DETROIT AREA HAUNTED HOUSES FOR HALLOWEEN FUN IN 2024

Looking to have a hauntingly good time enjoying scare attractions around Metro Detroit this Halloween season? Here is a list of scare zones that are open for business around the Detroit area in 2024 to provide visitors with horror experiences during this spooky time of the year:

Azra Chamber of Horrors (Madison Heights)

In the far reaches of the cosmos, where stars die there existed a forbidden dimension known as “The Chamber of Horrors.” It was said that within this realm, Azra, an ancient and powerful dragon, had collected the scariest fears from across the universe and confined them in a single space. With every fear imprisoned, the dimension had become an unimaginable nightmare. Legends of the chamber had spread like whispers through galaxies, warning all who dared to venture there. But some beings, consumed by curiosity or blinded by ambition, couldn’t resist the temptation of unlocking the secrets hidden within.

Rated number one Haunt in Michigan, top 20 in the country, and boasting the rating of #1 fan favorite in the country via Scare Factor, this interactive multi-level maze of a haunted house was formally one of the greatest laser tag arenas around. A variety of attractions are offered at the site including axe throwing, rage rooms, and escape rooms in addition to the Azra Chambers of Horrors. Not recommended for children under 12.

Haunted Erebus (Pontiac) 

Dr. Colber, a mad scientist obsessed with time travel actually figured out how to make it work! But in doing this, every time he got one of his subjects into another time period, that time period itself looked at them as a virus and wiped them out! Obsessed with trying to make this work, he sent more and more of his employees into the time machine until he ran out of time, money, and subjects… 

Which brought him to a brilliant idea! Disguise his time machine as a haunted house! Now, he has end endless supply of human guinea pigs to use in his experiment, and better yet… they unknowingly fund the program. This attraction is not recommended for children under 13.

Rotten Manor (Holly)

Rotten Manor is a highly detailed and immersive haunted attraction that includes, The Manor, The Rotten Forest/Aslyum, and The Rotten Theatre. The Manor & The Forest/Asylum are approximately 35-45 minutes long. The Rotten Hayride takes you on a chilling ride through the haunted woods of Rotten Manor. The Rotten Theatre is an old-timey vintage-style Theatre and is about 25 minutes long. The Rotten Theatre will have a variety of immersive horror-themed performances including a deep dive into who Mr. & Mrs. Rotten are and how they came to reside at what is known as Rotten Manor. And if that wasn’t enough Rotten Manor has a midway full of carnival-themed games & activities for the entire family to enjoy.

Eloise Asylum (Westland) 

Established in 1839, Eloise Asylum was initially built as a psychiatric hospital for the mentally ill. Over the years, it evolved into a complex encompassing various medical facilities, including a tuberculosis sanatorium and a poorhouse. The asylum’s history is filled with tales of compassion, tragedy, and mystery, making it a fascinating place to explore.

Now it provides the setting for a haunted house attraction that features cutting-edge production technology and Hollywood-level, state-of-the-art effects. This adrenaline-pumping journey through eerie corridors and haunted walls is not for the faint-hearted! 

Hush Haunt (Westland) 

Unravel the enigma of fear as the night embraces the unknown. Get ready to be thrilled beyond your wildest nightmares. Are you brave enough to venture into the haunting abyss of Hush? Four haunted houses in one attraction: Abysall Shrine, Crypt of the Bloodthirsty, Rosecliff Hall and Hush Falls Harvest in the Falls Festival. Plus three secret bars to discover: The Silver Bullet, Winter Wraiths and Voodoo Blues. 

The attractions are not recommended for children under the age of 12. Children under 16 must be with a person over 21 years old at all times. Hush Haunt has 3 Secret Bars hidden throughout the mazes. Each secret bar is equipped with 2 unique specialty alcoholic drinks, which are available for purchase once inside (ages 21+). 

Deranged Haunt (Romulus)

Five acres of scares which combines a haunted house and scare zone forest! Visit Sundays for Special Theme Nights that include Clown Carnage, Classic Monsters and 18 and Up Night. Young ones not ready for the Thrills and Chills? Visit the last week in October for a Scare-Free Trick or Treat Event!

Blakes Haunted Attractions (Armada) 

Head out to Blakes Orchards for Halloween fun suitable for all ages. For young children there is Spookyland with activities that include an animal petting farm and corn maze. For teens and adults check out the haunted hayride, 3-story haunted barn and zombie paintball. Of course, you need to indulge in cider and doughnuts during a visit too.

Wiard’s Orchards Haunted Thrill Park (Ypsilanti)

Five haunted attractions in one location: Ultimate Haunted Barn, The Asylum, The Mind Shaft, Hayride of the Lost, and Alien Caged Clowns. Wiard’s Haunted Thrill Park is designed to scare adults and children under 10 years old are not recommended. Children over 10 must accompanied by an adult. Online ticket sales only.

Panic Haunted Forest (Salem Twp)

Professor Primrose has opened a portal into the past, sending in fresh victims to fuel his experiments. Forbidden powers have awakened bizarre creatures now stalking the woods, seeking to consume body and soul alike. Fortunately, guests are guided through our half-mile trail by a Traveler, enigmatic adventurers experienced in navigating the twisted spaces that lie between reality and nightmares.

Approximately half-mile outdoor forest trail. Guests are accompanied by an actor in character throughout the show. Wear good walking shoes and clothes comfortable for a hike. Proceeds benefit the Salem Area Historical Society.

Terrorfied Forest (Pickney) 

This attraction has moved to a new location this season to provide a more thrilling and immersive experience. Explore the forest's haunted trail with surprises lurking around every corner. For timid explorers, you can request Monster Repellant at the ticket booth that will keep creatures from getting too close to you.

Scarefest Scream Park (New Haven) 

Multiple attractions in one location: Castle of the Dead Haunted House, Hayride of Doom, Forest of Darkness, Terror Zone Haunted Maze. Each attraction has their own level of fright (Hayride = least scary, Castle of the Dead = most scary). Heated Club Terror Zone bar tent featuring food and alcohol, bonfires, nightly entertainment and more.

GHOSTBUSTERS AT HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS

Do you enjoy scary attractions like haunted houses at Halloween time? We have some spooktacular places to visit here in Metro Detroit like Eloise Asylum, Hush Haunted Attraction, and the Erebus Haunted Warehouse; but I've come across rave reviews about HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS at Universal Studios Orlando theme park that may make a Fall vacation to check them out worthwhile...especially because this year they are incorporating GHOSTBUSTERS into the event.

On select nights from August 30 - November 3, Universal Studios Orlando closes early and reopens for a special ticketed event called HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS where a few rides are open (Revenge of the Mummy, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, and Transformers) but the primary attraction is participating in event only scary attractions. During HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS ten haunted houses are opened to explore with five scare zones situated between them filled with scare actors on the prowl you need to navigate through to make your way around the amusement park. Plus, there is Halloween-themed live entertainment as well as themed food and drinks available to enjoy around the park as well.

The haunted houses utilize movie studio caliber costumes, props and special effects to provide a Hollywood blockbuster quality experience that exceeds what most local Halloween attractions are able to provide. In 2024, two of the amusement park's haunted houses are going to have movie themes too: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire and A Quit Place. 

An ancient artifact has released a chilling new entity, Garraka in the Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire haunted house. He’ll stop you cold. Only the Ghostbusters can keep you from getting iced. 

In the A Quit Place haunted house, make a sound and you won't last long. Monstrous creatures will hunt you down as the world of the first two films comes to terrifying life.

My teenagers are at an age that they don't want to go on family trips with mom and dad anymore ... even to places like Disneyland or Universal Orlando because they don't want to be treated like kids. But these haunted houses are targets to an audience of teens, young adults, and those of use who categorize ourselves as kids-at-heart (aka over 40). In fact, there is a warning on the promotions for HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS that the event is not recommended for children under 13. A night of scary attractions and amusement park rides may just be the family outing we've been looking for. Plus, Ghostbusters has piqued my interest!

Would you take a Florida vacation just for some Halloween themed fun? I'm really thinking about it!

For more information about this event, head over to halloweenhorrornights.com

P.S. Halloween Horror Nights also take place at Universal's theme parks in California, Singapore and Japan.

METRO DETROIT HAUNTED HOUSES

Are you up for a scare? The Halloween season is here and with that comes a few weeks where haunted houses are open to provide people with a terror-ific time. Here are some spooktacular choices to visit in the Metro Detroit area:

GHOSTS ON THE BALCONY

Downtown Birmingham's theater on historic Old Woodward was constructed as a playhouse in the 1920s and now is run by Emagine Entertainment showing movies. The theater has long been rumored to be haunted and now Emagine Entertainment is bringing these ghost stories to life by hosting a haunted house at the location. 

What is now known as the Birmingham 8 Movie Theatre will not be showing films during the month of October and has been transformed back to Victorian era times for this immersive haunted theatre attraction. The haunted attraction chronicles the experience of theatre proprietor Mr. Baldwin, an old caretaker who has worked in the theatre for over 50 years, and a harrowing tale of murder and the mayhem that followed. This is not for the faint of heart…this will scare you to death, just like what happened to Mr. Baldwin’s family, friends, and many patrons of his theatre! These “Ghosts on the Balcony” still haunt the building today!

Ghosts on the Balcony” will run daily October 1 – 30, and will feature a weekend family friendly haunt (ages 5-12) Saturdays and Sundays from 2:00pm – 5:00pm, and a bloodcurdling adult haunt (ages 13 and over) Sunday thru Thursday from 7:00pm -10:00pm, and Friday and Saturday from 7:00pm to 1:00am. Guests will also have the ability to purchase food and beverages from the concession stand along with adult (21+) beverages at various stops throughout the experience.

CLICK HERE for more information.

EREBUS HAUNTED ATTRACTION

An abandoned industrial building from Pontiac's heyday as an automobile manufacturing hub comes alive during the Halloween season for what has been recognized as one of the best haunted house attractions in the United States. Explore four stories of scares and thrills that utilized Hollywood-style special effects that make visitors feel as if they are taking part in a horror movie scenario.

Hours through October are Monday-Thursday 7:30pm to 10:30pm; Friday 7pm to Midnight; Saturday 6pm to Midnight; and Sunday 6pm to 11pm. Go to hauntedpontiac.com for more information.

AZRA CHAMBER OF HORRORS

Located in a former laser tag arena in Madison Heights, this haunted house provides a multi-level maze filled with thrills. Enjoy a DJ and fire juggler shows while waiting in line for the main attraction. Ranked in the Top 20 of Haunted Houses in America by review site Scare Factor. Visit azrahaunt.com for more info.

ELOISE ASYLUM

This abandoned mental health facility in Westland, Michigan has been attracting ghost hunters for decades exploring rumors of paranormal activity. During the Halloween season, people can tour the grounds with real life ghost hunters or engage in faux horror by exploring a mock asylum filled with thrills and chills. This horror attraction's producers have invested in high-tech tools including Cold Spark Pyrotechnic Simulators, a Tesla Coil, Advanced Projection Mapping Technologies and more! Eloise Asylum is bringing technology utilized at theme parks such as Disney World and Universal Studios to provide an extraordinary experience for participants. CLICK HERE for more info.

Eloise Haunted Asylum Final Trailer (2021) from Rogues Hollow Video on Vimeo.

ROTTEN MANOR

This haunted house, located by Holly in northern Oakland County near the grounds of the Michigan Renaissance Festival, Mount Holly Ski Resort, and Groveland Oaks County Park, has a carnival vibe to it. The attraction has two haunted houses to experience, "The Manor" and "The Rotten Asylum". These attractions are each approximately 35-45 minutes long. There is also a Rotten Hayride which takes you on a ride through the haunted woods of Rotten Manor. And if that wasn’t enough Rotten Manor has a midway full of carnival themed games and activities. CLICK HERE for more info.

THE SCREAM MACHINE 

I normally go to the Taylor Trade Center for sports card shows to meet baseball, basketball, football and hockey athletes that appear to sign autographs. During the Halloween season, this space transforms into a haunted house. Venture through a crypt and a mad scientist's menagerie of failed creations. There are also two optional five-minute escape rooms. For more info go to thescreammachine.com. 

HUSH

This attraction inside a 40,000 square foot Westland building features three haunted houses. Plus, for those over 21 years old there are three secret bars to discover located within the haunted houses each with unique drinks and experiences to encounter. The waiting queue area looks like a decrepit city street for the town of Hush Falls filled with undead inhabitants that provide fun photo ops. Which haunted house do you prefer of the three?

Belly of the Beast - the Hush Falls Hotel has a new dark secret brewing in its abyss: a temple to its dark lord: Anglor. Constructed by the undead who reside under the hotel, the temple is alive and its roots have spread like veins throughout the Hotel underpass. Do you dare to explore the negative 13th floor of the Hush Falls Hotel?

Louisiana Catacombs - once past the temples of horror, stumble upon a swampland that Hush Falls ancestors used to bury the dead to preserve their spirits. But this is no ordinary graveyard. You find yourself in a seemingly unending web of catacombs; and you have disturbed their lair! The undead lurk in the dark crevices, and crawl out from their resting places to speak with you. They live in anguish and haven't spoken to a soul in hundreds of years...until now.

Rosecliff Hall - the towering edifice of Rosecliff Hall looms over you. The legends of the horrors the Von Rose family perpetrated on the residents of Hush Falls seem more like a history lesson than fabricated stories after the things you’ve seen so far. As you enter, the manor seems alive, like the evil from the town has somehow permeated the walls and floors of the ominous mansion. The current residents are not too pleased at your arrival, but they aren’t going to let you leave in one piece…if at all…

On October 30 there is also a family-friendly event where young children can walk through the haunted houses with the lights on where they can have kid-friendly monster meet and greets plus collect candy. There is fun to be had for all ages at HUSH! For more info, visit hushhauntedattractions.com. 

WIARDS ORCHARD NIGHT TERRORS

Wiards Orchard in Ypsilanti is hosting five haunted attractions on its grounds this year: The Ultimate Haunted Barn; The Mindshaft; The Asylum; Hayride of the Lost; Alien Caged Clowns in 3D. Visitors receive a doughnut and cider to enjoy around a communal bonfire upon completing their adventure. CLICK HERE for more information. 

Which of these haunted houses would you be most geeked to go to? If you go to any of them, share your experiences with us by tweeting @Geekdad248 with thoughts and pictures. I would enjoy knowing your thoughts and feedback regarding these Metro Detroit Haunted Houses. Hope everyone has a spooktacular Halloween! 

A HAUNTING IN HOLLYGROVE

Normally during the summer and fall months the fairgrounds in rural Oakland County, Michigan known as Hollygrove which is home to the Michigan Renaissance Festival are filled with the sounds of merriment and music. It has been quiet this year though as the festivities were cancelled due to the pandemic. That was until recently when rumors started circling among local townsfolk of eerie sights and sounds emerging from Hollygrove after dark as Halloween approached. Whoa!

My inner Ghostbuster couldn't resist going to see if there were any spooky spirits haunting Hollygrove. If my family couldn't enjoy cheering on the jousters and laughing at the jesters at this year's Michigan Renaissance Festival, maybe we could have ourselves some Halloween fun in the Village of Hollygrove. So off we went looking for a terror-ific time!

From now through Halloween, adventure seekers can make their way through a 3/4 mile maze of illuminations and decorations trekking through the twists and turns of the Michigan Renaissance Festival grounds. Are you brave enough to walk these paths after dark when monsters may be lurking in the buildings and forest around you? If so a limited number of guided tour time slots are available on October 17-18, 22-25, and 29-31.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $17.95 for children (5-12 years old). Social distancing guidelines will be recommend and masks required during this primarily outdoor event. Time slots will be restricted to 40 people maximum. So make reservations and purchase tickets online at halloweeninholly.com in advance to make sure you get a chance to experience A Haunting in Hollygrove.

Thanks to the Michigan Renaissance Festival for inviting this dad blogger and his family out as their guests and letting us be some of the first people to experience this Halloween event. With us staying close to home for most of this year we needed to get out for an adventure. We had a spook-tacular good time!

Civil War Day at the Orson Starr House

There is a restored 19th century farmhouse maintained by the city's historical commission down the road from where we live that I've driven by more time than I can count but have never visited.  So when I heard the Orson Starr House Museum was hosting a Civil War Day event, it seemed like a nice opportunity to swing by and check the place out.  What a great decision that was because our family had a great time during our visit.

Orson Starr along with his wife and son arrived in Michigan from New York in 1831 and settled in a rural area 13 miles west of the Detroit River.  Upon arriving Starr built a successful business manufacturing cow bells to serve the area's dairy farmers that eventually became a nationally recognized brand with farmers.  In 1845, the family moved from a log cabin they had been residing in to the farm house that still stands today...the oldest existing home in the city of Royal Oak, Michigan.

We were greeted when arriving by a contingent of Civil War reenactors who warmly welcomed us and promptly had my son and daughter complete some paperwork enlisting them in the Michigan Militia for the Union Army.  The kids participated in some marching drills and witnessed a musket firing demonstration.  They really enjoyed examining the soldiers uniforms, looking over their authentic campsite, and watching a drummer muster the troops for inspection.

Next we took a tour of the house which has been decorated and furnished to replicate its look from the mid-1800s.  Our tour guide pointed out some exquisite hand carved bedroom furniture that the Starr family brought with them on their boat ride across the Great Lakes from New York.  Also the craftsmanship in constructing the home really was something to behold.  Our tour guide was also sure to point out that the Starr House is recognized as one of the most haunted places in Metro Detroit and pointed out the locations of various ghost sightings as we explored the place.

Contributing to the spooky fun of the ghost stories was the Civil War reenactor's field doctor who had setup shop inside the house.  We learned about medicine and surgical practices from that era while surrounded by the severed limbs of soldiers who had been injured on the battle field.  My daughter was even brave enough to take us a scalpel (well a plastic imitation of one) and get some one-on-one lessons on how to do an amputation.  I think we now know who the doctor in the family is going to be!

In the parlor next to where the field surgeon was setup, a trio of musicians was performing Civil War era folk songs.  They were really good and had our family tapping our toes to their tunes.  Two of my favorite instruments are the harmonica and fiddle so I was delighted that this musical group highlighted playing them.

Our visit to the Orson Starr House demonstrates that you never know what treasured gems there are in your very own neighborhood to get out and discover.  We had a wonderful time that was both an entertaining and educational time for the kids.  Plus the event was FREE though we did leave some money in their donation jar on the way out.