By Elaina Antenan
Staff Writer
Those goblins, ghouls and ghosts are waiting … waiting to scare you and your friends half to death.
They’re staring youdown, and then out of nowhere, they jump at you from behind a wall, watching you scream.
Well, The Lamp’s Elaina Antenan has listed her top picks for the best Halloween experience.
Her list takes a look at some of the scariest places in the area.
Boo Crew (Rochester)
This October, Boo Crew will be open every Friday and Saturday through Nov. 1. They will have a light show at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 25 for children
It costs only $10 for general admission, but if you’re too excited to wait, there is a $15 flash-pass available.
Warning: This event is anything but amateur, as there are amazing actors and performances. They are certain to frighten you!
Address: 11083 Buckhart Road, Mechanicsburg, IL 62545
Contact: [email protected]
Riverside Park Haunted Hay Ride (Springfield)
This spooky ride is pulled by a hearse. And it is a guaranteed scare!
This is a perfect place for a spook, but there are no ghosts. Just hang out with friends and family by a fire with some hot chocolate while waiting to get your scare on!
Riverside’s haunted hayride is open every Friday and Saturday of October. Gates open at 6 p.m. and rides start at 7 p.m. General admission is $10, but if you aren’t patient enough to wait, there is a flash-pass available for $15.
Address: 2310 Chinchilla Lane, Springfield, IL 62702
Contact: 217-522-7702
Carter Bros. Haunted Hay Ride (Springfield)
Every Friday and Saturday in October, this hayride starts rolling at 7 p.m.
Pay $10 to ride through the woods and into nightmares!
Tired of drinking several cups of coffee on your long wait? Explore Carter Brother’s “Halls of Terror,” a haunted house that is free with the purchase of a hayride ticket.
If you’re scared of the dark but still interested in spooky stuff, Carter Bros. has a day-time hayride from 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 25 that costs $5 a person.
Address: 104 Carter Lane, Springfield, IL
Terror On The Square (Petersburg)
Terror on The Square was formed in an old funeral home, and if the actors can’t scare you, the spirits will!
This year’s theme — “Terror in the Graveyard” — is a brand-new haunting experience.
It’s $10 a person for the scare of your life! Kids under 10 get in for $8.
Terror on the Square is open every Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. until Oct. 25. But it reopens Oct. 26, 30 and 31.
Address: 119 S. 7th St., Petersburg, IL 62675
The Darkness (St. Louis)
If you are looking for something that’s worth traveling for, this is the place to go!
The Darkness in St. Louis is open every weekend in October! Although it’s more expensive than the other places, The Darkness is well worth the cash.
Tickets are $25 a person. They are available online and at the door.
With new themes and characters every year, this haunted house is never boring. If you’re looking for travel and fun, The Darkness is the perfect location.
Address: 1525 S. 8th Street St Louis, MO 63104
Contact: 314-241-3456
Elaina Antenan can be reached at [email protected] or 217-786-2311.
