Top Haunted Attractions in US Include Legend of a Murderous Janitor

Across the country, people are finding that a good scare can be surprisingly good fun. As the Halloween season nears its end, America Haunts—the association of the nation’s premier haunted attractions—highlighted some of the nation’s most accessible and unforgettable haunted attractions, including the legend of a murderous janitor at a haunted house in Ohio.

The Dent Schoolhouse in Cincinnati, an abandoned schoolhouse turned haunted attraction, tells the grisly legend of a murderous janitor, blending history and horror to perfection. The attraction closes Nov. 8.

Other top haunts by state include:

CALIFORNIA: Haunted Trail of Balboa Park, San Diego—Closing Nov. 1­—A mile-long outdoor screamfest through the twisted trails of Balboa Park, where visitors face scenes so real it feels like stepping into a slasher film.

GEORGIA: NETHERWORLD Haunted House, Atlanta Metro—Closing Nov. 8—Known for Hollywood-level special effects and monstrous animatronics, NETHERWORLD continues to set the bar for professional haunting nationwide.

KENTUCKY: Talon Falls Scream Park, Paducah Metro—Closing Nov. 1—Combining haunted woods, horror sets, and live actors, Talon Falls delivers an immersive fright experience across a massive scream park that offers fun yet fuels nightmares.

LOUISIANA: 13th Gate, Baton Rouge—Closing Nov. 8—Famous for its movie-quality sets and bone-chilling realism, 13th Gate dares guests to journey through realms of terror that are like no other.

MARYLAND: Bennett’s Curse Haunted House, Baltimore Metro—Closing Nov. 8—A visual spectacle of gothic horror and creature design, Bennett’s Curse is celebrated for its monstrous scale and electrifying energy.

MICHIGAN: Erebus Haunted Attraction, Detroit Metro—Closing Nov. 2—A record-breaking haunted house, Erebus’ mad scientist traps guests in a four-story labyrinth of fear that is terrifyingly immersive, especially when they realize they’re the experiment.

MINNESOTA: Dead End Hayride, Minneapolis Metro—Closing Nov. 2—A terrifying trek through forest trails and ghostly barns, Dead End Hayride delivers a heart-pounding journey straight into the dark woods of terror.

MISSOURI: Edge of Hell Haunted Attraction, Kansas City Metro—Closing Nov. 1—Located in the West Bottoms historic district alongside Macabre Cinema, these legendary haunts allow thrill seekers to prolong the fright by exploring them together.

NEW HAMPSHIRE: SpookyWorld, Boston Metro—Closing Nov. 1—As one of New England’s largest scream parks, SpookyWorld combines haunts, rides, and twisted fun for every flavor of fear for the best of times.

NEW YORK: Headless Horseman Hayrides & Haunted Attractions, New York City— Closing Nov. 1—Experience the legend of the Headless Horseman with relentless scares, cinematic hayrides, and haunted villages that bring folklore to life.

NORTH CAROLINA: Spooky Woods, Greensboro/High Point Metro —Closing Nov. 1—A pioneer in the haunted attraction industry, Spooky Woods turns its natural forest into an eerie stage of immersive fear and larger-than-life storytelling.

PENNSYLVANIA: Bates Motel & Haunted Hayride, Philadelphia—Closing Nov. 2
Combining unbelievable haunt and hayride experiences with high-energy performances, Bates Motel combines the classic and cutting-edge to be at the top of frightful fun.

TEXAS: Cutting Edge Haunted House, Fort Worth—Closing Nov. 1—Set inside an abandoned meat-packing plant, Cutting Edge uses real industrial machinery for a relentless sensory overload and zombie drumline that drives the pulse of the show.

UTAH: Nightmare on 13th, Salt Lake City—Closing Nov. 7—Renowned for its elaborate sets and immersive storytelling, Nightmare on 13th transforms classic nightmares into new, terrifying experiences each season.