A drop panel prop is great for some quick and easy screams, and building one is a pretty easy process as long as you can cut a hole in a wall.   Ok, it’s a little more involved than that, but if you’ve ever wanted to build one for your haunt, check out the tutorial that Brad of Bradsboobarn made.  There are a lot of videos out there on how to build this prop, and they’re all pretty much the same, but I really like the way Brad has incorporated his kids into this video, really cool....

I’ve wanted to build every prop I’ve come across lately, but none as much as I want to build this one.  The Gravedigger that Mizerella at 102 Wicked Things To Do created for her cemetery is amazing looking and doesn’t seem that difficult to pull off (said the guy that’s never created an entire person out of paper mache). The head of this fellow will take the most care and attention to detail when creating.  It’s made using a foam skull that’s a blend of paper mache, mache pulp, and Creative paper clay.  The features of his face including the nose, ears, tongue, teeth and eye brows will need to be built up with the Creative paper clay which is where some basic sculpting abilities will come in handy.     Once you’ve got the head done you’re almost done.  The rest of the prop is a pvc frame that’s been heated and bent to give him a warped stance.  The pvc frame is then covered in chicken wire and paper mached numerous times.  The arms and legs incorporated pool noodles to build them up before coating them in paper mache.  The final piece of the puzzle when creating this fellow were the hands, which were a mixture of wire, cut straws and many layers of paper mache and mache pulp.   Once all of the pieces of the puzzle are complete it’s just a matter of dressing this guy up in your favorite old clothes and finding a final resting spot for him.  Mizerella’s gravedigger looks incredible and I’m a little skeptical on whether I can make one that looks as nice, but I will definitely be giving this guy a shot. Shop These Materials on Amazon 5-Pack Foam RIP Tombstone Blanks for Carving...

I’m going to be honest here, I’m not sure exactly who is making all of these chicken wire ghosts for their haunts, but I’m guessing that their hands and arms are covered with tiny little red spots from where the chicken wire pierced their skin.  Seriously, though, I’ve noticed that a ton of people lately are searching for the chicken wire ghost prop, and while it’s not something that I would ever consider doing, they sure do look cool when they’re done right.  Shawn and Lynne Mitchell have put together a pretty concise DIY tutorial on how to make these.  You can make them with or without the cheesecloth dressing to get the look that’s best for you.   Items needed to complete this include: semi-transparent fabric S-hooks thin wire mannequin head roll of chicken wire with 1-inch cells roll of chicken wire with 2-inch cells wire cutters cheesecloth scissors wire hanger work gloves Shop These Materials on Amazon 1/2" Hardware Cloth 19-Gauge 48"x100ft Galvanized Roll Aviation Tin Snips 3-pc Set (straight/left/right) Affiliate Disclosure: HauntersList.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to...

Originally created by Scott Axworthy in 1988, the Axworthy Flying Ghost prop is a great effect that is pretty easy to understand conceptually, but always seems to elicit some really hard to follow tutorials.   The prop features ghosts that zip along on a tie line along the path of your choosing.  It’s proven to be a time consuming prop that is prone to bogging down if things don’t go just right, but when it’s working and the ghosts are chugging around your line, it looks awesome.  The Haunted Driveway has done a great job of putting this prop into an easy to understand tutorial that just might inspire someone to give this prop a shot this year.     Items needed to complete this include: Gear motor around 1/8 hp and speed around 110 RPM Wheels made for V-belts, 5 inch diameter Threaded metal rod that will fit the wheels Locking nuts that fit the threaded rod Wood or angled steel to attach the threaded rod Black tie line Fishing line to hang the ghosts Hot glue gun Ghosts   http://youtu.be/K0EU_0IjNEY Shop These Materials on Amazon 12V Wiper Motor 2.5" Shaft 110 Degree (prop building) PWM DC Motor Speed Controller 9-70V 35A 45Kg High-Torque Waterproof Digital Servo Motor Affiliate Disclosure: HauntersList.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to...

I suppose you could settle for a plain old latex mask this Halloween, but if you really want to put some fear into the kids this year, try utilizing the Burnt/Two Face tutorial that Mel Rose made.  It’s a really easy effect to accomplish, though you may need some help applying the makeup since you’ll be working with only one eye.  The cost is minimal and it will look more realistic than any mask you could buy without breaking the bank.     Items needed to accomplish this include: Red Cream Makeup Black cream makeup Card stock (for teeth) Liquid latex Eye popping latex appliance Spirit gum Toilet paper Textured sponge...

Back for his 5th year of fear, Dr. S. Cary is now accepting victims, er, patients.  Dr. S. Cary’s Haunted House, located in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin features two unique haunted attractions. The Dungeon of Terror haunt features over 30 rooms including 10 new rooms & 10 newly re-themed for 2013.  If you survive the horror in the Dungeon you can try your luck at Pandemonium, the Dr’s all new attraction.  Pandemonium is a Haunt where you will be scared and terrorized from within.  It is intended to confuse and disorient you,  you will experience total darkness, intense strobe lights, heavy fog, offensive odors, loud music, and have very limited vision.  You will also have to choose between multiple paths if you are ever going to find your way out....

Scream Acres Ct is back for its 10th year of fear, and this haunt just keeps getting better and better.  This haunted attraction in Covington, Kentucky started as a home haunt and has grown into an awesome haunted attraction offering four incredible themes.     Do you have what it takes to climb into a real wood coffin and be buried alive?  Come test your fears in this chilling attraction! In 1940 Dr. Boron opened up Castle Hill Funeral Home in Latonia, Kentucky.  Three years later the funeral home was shut down and Dr. Boron was charged for the murder of 42 local residents. On the night of the incident Dr. Boron was nowhere to be found.  He’s still missing.  The old funeral home has been boarded and locked up until now… In the backwoods of Latonia, Kentucky lies an abandoned funhouse.  During the 1940’s the funhouse was a popular attraction, until it unexpectedly closed.  Come experience this 3D attraction. Afraid of the dark?  Not to worry, this attraction isn’t dark, its pitch black.  Navigate your way out of the haunted house in complete darkness.  What’s worse, what lurks in the dark, or your imagination?  ...

“Sinister is built and ready to tear down your psyche.”  Let the 2013 haunt season begin!  Sinister Haunted House in Utica, Michigan offers visitors a journey through a highly detailed and overtly creepy house.  Scenes packed with gruesome props and freakish occupants help to keep you on your toes as you wind your way through.  And that’s where this haunt really excels, because the actors that work this haunt have historically been top-notch making for a completely immersive and interactive experience.    ...

I’ve never been to the Davis Graveyard, but I imagine if I did go I would never want to leave.  This yard haunt has been a Halloween destination for residents of Milwaukie, Oregon for 13 years now, and suffice it to say, Chris & Jeff Davis know how to haunt.  Their home haunt has been featured on FearNet’s Route 666: America’s Scariest Home Haunts, Haunted Attraction magazine, and they’ve even been caught on Extreme Makeover Home Edition.     This is more like a Halloween art exhibit than a mere yard display, the handiwork and lighting on these homemade props is second to none.  If you are planning  on heading out there, don’t be shocked if you’re waiting in line for a while to see it, this is a very popular...

Still a relatively new kid on the block, Hauntville Haunted Houses’ reputation continues to impress, as well it should, after all, its creators have been in the professional haunt business for over twenty-two years.  This haunted attraction in Elyria, Ohio offers three unique haunted attractions, plus the all new 3-D Zombie Hunting Area.  The haunts are setup in a free flowing sort of way so it actually seems like one giant attraction instead of three unique haunts.   Visitors to Hauntville Haunted Houses will have the opportunity to experience Ohio’s first 4-d Haunted House.  Wicked Clowns in 4-D, promises a mind-blowing environment, full of emotions.  The use of 3D glasses combined with physical and special effects that are synchronized together creates an intense, thrilling and exciting visual and sensory experience.  And don’t forget, there’s Wicked Clowns to deal with as well! Psycho Manor will take you on a tour through a 1920’s Victorian Mansion that’s loaded with creepy detail and awesome effects.  The lost souls that make this their permanent residence are more than willing to interact with visitors and make them feel at home.   Cell Block 13 is an extreme tour of a prison and psychiatric hospital built to house some of the most dangerous and criminally insane prisoners.  You’ll get to meet the warden, and tour the cell blocks, sanitarium, infirmary and execution chambers.  You’d better hope a riot doesn’t break out during the tour.   All new for 2013, is the specially designed Zombie Hunt in 3-D. Shooting Zombies is always fun, but shooting them in a ChromaDepth 3-D environment is Zombie killing to the extreme!    ...

Are you afraid of clowns?  If so, then you might want to avoid Carnival of Horrors.  Or not, because this haunted attraction located in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio features four individual haunts all brimming with the kind of clowns that plague your deepest fears and occupy your nightmares.   A pulsing, winding and chaotic labyrinth of wrong turns, dead ends and terrifying psychotic inmates roaming the abandoned mental institution that are waiting to tear your soul apart.  Try and keep your mind clear, this confusing and high energy maze is difficult to escape and not for the weak-minded!! Are you afraid of clowns? A terrifying journey through a haunted fun house featuring several Hollywood-style effects and scares. BEWARE: This is an extremely high-intensity scare oriented haunted house. Consistently voted as one of Ohio’s number one attractions year after year. Many have entered, but very few have left alive. Northeast Ohio’s first and most original fully three dimensional walk-through haunted house, using state-of-the-art Chromadepth 3-D glasses to bring The Freakshow to life. The floor, walls and ceiling become a living 3-D experience that will leave you begging for mercy. To survive and reach the exit, you must be able to pass through the 3-D Vortex Tunnel. You won’t believe your eyes. We dare you to walk through the darkest corner of Blossom’s haunted woods. Don’t expect to see anything coming, because you’ll be alone while you try to escape. However, the monsters will be watching and waiting to strike. You’ll never know what hit you. We will even supply you with a flashlight since it’s so dark and scary. After all, it wouldn’t be fair to send you in there unarmed. So, only with a flashlight, you must attempt to find your way out and escape...

The HollywoodHaunter has a hilarious prop idea for you if you have a corner of a haunt that’s in need of a prop.  It’s also proof that haunt props don’t have to be exceedingly elaborate to add to the creep factor of your haunt.  It’s essentially an oscillating fan with a head on it that appears to be a scary guy at the end of the hall!  What could be easier, right?  I can guarantee you, though, that more than a few people were creeped out by it before they realized what it was.     Items needed to create this include: Oscillating fan PVC end cap w/screw 12″ of 1/2″ PVC Dark fabric Foam head Form arm Shop These Materials on Amazon 12V Wiper Motor 2.5" Shaft 110 Degree (prop building) PWM DC Motor Speed Controller 9-70V 35A 45Kg High-Torque Waterproof Digital Servo Motor Affiliate Disclosure: HauntersList.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to...

Now that the C.I.A. has actually acknowledged the existence of Area 51 it’s almost like they’re giving their seal of approval to the Muddy River Haunt’s tutorial for an Alien Capsule.  Almost.  And even if they’re not, we’re more than happy to give this prop a thumbs up because it’s exactly what we suspect we would find in the bowels of Area 51.  It’s a really simple prop to build and will add a really cool element to any alien scene. It’s basically a wood box that’s wrapped with plexiglass and aluminum flashing with an alien inside.  Even though they’re listed as optional, I would highly recommend using the fog machine and strobe light with this prop.   Items needed to complete this include: Aluminum Flashing: 1 sheet 3 ½’ X 7′ 2 sheets 3′ X 16” 1 sheet 1′ X 7′ 2X4 wood:  (4) 2”X 4”X 7′ (4) 2”X 4”X 3′ (2) 1”X 3”X 2′ Miscellaneous: 1 sheet Plexiglass 5′ X 3’X 0.016” (Thin enough to bend without cracking or without too much pressure) Some pieces of thin lattice board Alien for inside the capsule Optional: Fog machine Pipe Strobe...

If you’re not familiar with the Grave Grabber tutorial that Kevin over at Haunt101 posted, you really owe it to yourself to check it out…right after you take a look at his One Armed Grave Grabber tutorial!  This prop is a little easier to build than the full Grave Grabber but it’ll still provide you with an awesome effect in your cemetery.  The mechanics are very similar between the two props, although the One Armed Grave Grabber utilizes an animated deer motor instead of a higher torque motor.  There’s also an added element with the skull linkage in the One Armed prop.     The animated deer motor actually reverses when it meets any resistance, thus the two “stop” screws that are drilled in the base.  If you check out the video of this thing in action at Haunt101, you’ll see that this prop has just the right amount of movement to create an unforgettable prop.   Items needed to complete this include: One foam skull One length of plastic tubing One tape and wire hand One length of 1/8”x1/2” aluminum flat bar One length of heavy wire One length of thin wire One length small foam block Burlap One Buck animated deer motor Two pieces of lumber 4” and 2 ½” screws Shop These Materials on Amazon 12V Wiper Motor 2.5" Shaft 110 Degree (prop building) PWM DC Motor Speed Controller 9-70V 35A 45Kg High-Torque Waterproof Digital Servo Motor Affiliate Disclosure: HauntersList.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to...

If you create your own masks or creatures for your haunt, you’ve probably needed to find some teeth for them.  I always heard the phrase that necessity was the mother of invention, but it turns out it’s actually Allen Hopps.  He’s got a great tutorial on how to make dental plates for your masks and props.  Since they’re made from hot glue sticks you really don’t want to put them in your mouth, but they’ll look great as an accent to any prop....

Whether you just finished building your latest masterpiece, or simply want to age a store bought prop a bit, properly painting your prop can make all the difference in the world.  Eerie Acres Cemetery has a great video tutorial with some really helpful dry brushing techniques that might just give your next prop that extra bit of realism....

For 33 years the Marquette Heights Men’s Club has been scaring Central Illinois with Spook Hollow & M.C. Manor, and their 2013 campaign has expanded.  That’s right, this haunted attraction located in Marquette Heights, Illinois has added an attraction to their lineup for 2013 and extended their season to include 3 weekends!     M.C. Manor is an all indoor haunted house that will be sure to get your heart racing as you make your way through its highly detailed, movie quality rooms.  Then, Spook Hollow will take you deep into the woods of Independence Park on an almost 1/2 mile long trek with plenty of horrific indoor sites to see along the way.  And new for 2013, M.C. Nightmare is an intense indoor experience that will overload your senses as you try to make your way through a twisted and run down industrial haunt .  This trilogy of terror promises to take you on a journey into your deepest fears. The Marquette Heights Men’s Club is a non-profit group of 18 and older males that work together to better the...

When George Coffey learned to harness the power of the demons he was exorcising for his own benefit, he unleashed an evil so unspeakable that it would plague the community for generations.  Now, more than a century later, the residents of the community of Thornhill Woods have begun to understand all too clearly the dark secret that lies buried within their community’s tragic history.  Most of the evil seems centered around one house, and every Halloween they open the yard for everyone to get a glimpse of the horror. Thornhill Woods Haunted House is a charity yard haunt that since 2004 has been the house that all the neighbors flock to at Halloween.  This incredible haunt features animatronics, video projection effects, and live actors, all housed in a highly detailed cemetery environment.  This year they’re taking it up a notch by adding a brand new 420 square foot walk through haunted house in the driveway.  The yard haunt is free of charge, however, they do ask for donations to benefit the Sick Kids Foundation.  Every year, donations raised go towards children undergoing treatment at Sick Kids Hospital. Since they can’t leave the hospital, a portion of the fund provides these kids with costumes and Halloween candy to encourage the holiday spirit....

Hallowicked Haunted Woods is an outdoor trek through some of Mansfield, Ohio’s creepiest woods.  The terror starts before you even enter the haunted woods as you’re locked into a coffin and unleashed into the woods via the buried alive coffin entrance.  Once inside the woods you’ll give yourself a self-guided tour of the haunted woods and encounter unique scenes of horror and unspeakable evil.  Whatever your fear…it’s HERE!...

The Abandoned Haunted House Complex will be bristling with activity this October as the doors to this “abandoned” haunt will be open for another year of fear!  This haunted attraction located in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin offers two individual haunts that are designed to overwhelm your senses.  The haunts are setup in a continual walk-through format, meaning you’ll go from one haunted house directly into the second within the same building.   Ambush Haunted House is designed to be an intense startle-scare haunted house, with loud noises, actors popping out of unexpected places, bright lighting effects and engulfing scene effects. Hysteria Haunted House is a haunted house designed to focus interactions on your senses and mind. Visual and audible scares are interspersed in this environment, as well as confusion, misdirection, and illusions. Things are not what they seem… Lighting effects, sounds, and actor interactions will keep you on your toes in this walking adventure.  ...

The Mize Cemetery and Haunt is a great example of how to turn something you love into something that truly benefits your community.  This charity home haunt located in Salem, Oregon has been delighting local residents since 2006, and more importantly, providing food donations to the Marion-Polk Food Share since 2009. The Mize Cemetery and Haunt began as a small yard display and has grown in size and scope over the years into a must see home haunt.  The majority of the props in this haunt were created and built by hand, and their creator, Terry Marsh does some really excellent work.  In fact, in 2011 Terry was invited  to present a workshop at the West Coast Haunters Convention, as well as  showcase  some of his props to fellow haunters.     Admission to this charity haunt is free with your donation of a non-perishable food item.  The Marion-Polk Food Share distributes over 8.2 million pounds of food annually through partnership with nearly 100 member direct-service charities that are working to serve hungry families, children and individuals in Marion and Polk counties....

The Indy Scream Park is one of Indianapolis’ largest haunted attractions featuring five spectacular haunted attractions, plus a Monster Midway.  This haunt has been serving up bedlam since 2010 and has been getting stronger each year.  Located just outside of Indianapolis in Anderson, Indiana the park features three indoor and two outdoor haunted attractions on a 120 acre facility.  The Monster Midway offers a large outdoor area for patrons to play games, get a tarot card reading, have a bite to eat, or relax in front of one of several bonfires.  With five haunts for one admission price, be prepared…to get scared!    ...

Stone walls for your haunted castle may be hard to come by but if you’ve got some time and some plywood you can create your own.  The Bronson Boneyard has a tutorial that shows how to create a stone wall facade using monster mud applied onto plywood. You’ll start by painting the plywood black, and then applying masking tape where you would like the mortar joints. Then, you’ll apply a thick coat of monster mud to the entire sheet, and then remove the masking tape. The great thing about this method is that once the monster mud starts to dry it lightens up, which eliminates the need to paint the mortar joints, and it also begins to crack slightly, which gives it a realistic stone appearance.   Items needed to complete this include: Plywood (4′ x 8′ sheets) Black paint Masking tape Monster mud Shop These Materials on Amazon USG Sheetrock Drywall Joint Compound 4.5 Gallon Cheesecloth Unbleached 36×36" (for Monster Mud draping) Affiliate Disclosure: HauntersList.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to...

If you like creating your own creatures for your haunt you’ll eventually have the need to create some horns for them.  You can probably buy some actual antlers, but if you’re planning on incorporating them into a mask or don’t want an overly heavy static prop, you may want to follow Ermelyn Hollerborn’s tutorial for making horns in 10 easy steps.     The horns are made using multiple layers of styrofoam that’s shaved down to give it a more rounded appearance.  From their it’s a matter of adding detail to it with a soldering iron, or heat gun.  Ermelyn’s horns are then coated with Pattex adhesive and painted.  They look fantastic and can be made as large as you like without weighing down your prop.   Items needed to complete this include: Styrofoam Contact adhesive Acrylic paint Soldering iron / heat gun Google Translate (unless you read German)       Shop These Materials on Amazon XPS Foam Board 1" Thick Craft Sheets 4-Pack 4-in-1 Hot Wire Foam Cutter Kit 15W Loctite Power Grab Foam-Safe Construction Adhesive Affiliate Disclosure: HauntersList.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to...

Every haunt needs some bats flying around, and if you’ve got some skills with a paint brush and some patience you can make as many as you want following Born2haunt’s method, because Bats Are Easy.  These bats do seem pretty easy to make when you consider that they’re made using a styrofoam body with wire poking through it for the wing bones. The wire is then wrapped in cotton and paper towels are applied as skin.  The entire bat is then generously coated with liquid latex and painted to suit.  The great part about this prop build is that you can customize it to your heart’s content.  Sure, it’s probably easier to go out and buy some bats, but they won’t look nearly as realistic as these will.   Items needed to complete this include: Styrofoam Wire Cotton balls Liquid latex Paper Towels Acrylic paint Hot glue Shop These Materials on Amazon XPS Foam Board 1" Thick Craft Sheets 4-Pack 4-in-1 Hot Wire Foam Cutter Kit 15W Loctite Power Grab Foam-Safe Construction Adhesive Affiliate Disclosure: HauntersList.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to...

Many years ago I had to create a scene where an actor’s stomach was sliced open allowing their intestines to spill out.  My solution was to buy a long link of Italian sausage, which was boiled and soaked in a Karo syrup blood solution.  This allowed the intestines to be eaten by the actor as the neighborhood kids passed through creating quite a memorable scene (it was pretty dark, and they were pretty young, so we could get away with sausage guts). So if you need to make some fake intestines for your haunt, my advice to you is remember my method fondly, and DO NOT USE IT.  No matter what you do, sausage guts do not make good intestines, besides that, Sonya and Caid from Outback Gorehouse have a better solution. Their method utilizes paper towels that are wrapped in a mixture of liquid latex and paint.  The latex is spread on a flat glass surface for a total of eight layers before it’s wrapped around the towels.  The resulting intestines are pretty good looking and you can make a ton of these for hardly any cost, but whatever you do, DO NOT eat them!...

Have you ever seen the knife throwers that tie a person to a spinning wheel and then proceed to throw knives at them as they’re spinning around?  Ever wonder what happens when they’re not very accurate throwers? The Wheel of Death prop created for The Haunted Driveway is a six foot diameter wheel that spins around with a skeleton, or whatever else you decide to tie to it.  If you make it heavy duty enough you can even strap an actor to it (warning: DO NOT throw knives at people!).  It’s an eye catching prop that will take a little bit of effort to create, but it has a gruesome potential that is limited only by your imagination.     Items needed to complete this include: Two full size sheets of 1/2 inch plywood (6) 2 X 4 boards that are eight feet long (1) 8 X 6 board that is 8 feet long (6) 3/8 X 4 inch Carriage bolts (6) 3/8 inch nuts to fit the Carriage bolts 6 inch lazy susan (2) Ball bearings that fit a 5/8 inch rod and they should have tabs so you can attach them to the  face of the wood 5/8 inch rod 16 inches long (1) 6 inch diameter V-belt wheel that fits a 5/8 shaft (1) 2 inch diameter V-belt wheel that fits a 5/8 shaft (this will fit on to the motor if the motor has a 5/8 shaft, if not get a different size that will fit) V-belt around a foot long (4) 1/4 inch bolts that are 2 inches long and washer and locking nuts for the blots A gear motor around 35 RPM and 1/8 hp will do the trick       Shop These Materials on Amazon 12V...

“Prepare to be Scared, Deprived of your senses, offended, and transported to a world where Death is the only way of life.” Sound intense enough?  It should, because The Realm of Terror Horror Experience located in Round Lake Beach, Illinois is Illinois’ highest ever rated haunted house.  After celebrating their 10th year of fear in 2012 they were ranked as the #1 Haunted House in Illinois and the #1 Haunted House in Chicago by HauntedIllinois.com and HauntedHouseChicago.com. This Haunted attraction isn’t billed as a mere haunted house, but rather a Horror experience.  It’s a graphic and gore filled journey that leaves even the most hardy of visitors needing a good stiff drink afterwards to take the edge off.  The cast over at The Realm of Terror Horror Experience challenge you to “face your greatest fears (and discover new ones)”, and from start to finish you’ll be immersed into a graphic environment best suited for the strong of stomach.  This haunt is for mature audiences only, and they pride themselves on pushing the envelope, and they hold nothing back from their patrons.  ...

Since 2000 The Haunted Trail has been serving up terror to San Diegans who are brave enough to go for a leisurely stroll through the woods of Balboa Park.  This is San Diego’s only all-outdoor haunted attraction and this mile long trail of terror has patrons screaming with delight. While this haunt has the distinction of being completely outdoors you’ll make your way through many scenes of terror connected to the path that only become more terrifying as you progress.  You’ll encounter a school bus filled with zombie prisoners, as well as come face to face with some familiar fiends from your favorite horror films.  For an outdoor attraction The Haunted Trail offers a high level of entertainment with some really well done effects....

In October 1954 the town of Quiet Springs, Ohio was infected by a chemical intended to save the town from financial ruin.  Journal entries from former Mayor David Wheaton detail his introduction of the chemical Blast Away to the corn crops.  The Mayor’s advice is to STAY AWAY from Quiet Springs and do not let the infected get near you, but if you’re anything like me it’s going to be hard for you to stay away from the Forsaken Haunted House. With over 30,000 square feet of terror, screaming is only the beginning.™  This haunted attraction located in Mentor, Ohio is a collaboration between Evilusions and The Factory of Terror, and features three individual haunts.     In Wheaton Manor you’ll get to tour the mansion of former Mayor Wheaton and get a glimpse of where the madness began.   If you like zombies, you’ll love Quarantine, because you’ll get a glimpse at of Quarantined former residents of Quiet Springs. Walk the desolate streets of  Quiet Springs and see what terror...

“Rumor has been told that, when night falls the terror begins and that you can actually hear the voice of Kari in the Forest.” Welcome to the Forest of Fright, a must see haunted trail located in Philo, Ohio. Set in the middle of a 45 acre wooded farm, this haunted trail is just under a mile long and features approximately 14 separate scenes set in individual buildings. A mixture of animatronic props and live actors help to enhance an already creepy atmosphere within these woods. The remote nature of this location is incredible, you could not ask for a more isolated locale. As you make your way through the woods you’ll get to walk in Kari’s playhouse, checkout the Butcher Shack, see what awaits you in the Asylum on the hillside, and take a ride in the Hellevator. There’s also an incredibly dark, foggy maze waiting within the woods for guests to find their way out of. If you make it back alive, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy some music and hot cocoa at the bonfire, but that’s a mighty big “if” at the Forest of Fright....

Since 1993 the spirits at the Broker’s Building on Market Street have been spilling out onto the streets beckoning passersby to check-in to The Haunted Hotel, where horror movies come to life! Located in the heart of San Diego’s Gaslamp District, The Haunted Hotel is the longest running haunted house in San Diego.  The building alone has been around for around 125 years and with that much history inside it there’s bound to be some restless souls left behind.     It was named by Haunt World Magazine as one of the top 13 haunted houses in America and was prominently featured in “America Haunts IV” on The Travel Channel.  This year, try to survive the “Walking Dead” dungeon, come face to face with the killer clowns on the subway car, and get a real life experience of the “Evil Dead” cellar.  The Haunted Hotel is a visual delight, filled with awesome props and effects, but the real gem behind this haunted attraction are the actors, who go over and above to provide guests with a memorable haunted experience....

South Pasadena’s Fremont Centre Theatre was was once a mortuary, and folklore still speaks of the building being haunted today.  Theatrical plays are regularly performed in the small theater located inside this building, which is where family members once gathered to view their deceased.  This October, Evil Twin Studios invites you to experience the most terrifying haunt of the season, the Theatre of Terror!     This haunted attraction is a fundraiser for the South Pasadena Arts Council (SPARC).  SPARC provides interactive art projects, visual and performing arts programs, and collaborations with local businesses, the South Pasadena Unified School District and community organizations.   SPARC is open to all artists, actors, musicians, playwrights, directors, producers, set designers, costume designers, dancers, singers, storytellers, writers, art lovers, art patrons, and anyone who wants to help the arts survive and thrive in South Pasadena. Tickets are also available to a private costume party (and yes, costumes are required for entry) on Friday October 18th from 6:30 to 11:00pm.  You’ll be able to meet the haunt team, and get an exclusive backstage tour of the haunt with the lights on.  Then, you’ll get to party in the graveyard with food and beverages provided by Haunt Dawgs, and spooky desserts provided by Sweets by Jenny.  All proceeds from ticket sales for this event will also support the South Pasadena Arts Counci....

If you’re feeling extra industrious this year, and the notion that your efforts could result in an epic failure don’t frighten you, you might want to attempt to build a vortex tunnel for your haunt.  Scary Terry has laid out a tutorial on how he built his, and while it doesn’t contain a complete supplies list, it should be more than enough to get you started.   The tunnel has a frame that consists of three 10′ diameter “hoops” that are attached to each other, and it’s the precision required to get the plywood cut accurately that will ultimately determine your success with this project.  The hoops are spun around by three pairs of bicycle wheels, five of which are free spinning with the sixth being driven by a motor.  It’s the sixth wheel that actually rotates the tunnel itself.  You’ll need to build a bridge for people to walk on, and the hoops will actually fit around the bridge, rotating around it.  Once the frame is complete it’s just a matter of attaching fabric around the inside of the hoops and painting a sufficiently nauseating pattern on it.   Building a vortex tunnel is a pretty serious undertaking that requires skill and accuracy.  I’ve always said that confidence is a great asset, but knowing when you’re in over your head is a better one.  I know that I would be in over my head with this build, but if you’ve got the skill to get it done, it will be a crowd pleaser.  Good luck storing it, though!   http://youtu.be/eUtd27mozzU Shop These Materials on Amazon 12V Wiper Motor 2.5" Shaft 110 Degree (prop building) PWM DC Motor Speed Controller 9-70V 35A 45Kg High-Torque Waterproof Digital Servo Motor Affiliate Disclosure: HauntersList.com is a participant...

I’m truly amazed at some of the great looking props that people are able to build that cost next to nothing, and the creative ways they go about accomplishing it.  Sytnathotep is one such prop builder with his 1/2 zombie build, which looks great and probably didn’t cost a whole lot.  The spine of the zombie is crafted using three three foot sections of 12/2 electrical wire that are braided together to give it some extra rigidity.  Since this is a 1/2 zombie it doesn’t have to support any real weight (no legs). The shoulders are 3/4″ pvc connected via a cross fit connection that slides over the spine while the collar bones are more 12/2 electrical wire, and the scapulas are styrofoam insulation.  With a wire clothes hanger ribcage and hands made out of wire with plastic pen tube fingers this project is not exactly breaking the bank.  Once the skull slides onto the electrical wire all that’s left to do is corpse and paint this bad boy! What I really like about Sytnathotep’s zombie is his corpsing technique.  He used the melted plastic method as a base, but then stretched cheesecloth and spider web dipped in a 50/50 mixture of black latex house paint and elmers glue all over the zombie.   It really does give the appearance of rotting flesh and is well worth the effort and the mess that it creates. Items needed to complete this include: 12′ – 12/2 electrical wire Skull 6 wire clothes hangers 1 pvc cross fit connector Scrap styrofoam 10 Plastic pen tubes Duct tape Plastic for corpsing Cheesecloth / Spider webbing Latex paint Elmers glue Shop These Materials on Amazon 1" Schedule 40 PVC Pipe 6-Pack Ratcheting PVC Pipe Cutter (up to 1-1/4") 1" PVC...

When does your passion for home haunting become an obsession?  When you have to file a building permit to construct a temporary Mausoleum in your yard.  Which is good, because I don’t think that Raven Manor had to file for a permit, but the passion for their yard haunt is second to none.  The Mausoleum is a perfect fit in their front yard cemetery, but it’s real purpose is to house their flying crank ghost, Eleanor.  That’s right, they built it for their flying crank ghost, how awesome is that! The Mausoleum stands 9′ tall by 10′ deep by 8′ wide and was framed in sections that are connected by carriage bolts.  It looks superb and is the perfect house for Eleanor.  While there really isn’t a step by step tutorial for this build, they do have the plans used to construct the Mausoleum as well as some general information about the framing of it, which should be more than enough to get your creative juices flowing. Shop These Materials on Amazon 5-Pack Foam RIP Tombstone Blanks for Carving Decorative Cemetery Fence Sections Rust-Oleum Flat Black Spray Paint 12oz 1/3HP Replacement Ceiling Fan Motor (for FCG builds) Braided Fishing Line — thin gauge for rigging 120" Wide White Sheer Voile Fabric x 25 Yards Affiliate Disclosure: HauntersList.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to...

The Crawlspace Haunter has created one of the coolest and creepiest looking props that I’ve laid my eyes on.  It’s based on a creature from the film The Unborn.  It turned out great and its the kind of prop that is guaranteed to give people nightmares.  Its made with a pvc frame that’s laid out as if you were building an animals skeleton.   The pvc that makes up the backbone was heated up to give it a bit of a curve.  The rest is a mixture of cardboard, tissue, and paper mache to give it some body.   Items needed to complete this include: 1/2″ or 3/4″ PVC (amount to be determined by your build size) 4 – 90 degree pvc 4 – 45 degree pvc 1 – cross connector pvc fitting 1 – pvc T fitting Skull Cardboard Tissue Paper mache Foam pipe insulation Wire I’m honestly not sure which photo creeps me out more, the night shot, or the daytime shot! Shop These Materials on Amazon Instant Paper Mache Powder Mix 3.3 lbs Assorted 12" Latex Balloons 120-Pack 1" Schedule 40 PVC Pipe 6-Pack Ratcheting PVC Pipe Cutter (up to 1-1/4") 1" PVC Furniture Fittings Assortment 12-Pack Oatey PVC Clear Cement + Primer Handy Pack Affiliate Disclosure: HauntersList.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to...

If you’ve got a coffin that’s looking for a little something extra then consider adding a slow rotating wiper motor to it.  Eerie Acres Cemetery has a video tutorial on how he built his and it turned out great.  The wiper motor spins at the perfect speed so that it doesn’t look obnoxious and you don’t even notice the wooden wheel that’s lifting the coffin lid.  This is a great effect, and there’s really not much needed to get it done.  In fact, building the coffin takes more skill than animating it does.   http://youtu.be/AD95s3Z82vk Shop These Materials on Amazon 12V Wiper Motor 2.5" Shaft 110 Degree (prop building) PWM DC Motor Speed Controller 9-70V 35A 45Kg High-Torque Waterproof Digital Servo Motor Affiliate Disclosure: HauntersList.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to...

The Bloodview Haunted House is back for it’s 2013 campaign, and The Legion of Terror is promising more gore than ever before!  This haunted attraction located in Broadview Heights, Ohio is a one of a kind attraction.  It’s more of a live performance than a haunt as The Legion of Terror, the World’s oldest improvisational horror acting, makeup, and special FX organization creates an unforgettable haunt experience for you.  From the moment you enter the attraction you’ll be surrounded by creeps and creatures wearing only Hollywood-style special effect make-up, and relying on their improvisational acting skills as they interact with you.  There are no scripts with this haunt, which ensures that it’s never the same show twice, and these actors will reach out and grab you as you as you make your way through each of the three attractions that comprise the Bloodview Haunted House.  It can be a intense and graphic experience, but it will be one that you will not soon forget.     2013 Theme weekends include: 9/20 – 9/21: Sinister Sideshow 9/27 – 9/28: Classic Monsters 10/4 – 10/6: Dark Magic 10/11 – 10/12:  Zombie Weekend 10/18 – 10/20: Apocalypse Weekend 10/25 – 10/27: Demon Weekend   Bloodview Haunted House is the main fund-raiser for the Broadview Heights Lions Club.  One of the most active clubs in Ohio, the Broadview Heights Lions invest about $40,000 each year in local projects for the betterment of the community and donate all the proceeds of the haunted house to charities on the local, national, and international level....

The warning given by the operators of the Panic Chambers Hotel cannot be any more clear, but it bears repeating: “Entering a hotel with psychopaths, axe murderers, mouth watering cannibals, and human possessing spirits is not everybody’s cup of tea so….enter at your own risk” This haunted attraction located in Gresham, Wisconsin promises a heart pounding performance that will leave you grasping for air.  Winners of a visitors choice award for their region in 2012 from HauntedWisconsin.com, we’re expecting another stellar production from this group.  As you make your way through each Chamber at this hotel you’ll witness spine chilling evil and come face to face with pure malevolence.     This haunt is a graphic and intense journey through your wildest nightmares, and as such, contains scenes featuring horror, violence, and gore.  In addition to the haunt you’re welcome to enjoy a full menu concession stand  and then kick back and enjoy some live music or the bonfire.  Just remember, at the Panic Chambers Hotel you can check-in…but you will never check-out!    ...

The Bludgeon Family accidentally dug up a sickness in the graveyard. They tried to put it back in the ground, but it wouldn’t stay buried.  Beware of the Plague at the Dead Man’s Farm, the fear is contagious! This intense haunt is designed to be an assault on your senses and bring out your deepest fears.  Set on a real farm in Lenoir City, Tennessee, this haunted attraction has been visited by three seperate paranormal investigators, all of which found reason to believe it’s actually haunted!  With an all new design for 2013 it’s bloodier and sicker than ever! After the haunt, be sure to enjoy the Freaks and Fire side show, Dark Magician Danny Whitson, or just kick back and enjoy the concessions & bonfire.  A portion of all proceeds from this haunted attraction benefit the....

Now in its fifth year, Welcome to our Nightmare in Waterloo, Wisconsin is a family friendly yard haunt with a heart.  Its geared more for the children to enjoy because they typically do not get to enjoy the Haunted houses that are currently out there.  This Halloween display includes a 40′ x 40′ maze with 13 rooms and a 10′ x 20′ vortex tunnel.  On Saturday evenings at dusk, family friendly Halloween movies are played.   Open from October 1st through October 31st, this charity driven yard haunt benefits the Waterloo and Marshall Food Pantry and the Humane Society of Jefferson...

The Fear Experience of Parma, Ohio is back for their 2013 campaign, and is promising “…a terrifying night that will redefine Fear for those brave enough to step inside”.  Sound like an unrealistic goal?  Well, perhaps, but The Fear Experience is a full contact haunt, meaning you will be touched, grabbed, and or yanked by the zombies, clowns, and mental patients that are up to no good in the three haunted attractions that makeup The Fear Experience.  Whether or not that will redefine fear for you is subjective, but it sure is a good starting point! This haunt is a dark haunt with intense environments and actors that go all out to provide the most startling and terror filled experience that they can for you.  If you do not like being touched, stay at home.   Something went terribly wrong at a local nuclear power plant.  Try to make your way through the homes, stores, orphanage, and butcher shop of this destroyed town while avoiding the zombie horde. The attempt to quarantine the infected has failed, the doctors have all been murdered, and the patients are escaping.  Try to survive the Outbreak without being infected by one of the patients.  Journey through a completely dark maze and see how fast you can make it out. If you survive the Outbreak, try getting into a real coffin and experience being Buried Alive!...

Hunger is a scary thing, but at Razzano’s Fright for Hunger, you can help those in need while having fun at the same time.  This charitable Haunted Walk-Thru located in Watervliet, New York is a “FUN RAISER” where patrons are asked to bring food donations in lieu of an admission charge.  Canned goods and non-perishable food items are collected and are donated to Mary’s Soup Kitchen located in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish on 7th Avenue in Watervliet.  Mary’s Soup Kitchen provides hot meals, or food baskets for those in need.     Now in its 10th season, Razzano’s Fright for Hunger has evolved from a yard haunt to the charitable event that it is today.  The outpouring of support that this group has received from the community and beyond has helped inspire them to continue growing and giving back to their community.  With over 500 people walking through in 2012, they’re hoping they can count on you this year to help Scare Off Hunger!...

High voltage is not something you want to be messing around with unless you really know what you’re doing.  Luckily, Terra from HalloweenForum really knows what she’s doing, and she’s created a video tutorial on how to make authentic looking electrical transformers.  They’re created with trash cans, pool noodles, pvc and rope, but you can make them as intricate as you’d like.  When you put a strobe light under the trash can it really gives the appearance that the transformer is arcing, which, coupled with some high intensity audio will scare the heck out of anybody!     Items needed to complete this include: Two trash cans in a good transformer shape One pool noodle 14″ thick manila twisted rope Four 18″ lengths of 3/4″ PVC pipe Two 12″ lengths of 1/2″ PVC pipe Two 1/2″ PVC elbow connectors Two 19″ lengths of plastic plumber’s tape Two scraps of 1 1/2″ foam (6 1/2″ long, 3″ wide) Two 12″ metal strappings Four car model wheels or something similar 220 volt sticker Bullet hole stickers Portable strobe light Hot glue sticks Gray latex Drylok...

A styrofoam tombstone is about the simplest prop you can make for your haunt assuming you don’t make it overly intricate, but sometimes even the simplest of props can take on a whole new life by adding a motor. Just ask Christoper, of Chris’ Crypt who has a really simple tutorial on how to turn your Styrofoam tombstone into a rocking tombstone.  You’ll need to build a wooden base to hold the tombstone on one end (pivot point) and the motor on the opposite side.  When you connect the cam to the tombstone the slow rotation of the motor will get your tombstone rocking back and forth.   Items needed to complete this include: Styrofoam tombstone Motor Wood for base 1/2″ piece pvc Shop These Materials on Amazon 12V Wiper Motor 2.5" Shaft 110 Degree (prop building) PWM DC Motor Speed Controller 9-70V 35A 45Kg High-Torque Waterproof Digital Servo Motor XPS Foam Board 1" Thick Craft Sheets 4-Pack 4-in-1 Hot Wire Foam Cutter Kit 15W Loctite Power Grab Foam-Safe Construction Adhesive 5-Pack Foam RIP Tombstone Blanks for Carving Decorative Cemetery Fence Sections Rust-Oleum Flat Black Spray Paint 12oz Affiliate Disclosure: HauntersList.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to...

When the guys over at the Kingwood Asylum set out to build some scarecrows they had two real objectives in mind.  The first was to make something wickedly evil looking, while the second was not to spend a lot of money completing objective number one.  I would say their objectives were met with success.  These scarecrows are amazing looking, and judging from their parts list, didn’t cost too much per unit.  As creepy as it looks in the photos below, just imagine how amazing they’ll look at night with a little bit of creative lighting.   Items needed to complete this include: Elmers Wood Glue (1 large bucket) 10 metal coat hangers 2 rolls masking tape 1 marker Oodles of newspaper 2 pieces of pvc pipe 1 metal rod to go in the pvc pipe Wig Spray paint Shop These Materials on Amazon Instant Paper Mache Powder Mix 3.3 lbs Assorted 12" Latex Balloons 120-Pack Affiliate Disclosure: HauntersList.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to...

In New Orleans the dead are buried above ground to avoid the graves filling with water and forcing the coffins floating to the surface, but did you know that heavy rains will still occasionally dislodge coffins in areas well above the water table?  And if you have any carpentry skills then DaveintheGrave’s tutorial on building a slim-line groundbreaker coffin will help you create this effect. This prop gives the freshly dislodged coffin look without having to build or bury a full coffin to get the effect (not to mention saving the storage space).   Items needed to complete this include: 1/2 or 1/4″ Plywood (About 4 square ft.) 1 X 2″ wood (About 5 ft.) 1″ Wood Screws (2) “L” Brackets Small wood screws Decorative Moulding (Optional) Flat Moulding (Optional) Stain or...

On Thursday August 22nd, ScaryVisions & HaunTopic Radio will be hosting the sixth in it’s Haunt Start-up 101 series of online seminars.  The sixth installment, Cheap Thrills: Marketing Wizardry for Your Haunt with Low (or No) Dough focuses on how to market your haunt cost effectively and get more people to your attraction.  Gail Strumberger who has been working in the the haunted attraction industry for over a decade will share her experience in launching and effectively marketing haunted attractions. The twenty dollar fee covers the hour and a half seminar, access to view the video recording forever, an mp3 download of the audio recording of the seminar as well as all downloads and material discussed in the seminar.  You’ll have to register to view the live event or recording.  After registration and purchase you’ll be given the instructions on how to attend the live event or the recording.     Gail Strumberger is President and Creative Director of Art Dogs, Inc., a Wisconsin entertainment corporation specializing in Halloween entertainment and education, publishing, music, and business consulting.  She launched 1031 Comics in 2012, which, among other things uses comic design as a promotional tool for Haunted Attractions.      ...

Thadeus Krane his wasted his life and fortune working on ways to beat death, and despite his many failed experiments, he’s still trying.  He’s even enlisted the help of his “failed” experiments, or “Defex”, to lure live specimens to “The Pit” to await their chance to help him in his quest.  Now it’s your turn to join the experiment as you descend 26 stories underground, where NO ONE can hear you scream! The Ruby Falls Haunted Cavern located in Chattanooga Tennessee is one of the most interesting haunted attractions you’ll come across.  You’ll actually head 260 feet below ground into Lookout Mountain and enter Thadeus Krane’s twisted world.  If you can survive the infected survivors of Krane’s experimentation while you’re in “The Pit”, you’ll be transported back to the surface for decontamination.  This is an intense haunt that starts the minute you get there, with actors roaming the parking lots to set the right tone.  And because it takes place both above and below ground it’s one of only a few haunts that can actually boast an experience in the “underworld”....