room had great lighting. We also noticed a massive change in the haunt as well. For the 2024 season the team at Boo Crew went all out with new renovations, they took something that worked before but made it better. These actors did seem to work every corner very well. From left to right there was continuous scares that were just beautifully executed.
While continuing our journey, we noticed a fantastic use of scent in about every room. Every scent used matched every scene without diluting the next scene. Overall, this haunt did amazing this year. We look forward to visiting every year! GREAT JOB BOO CREW!
Scare Rating: EXTREMELY HIGH
Izabella's Curse
Izabella's Curse
Boo Crew Haunted House
Location: Decatur, IL
Arrival: 9:45pm
Izabella's Curse is now entering their second year, lets just say... NOT BAD! We arrived two hours and forty-five minutes after they opened, the location for the haunt was just a little hidden. After we parked there was customers in the parking lot who were very happy with the experience this haunt gave them. After purchasing our ticket we then went into the line area. There was an amazing actress going up and down the line. Our wait in line was very short as well, I believe we were in line for about six minutes before entering the haunt.
Once our journey began there was an amazing actor right off the bat. Standing in front of a house scene this actor had a death whistle, the death whistle let off this horrifying sound echoing throughout the entire building. We then entered the house scene, there was a really cool kitchen that had some good detail in it. We had to stop a bit and look around this scene as we found it very simple but unique. Izabella's Curse had many cool scenes. One specific actor did manage to get a great scare from us. This actor had a head attached to a string, the actor then lunged the prop head at us. From that prop head flying towards us it sent us backwards.
There was some other parts that were great as well. Like the blackout maze was very interesting, usually we are not a fan of those but, this haunt did seem to make it work very well.
This haunt in the end was short but really fun. After we finished we met the most down to earth haunt owner ever. We believe as years go on this will be one of the Best haunts in Illinois, and we Highly recommend anyone to take a visit to Izabella's Curse!
Scare Rating: Medium
Home haunt reviews 2024
The Nightmare Haunted House
The Nightmare Haunted House
The Nightmare Haunted House
Location: Minooka, IL
Arrival: 8:30pm
Year after year this home haunt continues to break records. Now, lets begin with how this prome haunt did for the 2024 haunt season.
There was a massive line as soon as we arrived. We could spot out a massive number of line actors outside entertaining the crowd. There was a very cool yard display right on the side of the home as well. Once we made our way to the front of the line we noticed this years theme was an asylum based theme. After entering we were given a short introduction, the two actors in this area did a phenomenal job. After the first scene there was a really cool area that had a gate with chains on it, the actor behind it was moving this gate back and forth having the chains make a loud sound. This was a simple but affective scare.
This haunt also had just the perfect amount of lighting and fog, the use of the two FX together made each and every detail in the rooms stand out. Another area that we will mention was the last room. This was such a sickening area, there was a toilet but with manure just plastered on every wall and corner. While in this room a sickening smell was used to make this scene come to life, we loved every single second of it. Even though this haunt was short since it is in a garage, the sad part was seeing this haunt end.
If you are curious for any home haunts in Illinois, we highly recommend you taking a visit to The Nightmare Haunted House!
Scare Rating: Medium
Night Terrors
The Nightmare Haunted House
The Nightmare Haunted House
Location: Yorkville, IL
Arrival: 8:52pm
For the past two years we have been visiting this home haunt ran by an amazing family. On our visit for this year it sure did not disappoint, as soon as we arrived we saw it was packed! It always makes us happy to see a haunt packed. We then went in line, there was a good amount of line actors as well, and for this being a home haunt we were shocked by how pro ran it was.
Once we entered the haunt there was a very well lit room, right away we received a great startle scare from a phenomenal actor. We then continued our way through Nigh Terrors, there was an actress that also gave us a startle scare as well. She was lurking around the corner without us even knowing, with the great use of light FX used in the haunt the costumes along with makeup on all the actors looked great. Although the haunt was in a garage they did a great job with expanding this haunt just a bit by adding a large tent on the outside with the haunts logo on the side facing the line area.
Unfortunately, we did get told this would be the last year of Night Terrors. Which made us sad as it is tradition to take a visit to this amazing home haunt every year.
Once we finished the haunt there was a merch booth, obviously we had to take a stop and look at all the amazing Night Terrors merch they had. On a closing note, we hope Night Terrors continues their legacy in the future with haunting.
Scare Rating: Medium
Horror On Highland
The Nightmare Haunted House
Horror On Highland
Location: Lockport, IL
Arrival: 7:12pm
We were sent am invite to visit this haunt from last season, thankfully we found the time to take a visit this year! While walking up to the location there was just a beautiful yard display, on top of that just a massive facade that was just a bit taller then the actual home.
After a short wait in line, we then entered the haunt. Right away an actor got a good scare out of us, after the scare we looked around and noticed that this haunt was beautifully built using mostly pallets. Now it was a bit difficult knowing what some of the scenes were. However, when we did arrive we expected this to be like you know a haunt based from a garage, but, it wasn't! They used every single inch they could to make this haunt a pro experience. It took Roughly eleven minutes to finish this beautiful home haunt.
This experience overall was just great, another thing that must be mentioned was how great the costumes were on the actors. Everyone did seem to match the scene they were in very well. Obviously, that made the experience better as well. On top of that the lighting used in this haunt was just perfectly done as well, to be honest, we see ourselves making it a tradition to come back every single year. We highly recommend this home haunt to anyone!
Scare Rating: Medium/High