Spooky Season in Central Illinois: A Guide to Haunted Attractions
As the leaves change colors and the air turns cooler, the spirit of Halloween begins to take hold in Central Illinois. With the scent of pumpkin spice in the air, many are preparing for a season filled with spooky fun. From haunted houses to family-friendly events, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a look at some of the most popular attractions that promise a mix of fear and excitement.
Aura Haunted House: A Glimpse into the Past
Located in Bartonville at the old Peoria State Hospital, the Aura Haunted House is one of the most intriguing spots in the area. The site was once a state psychiatric hospital that operated from 1902 to 1973. According to the attraction’s website, tuberculosis became a major issue in 1906, leading to the segregation of patients. This eventually led to the construction of the Pollak Hospital Building in 1949, which now serves as the location for this haunting experience.
The Aura Haunted House will open on weekends starting September 26 and will run through November 1. Guests can purchase tickets on their website. The building is located at 4500 Enterprise Drive.
Vibes Haunted House: A New Addition with a Dark History
In Creve Couer, the Vibes Haunted House is making its debut this year. While it’s new, the story behind the building dates back to the 1950s. The attraction is based on a school that once stood on the site, which reportedly had strange occurrences. According to the website, the school started with a bright and upbeat atmosphere, but things quickly turned dark. Reports of children vanishing and janitors found catatonic in a boiler room began to surface.
The story claims that one day, everyone inside the school vanished without a trace, leaving only the sound of people walking the halls at night. The entity responsible is known as “Vibe,” short for “Voices Inside Beckon Enigmas.” The attraction opens on October 3 and runs every Friday and Saturday for the month. Tickets are available on their website.
Old State Mine Haunted Trail: A Journey Through Darkness
Another popular spot in Bartonville is the Old State Mine Haunted Trail. This attraction is based on the legend of an old mining village taken over by an entity known as “Doom.” Visitors follow a trail through the “Doom-infested mine” before heading into the haunted village known as “Old Town.”
Along the way, guests learn about the origins of Doom’s plan for assimilation. Those who make it through the town reach the Dark Well Museum, where the museum’s curator has boarded up the space, allowing the “evil and haunted” artifacts to inhabit the grounds. The trail opens on September 27 and operates Fridays and Saturdays through October until midnight. It is located at 4400 Industry Road.
Spider Hill Haunted Attractions: Two Sides of Horror
Spider Hill in Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe offers two haunted attractions. The first is the “Massacre Mansion,” which spans over 8,000 square feet of “frightful occurrences.” The mansion has recently been redesigned to elevate the horror experience.
The second attraction is the “Trail of Terror,” a long and winding path through the black timbers of Three Sisters Park. The trail is described as a haunted forest filled with terrifying twists, even turning seemingly innocent images like a circus into spine-chilling experiences. Both attractions are open every Friday and Saturday in October.
Spook Hollow: A Legacy of Fear
Spook Hollow in Marquette Heights is one of the oldest haunted attractions in the area. According to the website, the lore behind it dates back to Sir Osiris, who owned the land and built a mining town. However, his reign ended abruptly when he died under mysterious circumstances. Montgomery Crescent took over, but his rule was short-lived, as he too met a tragic end.
Legend has it that after Montgomery’s death, he awoke the dead from the town’s cemetery to haunt what is now known as “Spook Hollow.” The attraction is open on the last three Fridays and Saturdays in October, located at 613 Lasalle Blvd. Tickets can be purchased on the website.
Blood Moon Manor: An Outdoor Experience
Blood Moon Manor in Forest City offers an “old school” outdoor haunted attraction. It will be open starting September 26 and 27, running every weekend through October, including Halloween. The attraction will also feature vendors and special deals, so checking their Facebook page is recommended for the latest updates. It is located at 310 S. Broadway.
Haunted Trail: A Mix of Scary and Family-Friendly Fun
The town of Normal is offering its 30th annual Haunted Trail, which includes both a scary and not-so-scary weekend. The Scary Haunted Trail will take place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on October 24 and 25, while the Not-So-Scary Haunted Trail will run from 6 to 8 p.m. on October 16 through 18.
Wildlife Scary Park: A Family-Friendly Event
Wildlife Prairie Park, now known as Scary Park, is set to host its 40th annual spooky event. This family-friendly event takes place at 3826 N. Taylor Road in Hanna City every Friday and Saturday in October. The event features entertainment, food, drink, and spooky fun, with a $5 per person charge (cash only). Donations of canned food can also count toward free admission.
Zootober: A Family-Friendly Fright Fest
Peoria Zoo’s Zootober is another family-friendly option. Each weekend in October, after the sun goes down, the zoo transforms into a “family-friendly fright fest.” The event features immersive Halloween scenes, dazzling light displays, live actors, themed food and drinks, and costume contests. No animals are on exhibit, but visitors will meet eerie new “creatures” lurking in the shadows. Live entertainment keeps the excitement going all evening. Tickets can be purchased on the website.
