Frequently asked questions
What is a Scream Park?
It is 44 acres of fun. In addition to our traditional Niles Haunted House that will scare the yell out of you, we have expanded our attractions again this year. We have The Niles Haunted House 2008, To Be Announced, Dark Terror-tory Haunted Hayride, To Be Announced, The Field of Screams, Zendor Presents: To Be Announced and a midway with several attractions such as Fry Freddie Hoops, the Blade, Spooky Splatt paintball shooting gallery and (you gotta see it to believe it) the X-Terminator.
Where are you located?
The Niles Haunted House Scream Park is on Mayflower Road, just east of U.S. 31 Exit #5 (the Niles-Buchanan exit). Be sure to check the map for directions.
Can I get something to eat?
Yes. We have several different food vendors and a dry place to sit, talk, watch the activities and eat.
What happened to the Children's Fun House?
The Niles Haunted House Board of Directors are very sorry to report that in 2007 Niles Township Building Inspector Jeff Dunlap and Fire Chief Gary Brovold inspected the Children’s Fun House on Bell Road. Their preliminary observation was that the Fun House needed to comply with current codes which would have included the immediate installation of a sprinkler system, fire alarm panel and several additional items. In light of the fact that the Fun House only was open to the public for eight partial evenings or a total of 28 hours per year, it was not possible to comply with these requests because it would be cost prohibitive to do so. Reluctantly, the facility was closed.
Despite the fact that the Fun House had been located in the same structure since 1996 and never had experienced one single safety problem, the Niles Township officials felt that it was time for the building to comply with current codes.
The Board of Directors would like to thank everyone for their tremendous efforts on this project. They are extremely sorry to share this sad news with the Michiana community. Further questions about the closing should be directed to the appropriate individuals at Niles Township. Building Inspector Jeff Dunlap can be reached at 269-687-2741. Fire Chief Gary Brovold can be reached at 269-683-3311.
Who benefits from this project?
The attraction is staffed by volunteers from more than 80 area non-profit groups. The groups receive a donation based on the number of hours they provide.
Why are you making me take my lighter (... knife ... pager ... cell phone ... etc.) back to the car?
We utilize metal detectors at our entrance. For obvious reasons, we do not want weapons of any kind on the premises (that includes off-duty police officers). Too many jerks like to use their lighter in dark places, so they are banned, too. Over the years, we have built quite a stock pile of things that people lost in the house. We will not be responsible for expensive electrical equipment and we do not want to shut down operations to look for them when you drop them out of your pocket. Therefore, leave all cameras, pagers, phones, knives, guns, lighters, alcohol, chemicals and profanity in your cars.
Is it scary?
In a word, YES! This attraction is geared to scare high school through young-adult age kids. If we can scare Notre Dame football players, we can scare you.
Is it worth driving from Kalamazoo, Chicago or Indy?
We think so. That's why we have so many fun things happening.
Is it gory?
No, we do not feel the need to splatter everything with blood and guts. We have other ways to get your adrenalin flowing.
Is it appropriate for young children?
This is where parental guidance is required. Although we do have many small children go through the Haunted House and are delighted, we cannot recommend it. If your child is afraid of the dark, then definitely not. The hayride and the midway attractions are not recommended for children under the age of 6.
I went through five times last year and never found the sewer rats (or the volcano ... or the jack-in-the-box ... or the elevator).
There are a couple of reasons for this. First, we have multiple routes through our house. There are more than 100 possible paths to take (although it is possible to see everything in just seven trips). Second, many people are looking for something they saw or heard about in a previous year. Most of the displays and routes change every year.
I'm afraid of the dark and I am claustrophobic.
The Niles Haunted House is not the place for you — unless you want to test the limits of your adrenal gland. The Dark Terror-tory Haunted Hayride may be just right for you.
I started to hyperventilate and didn't make it all the way through. Do I get my money back?
Let me get this straight. 1) You paid us money to scare you. 2) You got scared. 3) You got more scared. 4) You got so scared that we had to remove you via our hidden doors and secret passages. I think you owe US money.
