Get ready for a spooky season like no other! Several of the nation’s most renowned haunted attractions are opening their doors earlier than usual this year, kicking off the festivities on Friday, September 13th. The iconic ‘Friday the 13th’ movie franchise, spanning over 40 years, has cemented the date as a symbol of fear and terror in our culture, making it the perfect time to launch the haunted house season.
HauntedAmerica.com has curated a list of 13 of the nation’s most sophisticated and spine-chilling haunted attractions, each renowned for its immersive storytelling and elaborate production. These destinations boast trained actors in elaborate costumes, state-of-the-art animation, and special effects that create truly terrifying experiences. Each attraction has earned a place in national rankings and has been featured in major outlets like the Travel Channel, Discovery Channel, Southern Living, and Buzzfeed.
Here’s a glimpse into what’s haunting America this year, with each attraction opening on September 13th unless otherwise noted:
13th Gate, Baton Rouge, Louisiana:
This year, guests will descend into underground sewers teeming with twisted carnival misfits, navigating flooded passageways and eerie tunnels. The Carnevil Haunted Midway offers live music and a brand-new horror-themed selfie museum. Opening on September 27th, the 13th Gate also features Flashlight Friday nights on November 1st and 2nd.Bennett’s Curse Haunted House, Baltimore:
Known for its extreme scares, this attraction features giant, menacing monsters, ancient demons, vampires, and deranged medical patients. New additions include “The Crypt” and a haunting outdoor attraction.Cutting Edge, Fort Worth, Texas:
Located in a 116-year-old abandoned meat packing plant in Historic Hell’s Half Acre, Cutting Edge was voted #1 USA TODAY Best Haunted Attraction in 2023. It has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the “World’s Largest Haunted House” four times.The Darkness, St. Louis:
With over 1 million TikTok followers, The Darkness has undergone a full renovation, adding 15 new animations, scenes, and screams. The site also features a massive horror retail shop, arcade, and escape room.The Dent Schoolhouse, Cincinnati:
Set in a haunted 1894 schoolhouse, this attraction now offers a new Monster Midway, complete with monster photo opportunities, axe throwing, mini escape games, and donuts. Owner Bud Stross promises these additions are the icing on the cake after the terrifying schoolhouse experience.Erebus, Pontiac, Michigan:
This attraction takes guests on a half-mile walk through four stories of terrifying paths, including a swamp, bottomless pit, mutant gorilla, and baby T-Rex. Guests are even buried alive. Erebus has been featured on the Travel Channel and Discovery Channel. New this year: a Trick or Treat haunt.Factory of Terror, Canton, Ohio:
This mile-long maze offers industrial-strength scares in a former aluminum foundry. The attraction employs 130 actors across five chilling sets, with stories of massacre and evil. For those who can’t handle the full experience, a bar-only ticket is available.Georgetown Morgue Haunted House, Seattle:
The only professional haunted house in Washington state, this former morgue is steeped in local lore, including the tale of nine staff members who were cremated against their will. Guests can test their nerves in the Dark Maze (extra fee).Haunted Overload, Lee, New Hampshire:
This outdoor haunted trail, set on a five-acre farm, features 50-foot-tall wooden structures and sculptures, illuminated by hundreds of hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns. New this year: a gigantic wasp haunt with threatening, buzzing hives.Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Attraction, Ulster Park, New York:
This Hudson Valley hamlet boasts 250 actors and 13 attractions. New for this year: the “Darkest Offering” hayride and Gardens of Widows Walk, plus Jacko’s Inferno, a trail lit by Jacko’s dark imagination.HellsGate Haunted House, Lockport, Illinois:
Located an hour from Chicago, this multi-level mansion features secret passages, giant slides, and undead abominations. New this year: guests venture into the sewers to uncover a hidden laboratory. The attraction is owned by a SAG-AFTRA actor. Opening on September 27th.Kersey Valley Spookywoods, Archdale, North Carolina:
Celebrating 40 years of haunting, this 92-acre farm in North Carolina offers nine all-new sets with 260 actors. Guests will be chased by the Yeti in a snowy cave and stumble upon a murder scene at the No-Vacancy Motel. Opening on September 27th.Salt Lake Fear Factory, Salt Lake City, Utah:
Set in a 100-year-old Portland Cement Factory, this attraction spans six buildings of industrial-grade fear. The Travel Channel’s “Ghost Adventures” crew was shocked by the paranormal activity here. The site includes six stories and two underground passages. Opening on September 6th.Prepare yourself for a haunting season like no other, with these terrifying attractions leading the charge across the country. Whether you’re seeking immersive storytelling, extreme scares, or a dash of real-life paranormal activity, there’s a haunted house out there to satisfy your spooky cravings.
