Scare Yourself Silly With The Top 10 Halloween Road Trips

We all like a good scare from time to time. Whether a Halloween haunted house or a haunted location with history behind it, there’s something for everyone. Some attractions are more adult themed while others are good for the whole family. (For more information, read our “Haunted House Owners: Ward Off Costly Accidents with Insurance“).

While many people think of a haunted attraction as being pitch black, this isn’t always the case. Here are some of the top attractions across the country.

#1 – Eastern State Penitentiary – Philadelphia, PA

A sinister penitentiary from 1829 to 1971, this now abandoned prison is home to more than people dressed up in spooky costumes.

The Eastern State Penitentiary is said to actually be haunted by malignant spirits and has been explored by over 60 paranormal investigation teams, including TV shows like  Ghost Adventures and Scariest Places on Earth. For Halloween, you can travel here to explore its 11-acre facility—complete with frightening actors, pitch dark passageways, and maybe even a real ghost or two.

#2 – The 13th Gate – Baton Rouge, LA

Louisiana is home to a ton of Hollywood professionals. That’s why this haunted house is so spook-tacular. With the help from some of the best special effects artists in Hollywood, you’ll experience a haunted house straight out of the movies. We dare you not to scream at the 200 actors who are skilled at thrills as you take the 30-minute walk through the venue’s many different themes. There is also a haunted maze next door for extra scary fun.

#3 – Netherworld – Atlanta, GE

Travel down to Georgia to give yourself a few premature gray hairs. Stay away if you have a heart condition.

Netherworld Haunted House has risen to fame because of its attention to terrifying detail. With elaborate costumes, inventive monsters, expert stuntmen, and more, you’ll have to resist the urge to close your eyes and get into the fetal position while you meander through this haunted house.

#4 – Fright Factory – Philadelphia, PA

This 25,000 sq. foot haunt-orium is the self-proclaimed, “scariest haunted house in Philly.” Staged in a 105-year old building, expect to scream as you fumble through the dark corridors and into petrifying monsters. If you want more out of this Halloween, you can buy a VIP pass that lets you skip the line and dress up to become one of the cast members.

#5 – House of Torment – Austin, TX

Ranked as one of America’s scariest haunted houses year after year, expect the best of your worst fears here. With three separate haunted attractions, you can take a breather in between or keep the goosebumps going by heading into one after another. You may need to stop between as the House of Torment brings to life your worst nightmares.

#6 – The Darkness – St. Louis, MO

The Darkness just may be America’s most terrifying. Not only does it have regular haunted houses, but a 3D video experience that will make your skin crawl. Every year, The Darkness also gets a total terrifying facelift to keep guests jumping. With it’s special effects and over-the-top set design, it might be a smart idea to bring a change of pants. If you live near St. Louis, the scare fanatic in you may want to do this again and again.

#7 – BLACKOUT – New York, NY / Los Angeles, CA / San Francisco, CA

This is one twisted haunted house that takes the scare factor to new levels. All guests must go in absolutely alone. You will be touched, yelled at, made to follow orders, and terrified. There is a safe word if you can’t take the terror, but all other bets are off. Expect way more than zombies here. It’s more like scenes from a slasher movie.

#8 – Castle of Chaos – Salt Lake City, UT

Customize your fright fest by selecting the level of scariness you want to experience. If you hate being touched, opt for the lowest level of fear. If you don’t want any rules impeding your screams, go for the highest level. Choose to go as a group or go it alone. Whatever you pick, you won’t be spared from the petrifying nature in Castle of Chaos.

#9 – Ghoullog – North Conway, NH

With an abandoned asylum theme, this year’s frights at Ghoullog won’t disappoint.  Roam through 15,000 sq. feet of twists, turns, and unexpected intrusions. Then, take a chilling stroll through ther pitch black woods outside with nothing but a glow stick to light your way.

#10 – Bates Motel and Haunted Hayride – Glen Mills, PA

Unfortunately, this hayride doesn’t feature any relaxing apple picking. Hop aboard and get ready for 25 minutes of jumps, blood curdling screams, and gasps. Rated the scariest haunted attraction in America, this creepy hayride features a number of grotesque scenes you’ll have to drive through to escape.