With Halloween season in full swing theme parks like Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort are revelling in the spooky occasion, the latter going so far as to dub its annual fearful festivities “Halloween Horror Nights.” But the advent of “scream tourism” is no longer specific to Oct. 31.
According to America Haunts, the US national association of premier haunted attractions, committed to excellence and originality in fear-based entertainment, “What was once a local Halloween tradition has now become a pilgrimage for thrill seekers eager to explore the scariest places in (North) America.”
The association says its members – “top-tier haunt operators are known for their ability to deliver innovative and immersive, unforgettable scares” – cater to over a million visitors annually.
It adds, “Thrillseekers are packing their bags and hitting the road… to get their fright fix. This fear-entertainment trend has haunted attraction enthusiasts booking fright flights or taking a road trip going far and wide to experience (the) best scares.”
The organization cites recent surveys suggesting that an increasing number of people are planning trips specifically to visit haunted attractions, creating a boon for the travel industry, especially during the fall “spooky season.”
While there are dozens of attractions across the continent – and those all-in theme parks – America Haunts suggests that visiting these five unique gems is a “grave necessity”:
- The Factory of Terror – Canton, Ohio: Factory of Terror in Canton, OH, is a premier haunted destination, boasting the Guinness World Record for the longest indoor haunted attraction. Spanning five horrifying sections, it offers an unparalleled blend of immersive environments, terrifying actors, and mind-blowing effects. As a magnet for thrill seekers, it’s a must-visit for those seeking the ultimate haunted experience in the US. It isn’t just a haunt – it’s a destination with four uniquely themed places outside the haunt, extending the chilling immersive atmosphere to socialize and enjoy the thrills beyond the scares.
- Kersey Valley SpookyWoods Haunted Attraction – Greensboro/High Point, NC: Kersey Valley SpookyWoods in North Carolina stands out with its blend of immersive storytelling, Hollywood-level special effects, and meticulously crafted sets that go on for acres. Visitors are drawn to this megahaunt with its spine-tingling surprises. With its relentless attention to detail and a reputation for delivering top-tier scares at night and fun and games by day, SpookyWoods consistently ranks among the nation’s elite haunted attractions.
- The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park – San Diego, Ca.: The Haunted Trail of Balboa in San Diego is an outdoor terror unlike any other. Winding through the dark, twisted paths of Balboa Park, it immerses visitors in a nightmarish journey filled with ghastly creatures and terrifying jolts of super scares. Known for its heart-pounding fright and eerie atmosphere in tourist-friendly San Diego, it’s a top choice for those seeking the ultimate scary-fun thrill.
- Talon Falls Screampark – Paducah/Melber, Kentucky: Talon Falls Screampark, nestled in the unnerving woods of Kentucky, is a horror lover’s dream. With terrifying trails, spine-chilling haunts, and immersive experiences, it’s a must-visit for thrillseekers. Talon Falls is the main attraction, with themes ranging from vampires and voodoo to the Undertaker. It is more geared to scare, making it one of the nation’s top destinations for scream-worthy fun.
- Beast Haunted Attraction – Kansas City, Missouri: For those who prefer their scares with a side of history, Beast Haunted Attraction offers a hauntingly unique experience. Just blocks away from the Beast is the grandaddy of haunts, Edge of Hell – celebrating its 50th season and is the oldest haunt in the nation. The Beast pioneered an open format in its massive six-story building with imposing architecture to fiercely compete with Edge of Hell. Scream tourists can go to both for extraordinary screams and laughter.