Terror by the Tracks (Chatham, IL)
This haunt gets a family friendly rating. The story of a virus outbreak was solid and the technology used was very interesting and well placed. However, on the scares side, this house was a little light for the older crowd. There are some confusing twists and turns, but it goes fairly quickly and the creatures and others ghouls throughout aren’t as interactive as other haunts. The price can’t be beat at $5, and that makes it an affordable attraction for the whole family. Check them out on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ChathamHauntedHouse?ref=ts&fref=ts
Carter Brothers Haunted Hayride (Springfield, IL)
This is a family event with both laughs and scares in store. This is the Carter Brothers 27th year for their Haunted Hayride. A new addition this year is the Halls of Terror event. Attendees can get into both events for $10. Visit their website at http://carterhayrides.brinkster.net/ for full details.
Auburn Haunted House
Great haunt. The theme of “Tortured Souls” was great and present throughout, with rooms set up strictly to move the story along. There are several different types of scares in this haunt. According to their website children under 9 are not allowed, so leave the youngsters at home. This house will cost you $8, but it will cost you a lot more than that in patience. Several groups waited for over two hours, and beware of groups who missed their numbers jumping in front of you in line. There website is http://www.auburnhauntedhouse.com/.
217 Terror (Jacksonville, IL)
This year’s theme is “Mornings Mist,” and is a military caused zombie outbreak. In addition to the haunted house, 217 Terror is offering Zombie Paintball for only $2 for 10 shots. The tickets for this haunt are $8 or $13 for a speed pass. They are also open from Oct. 26-30. Visit http://217terror.com/ for full details.
Boo Crew (Rochester, IL)
Boo Crew’s haunt theme seems to be demented circus related, but there website isn’t very exact. Tickets are $8 for adults or $13 for a speed pass, or $6 for 10 and under. Boo Crew also offers a unique feature of various levels of scare, including traditional, Halloween light (which protects you from the monsters of the house), and a monster guided flashlight tour of the haunt. For full details, check them out on the web at http://www.boocrew.com/.
Terror on the Square (Petersburg, IL)
Celebrating their 20th year, Terror on the Square is located in an old funeral home in the historic part of Petersburg. This haunt combines high tech and old fashioned for a good scare. Tickets are $9 or a Terror pass for $15, but they only give out 50 of these a night. Children 10 and under are $7. This year they have a new addition with the Illusions Show, which is $5. For more info visit http://terrorontheweb.com/.
Springfield Jaycees (Springfield, IL)
Jaycees in Springfield is not hosting a haunted house this year, instead they are hosting a HalloWhomp “Central Illinois Halloween Bass Bash,” at the Expo Building on the State Fair Grounds. This event is on Oct. 25 from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. You must me 16 to enter and 21 to drink. Admission is only $7 at the door. To see what bands will be playing, go to http://www.springfieldjaycees.org/haunted.htm.
