Pumpkin spice season is upon us! Summer is over, the leaves are changing, and it is time for pumpkin picking, flannel-wearing and apple cider sipping. It is also time to get a spooky thrill at one of the many haunted houses in Indiana. The Hoosier State is the place to be when it comes to all things eerie. Check out Indiana’s top haunted houses with family and friends and prepare to be frightened this fall!  

Haunted houses are a perfect escape from reality when you need a break. They offer a scary and exciting experience that you, your friends and family won’t soon forget. Indiana has great haunted houses located throughout the state. They include multiple levels of scare tactics and excitement for all types of thrill-seekers. 

Why do we love haunted houses so much?

From the Headless Horseman in “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” to the Evil Queen in “Snow White” humans are fascinated with being scared. Ghost stories are as old as time and the idea of ghosts haunting houses has been around for centuries. In America, haunted houses began during the Great Depression as a way to entertain children during Halloween. However, it was the opening of Walt Disney’s famous Haunted Mansion in 1969 that really started the haunted house industry.

Fear and anxiety are normal and part of life. In fact, a little bit of fear is even good for you. According to the National Institutes of Health, anxiety, nerves and fear can give us an energy boost and help us focus. So, it is human nature to enjoy being scared from time to time.

When do haunted houses open in Indiana?  

Haunted houses in Indiana are currently open for business, but hours and days of operation differ. That means before you get everyone packed into the car, check the establishment’s hours of operation and guidelines first. Most haunted houses encourage guests to purchase their tickets online before arriving, and some even offer a discount for doing so. 

What haunted houses are open right now?  

Indiana has an assortment of haunted houses for all scare fanatics. These haunted experiences offer a unique take on the classic haunted house. Want to know more about their hours, guidelines and scaring rules? Check out their websites for more information on their fright-filled entourage.

Retired Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance employee, Tom Angrick, runs Fright Manor which is located in Indianapolis, Indiana, at the Southport Little League at 350 Anniston Dr. Proceeds from the haunted house help members of the Southport Little League play baseball and softball each season. This haunted house is one of the creepiest, scariest and darkest in the state. Visit their two attractions, Fear in the Dark Haunt and the Back Country Haunt. Each one will give you goosebumps and nightmares! Every Friday night at Fright Manor is Football Friday! Bring your high school football game ticket or receipt or your high school ID and you will receive $5 off each ticket.

Evil on Erie located in Lafayette, Indiana, is home to more than 15,000 square feet of pure fright! The legend behind Evil on Erie began in 1956 when a warehouse was built on the property. As time went by, more and more people reported having strange experiences while occupying the space. After a few investigations, the building was deemed to be haunted. If you’re having a hard time believing the story, maybe you should head to Evil on Erie to see for yourself. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult, and this is guaranteed to be a chilling experience for all who dare to enter.

Hanna Haunted Acres located in Indianapolis, Indiana, is one place you won’t want to go alone. Guests can experience its six attractions: Hanna Haunted Hayride, Dark Echoes, Cannibal Chaos, Stalker Farms, Freakshow and Bitten. Visit their website for more information about these attractions.  

Indy Scream Park located in Anderson, Indiana, is a classic haunted house. Located on more than 20 acres, there is no better way to get your adrenaline pumping than to go see it for yourself. Indy Scream Park offers multiple main attractions including Zombie Paintball Assault, Killgore’s 3D Circus, Nightmare Factory Blackout, Zombieland Unchained, Back Woods and Lockdown. There is also Monster Midway, carnival games, unique photo spots and a monster meet and greet.  

Forbidden Hollows Haunted Farm located in Bedford, Indiana, is a haunted trail and a family-friendly hayride. Open on Fridays and Saturdays in October, Forbidden Hollows is host to spooktacular fall nights! A portion of the proceeds go to supporting Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence County, L.I.F.E. Food Pantry and WildCare, Inc.  

Hysterium located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is where the tortured souls of patients await your arrival. These patients are eager to escape the haunted asylum, and it is your job to make it through alive. Hysterium supports  Don’t Be A Monster, an anti-bullying program that works with haunted houses throughout the country. Support your local community by participating in the fun this fall!  
 

What other fun activities can I do this fall? 

If visiting haunted houses isn’t your favorite fall activity, you’re in luck. There are a variety of other options for fall entertainment that include heading to apple orchards and pumpkin patches around the state of Indiana, cooking delicious recipes with friends and family, having a fire pit outside, watching your favorite movie while bundled up under a cozy blanket or enjoying a brisk evening walk before winter arrives. Many Indiana State Parks have fun fall activities planned and are a great way to get outdoors and see the brilliant colors fall has to offer. 

Check out these pumpkin patches and apple orchards that are open for business in Indiana!

No matter your preference, there are a plethora of fall activities that you, your friends and family can take part in this season!  

*The information in this article was compiled from a variety of sources and is intended to provide helpful tips only.