IsabellaHayes

Ghoulish laughter. Bloodcurdling screams. The roar of a chainsaw rapidly approaching behind you. 

Hearing these sounds is commonplace at a haunted house: a Halloween attraction not for the faint of heart. 

A trip to one will typically involve walking through a route of rooms where horror-themed props, special effects and even animatronics combine to create an experience that shocks visitors’ senses. 

Scare actors use costumes and makeup to transform into creepy characters, popping out of the shadows to playfully frighten guests.

The Omaha area has no shortage of haunted attractions perfect for thrill seekers or simply anyone seeking an exciting weekend outing with family or friends. 

Scary Acres, located on 172nd and Giles, is a popular Halloween destination for Marian girls. It’s the personal favorite of freshman Madi Pick, who appreciates how “it is kind of scary, but not super scary by my terms,” said Pick. 

Upon the acres are three smaller, themed haunted houses: the Master’s Castle, the House on the Hill and the Haunted Woods. Concession areas and bonfires offer a cozy atmosphere to relax in after being spooked. Tickets can be purchased for individual houses or an all-access pass is available for $35.

Bloodrush in Elkhorn stands out as a “forest of terror;” its path winds through woods with a combination of indoor and outdoor sections. An eerie old school bus, a creepy clown fun-house and a dilapidated camper are just a few things you’ll encounter on a trip to this haunt. 

To keep things fresh for repeat patrons, each location typically switches up some elements of its design each year; this can include redecorating and retheming parts or adding entire new areas. 

More local houses include Hillside House of Hell, Dungeon of the Damned and Madness Haunted House. Unfortunately, some others have shut their gates for good in recent years. 

The iconic Mystery Manor, formerly located near Creighton University, shut down and was demolished in 2023 due to the death of its longtime owner. Previously, it had been in operation for 38 years and the manor itself was rumored to have a ghostly history. 

Haunted Hollow in La Vista, known for its unique identity as a “scream park,” faced its last season in 2024 just before the owners’ retirement.

The popularity of haunted houses can seem questionable. Some might wonder why anyone would find enjoyment in being subjected to repeated jump scares, disturbing scenery and a constant state of fear. 

The appeal mainly lies in the adrenaline rush, which provides an undeniable thrill for those brave enough to seek it. “For me, the appeal of haunted houses is to go, be scared, laugh at it and remember it as a humbling experience,” freshman Kate Berthelsen said.

Going with others can also serve as a one-of-a-kind bonding experience. “I enjoy the thrill of being scared, and when I’m with friends, I think it brings us closer together,” Pick said.

If you want a Halloween-themed experience without the intensity of a traditional haunted house, have no fear. Less terrifying options exist. 

The Museum of Shadows in downtown Omaha is perfect for morbidly curious souls. Open year-round, it is dedicated to displaying artifacts from around the world with macabre and paranormal backstories.

In addition, Vala’s Pumpkin Patch in Gretna is home to a small, less extreme haunted house, as well as a multitude of other autumn attractions. Since the farm is generally geared towards families, it makes for a good “scary” activity for those who’d just like to dip their toes in. 

The Bellevue Berry Farm has a similar atmosphere and is the top choice for Berthelsen, who “[loves] the small locality of it.”

For horror fanatics, Halloween enthusiasts and anyone in between, haunted houses are a hallmark of the spooky season.