REVIEWS

Niles Haunted House Scream Park
855 Mayflower Road Niles, MI 49120
269-687-FEAR

Opening night. For us at Haunted House Chicago, it was our first review of 2010. Time to shake off 10 months of dust and get back entangled in the cobwebs. Niles Scream Park has been a solid attraction for over 30 years, and we knew that they would be up to the challenge of being reviewed only one day after their 2010 grand opening.

We arrived a little early as I apparently still have issues with the time zone changes. (Remember, Niles is on Eastern Standard Time.) (And for those that don’t realize, Niles, Michigan, is only about 2 hours east of Chicago.) As we waited for the attraction to open, you could feel a buzz. From the actors AND from the crowd. (Oh yes, a nice line of 100+ people had gathered at the entrance – and this was only their second night open – and in September!)

When it was finally time to enter the park, we did with eyes wide open. Niles has a unique feel of a classic carnival, but with no traditional rides. For those looking for more than just a haunted house, there really is no other choice than right here. From the four major haunted attractions (and we will discuss those in a bit), to a fully featured hayride, to a midway of games, food, and movies, Niles just doesn’t decorate for Halloween; it breathes it. After devouring a delicious elephant ear while sitting on hay bales and watching old black-and-white silent pictures, we embarked on our tour of everything that Niles had to offer. Starting with the two smaller attractions, themed after pirates and a motel, we warmed up with little frights and startles.

Afterwards, our guide insisted we venture to the big house, aka The Niles Haunted House, their flagship attraction. As we traversed the trail that leads to the front door, your skin starts to tingle. Out in the middle of this 40-acre farm, there are no other buildings around. Just stars, corn, and the sounds of terror coming from within. Inside, the house is an old-school masterpiece. No fancy robots or special effects. Just good ol’ fashioned scares and scenes that work in every way. (Not to mention a good couple-dozen rooms!) Next up is the famous Dark Terror-tory Haunted Hayride. Part cheesy farm fun, movie studio backlot tour, and haunted mayhem, this hayride is simply unlike any other. Just imagine: out in the middle of the cornfield, the cool wind whisking around you, a crazy driver, and a creative narrator. And fire. Lots of fire.

Saving the best for last, our guide brought us to the Field of Screams. This is perhaps probably the largest maze in the Midwest that isn’t made of corn. The mix of multiple zones, lurking monsters, and a seemingly unending variety of different effects, kept our hearts racing and heads spinning! As we thanked our amazingly gracious hosts for an wonderful evening, the smiles could not be wiped from our faces. Another outstanding year for an outstanding attraction!

Niles Scream Park is the essence of Halloween and not just for those seeking fear and fright, but also for those looking to enjoy the season and spirit of all that we value.