2001: There's a first time for everything, and OH, WHAT A FIRST THIS IS! For the first time in the history of the Zioptis Haunted House Hotline we have a 5 STAR THREE-PEAT!!! Incredible 3-D display by top designer Stu Smith. If you don't see the magic show waiting in line stick around after you get out until you do - a guaranteed "WOW!" We especially loved the floating demented doll that suddenly becomes human! The Haunting's magician Stuart has been chosen to perform in the 100th year celebration of the Society of American Magicians in New York City. Only 25 magicians have been chosen to be part of this historic event. Stuart OPENED THE SHOW with his sleight of hand routine that got him in the Hall of Fame of Magic!

ZIOPTIS 2002 rating 4 ¾ stars

2002: ANOTHER FANTASTIC SHOW FROM ONE OF THE LEADERS! Totally different themes this time - your first challenge is to discover which mannequin is real, then you are thrust into a WILD 3-D EXPERIENCE by famed 3-D designer Stu Smith. A brilliant cross between sci-fi and classic psychedelia! Local drama students "KICK IT UP A NOTCH" in the acting department - they've always been way above average! Completely different magic show while you wait in line this time featuring a victim from the audience, and we liked the helicopter crash. Good monster interaction and placement - good surprise factor. Unless we see something else amazing soon, this house will win our

OVERALL BEST EYE CANDY VALUE AWARD FOR 2002!

ZIOPTIS 2003 rating 5 STARS!

2003: Never one to rest on their laurels, this haunt has re-invented itself again! This year's theme is "Freaks" and recaptures the wild edge we experienced in 2001 with their "Vampire City," but missed in 2002 with "Slaussen's Mannequin Factory." Lots of quirky high intensity action from local drama students who have always "kicked it up a notch" in the acting department. Excellent illusions, dark passageways, monster surprises, sound and lighting. The 3-D displays by Stu Smith are all new, and even more extensive than before! Also all new is the magic show presented in the waiting area. We really liked the "new" magicians' persona and the wild fluorescent painted background. A HIGH CLASS PRESENTATION FROM START TO END BY ONE OF THE LEADERS OF THE INDUSTRY!

ZIOPTIS 2004 rating 5 STARS

ZIOPTIS 2005 rating 5 STARS

2005: A NEW THEME FROM A LEADER OF THE INDUSTRY! Not one to rest on its' laurels, this haunt has completely reinvented itself again. The new theme is "Attack of the Zombies" and it is WAY COOL! You'll go to the mall, but shopping is the last thing on the minds of the Zombies you'll encounter!

Local college drama students provide the perfect natural resource for this attraction that has long been one of our favorites! And it sure helps when the haunt operator is a master magician too!

WORTH THE DRIVE! (a little over an hour from Metro Airport)

3340 Dumont Road, Allegan, MI 49010

2005 WAS THEIR 20^th YEAR!

CLOSED IN 2006 FOR GOOD, THEY'RE MOVING.

Open October 30 & 31, 2008  FREE!

This looks like an excellent effort featuring lots of original sculptures, great website too!

4141 Bauer Road at Mt. Brighton Ski & Golf

take I-96 to exit 145, go south on Grand River, turn right on Challis Road (1/3 mile), then turn left on Bauer Road - approx. 1 1/2 miles from exit

(810) 229-9581

ZIOPTIS 2004 rating 4 STARS

2004: AN EXCELLENT FIRST TIME EFFORT! The building is really cool here - gives a basement or dungeon type atmosphere. Lots of dark passageways and creepy stuff hanging. Low frequency rumbling noises, monsters popping out and taunting you from all over! We really liked the 3-D spotted room, the bridge, and the "funeral director," an older gentleman who measures you for your coffin and then tells you which one to get into at the start of the haunt. A HIGHLY PROMISING WELCOME NEWCOMER TO THE SCENE!

 ZIOPTIS 2005 rating 4 1/2 STARS

2005: IT'S ONLY THEIR 2nd YEAR,  AND THEY'RE GOING GREAT! Distinct improvements since last year include a "disappearing room" that'll blow your mind!  Still has lots of creepy wailing music and LIGHT fog throughout - just right, not too thick. Clever method of opening first door to haunt which has an underground sewer or swamp type of feel, amongst many others including a 3-D area and a 3-D BLACK HOLE. And we really liked their use of water, especially in the hot tub scene that will make you laugh!

A STRONG, YOUNG EFFORT WITH A PROMISING FUTURE!

THE SHOW IS ON FOR 2006, WE HOPE TO CHECK IT OUT!

at Sharky's Bar / Tropical Falls Adventure Golf

G-4312 South Dort Highway, Burton, MI 48529

(810) 742-6185

ZIOPTIS 2005 rating 3 3/4 STARS

NOT IN THE 2005 FEAR FINDER

This is a brand new haunt from CELLAR DOOR PRODUCTIONS, most often known for concert production in the Detroit area.

38 ACRE FARM including a Haunted Corn Field, 3-D Haunt, Haunted Forest Walk, 2 corn mazes on 13 acres, petting zoo, bonfire and more!

301 Rogers Lane 48420 (810) 687-7611

ZIOPTIS 2004 rating 4 ¼ STARS

Excellent 1^st time effort! It starts with you sitting in the amphitheater watching scary movies – we saw "The Blob" with Steve McQueen. Periodic giant fire blasts warm the entire amphitheater, the biggest we've seen! Then you "get to go back stage," but not like the groupies do during the concert season here! Instead, you'll be partying with some questionable characters, one of whom spewed forth the most realistic yellow vile stuff just before he died! EXCELLENT ACTING – ACTORS NEVER BROKE CHARACTER…when I looked back into the room we had just left the poor soul was STILL dead! We liked the space creatures beckoning, the "breathing" walls and great sound throughout – really scary and really loud! Fantastic ambience precedes your entrance to the haunt – a waterfall with "blood" flowing, fog and torch blasts! A HIGHLY PROMISING NEWCOMER!

ABOVE # DISCONNECTED IN 2005 - THEY WENT OUT OF BUSINESS. I GUESS THEY COULDN'T COMPETE WITH PINE KNOB (DTE ENERGY MUSIC THEATER) AND FREEDOM HILL (JEROME DUNCAN FORD THEATER)

4516 24th Street, Dorr, MI

(616) 681-2342

6054 124^th Avenue, Fennville, MI 49408 (269) 561-8651

ZIOPTIS 2004 rating 4 STARS

A BRAND NEW HAUNT that starts off with a DOUBLE BLACK HOLE and then takes off big time from there! Good monster interaction and acting - good sound effects and clever gags - we really liked a certain head that popped out of the wall...you'll know which one when you see it! IF THIS IS WHAT THEY DID ON THEIR FIRST TIME OUT, WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT THEY DO NEXT YEAR!

ZIOPTIS 2005 rating 4 1/4 STARS

IT'S ONLY THEIR 2nd YEAR, AND WE REALLY LIKE WHAT WE'VE SEEN! A BIG FUTURE FOR THIS ONE.

5510 Grand River Avenue between Fowlerville & Howell (exit 133 off I-96)

2002: This is a young project - they decided to go public 3 years ago, and it was our first time here but certainly NOT our last! Excellent illusions and interaction. We especially liked the bodyless guy who greets you at the start and the magically transforming creatures. Outdoor corn maze with chain saw dudes and bonfire at the end. Barn set up for kids to play in. We are always trying to find new efforts not in the Fear Finder -

THIS ONE IS A WINNER!

NOT IN THE FEAR FINDER in 2003 BUT IS IN 2004

ZIOPTIS 2003 rating 4 1/2 STARS

2003: Another strong effort from a relative newcomer - they went public 4 years ago. Excellent illusions and witty lines from actors written by a pair of comedians. Kids can play in the barn too - BIG FUN AT THIS ONE!

ZIOPTIS 2004 rating 4 3/4 STARS

2004: FANTASTIC ILLUSIONS set this haunt apart from many others! Not much music, but excellent monster interaction and clever lines from the actors. When magicians get involved in haunts the results are almost always great, and this one is no exception! We won't describe the illusions here - it would diminish their impact, but TRUST US, IT'S WAY COOL! Also has a haunted corn maze that we didn't go thru. And the barn is open to hang out in after doing the haunt, hay stacked high, perfect for mingling. It was just about full during our visit! THIS PLACE WAS JAMMIN' WITH HUNDREDS OF HAPPY HAUNTERS - WE CAN SEE WHY!!

2005: SUPERIOR ILLUSIONS AND WITTY LINES FROM THE ACTORS set this haunt apart. This haunt moved 1/4 mile west of its' former location across the street. It now features a much bigger barn with a giant slide exit. The barn is at least 100 years old with hand hewn beams (cut with an axe, not a saw) providing great ambience. A bonfire keeps haunters warm and safe - for the time being! The "Slaughter House" haunt appears to be in the same structures as before - they moved the whole thing down the road. Interesting uses of water and an awesome scene with a Sheriff (who TOTALLY NAILED his part!) administering an ultimate punishment to the former FEMA director Mike Brown in a way superior to what we've seen at any other haunt! Also, we really liked the girl with the strange accent, the highly realistic reinactment of a famous scene from a horror movie I'm sure you've seen and a daring prisoner escape THAT WILL KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF! The buildings' exit goes to a bridge leading you to a corn stalk path with some strange surprises and a BLACK HOLE at the end.

There is a separate Haunted Corn Maze (20 - 30 minutes to go thru) that we had to skip in order to make it to Mt. Frighten before they closed.

The people putting this on have no idea what most other haunts are like! They are so busy with farm business and running the haunt, they have no time to go anywhere! And THAT seems to be a big factor towards this HIGHLY ORIGINAL CONCEPT that we HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!

(810) 695-8200

ZIOPTIS 2004 rating 4 1/2 STARS

2004: This haunt has COMPLETELY reinvented itself since "The Executioner's Castle" that we loved by them before! It still has superb actors, and LOTS of really cool new gags. We really liked the vixen nurse girl at the beginning who tells a "shocking" story before you are thrust into sensory overload and then sensory deprivation! And what's the deal with the constantly ringing telephone you can't answer? Or the girl who's ready to electrocute you? She's got the cables ready - just step up and it's ZAP ZONE for you! And you better not get lost in the Dolly Room as I did! High intensity monster taunts, compressed air blasts, squishy floors, SHAKING floors, good blind passageways, cool lighting effects, great actor interaction - WHAT ELSE DO YOU WANT FROM A HAUNT? THESE GUYS HAVE IT ALL!

ZIOPTIS 2005 rating 5 STARS

at Loch Lomond Golf Course, 5267 South Dort Highway 

(810) 742-1434

ZIOPTIS 2005 rating 4 1/4 STARS

Contains an AMAZING TREE CARVING on your right during the walk. Also features a unique tribute to Beavis & Butthead. EXCELLENT FOREST WALK!

at Bugsy's Bar & Grill Plaza, 6340 North Genesee Road, Grand Blanc

last night for 2002 was Sunday October 27th.

ZIOPTIS 2002 rating 4 3/4 STARS

2002: A new site for this show - was at DTE Energy Music Theater last year. Different setup this year, mostly indoors with various interactive sports games, wacky stuff like the VELKRO WALL.

AWESOME PRESENTATION FROM START TO FINISH! We especially liked the large gargoyle to the left of the entrance spewing fog from his mouth. 1st room immediately disorients you with strobe and fog while monsters surround you. Great foliage decor, monster scares / interaction. Cool spooky electronic music, strong compressed air blasts, excellent makeup. And we STILL LOVE the THOR-DUDE who follows you, then suddenly is in your way instead! LOTS of highly effective automated pop-out displays. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

THIS TRAVELING ROAD SHOW NOT IN TOWN 2004 or 2005.

Playland Entertainment Center take I-75 north to exit 109 Dort Highway (exit only goes north) Go north 2.5 miles, Playland on left. From US23 North take Hill Road exit, go east 3 miles, turn left on Dort Highway, go 1/2 mile and Playland is on left. (810) 695-8200 group info (810) 695-2412

ZIOPTIS 2002 combined rating 4 STARS

This was our first time here, but certainly not our last! 2 separate but affiliated attractions on different sides of the Playland building. THE CIRCUS OF FEAR is the more recent addition to the site. You REALLY SHOULD go for the combo ticket to see both. We went thru THE CIRCUS OF FEAR first which begins with a mystic lady telling a strange tale. We especially liked the 3 "marionette" girls who finally break free - great makeup! Good spooky music, krazy klowns stalking from ground and above! Highly effective silhouette horror scene - actors on other side of white screen with strobe lighting. THE EXECUTIONER'S CASTLE had an excellent Dracula dude who greets you before entering. Blind passageways AND LOTS OF INTERESTING STUFF TO SEE! Don't rush thru, take time to savor the intricacies here!

THE FLINT JOURNAL recently trashed this house, but their "reviewers" were amateurs. NOT ONLY IS THIS A WORTHY ATTRACTION, THE OPERATOR IS REALLY COOL TOO! Some locals asked him if he would mind if they put up a competing house / hayride RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET from his attraction. Not only did he say it was fine, he ACTUALLY HELPED THEM with preparations! Now THAT'S the kind of comradery we LOVE to see in the industry!!

US 31 & Taylor, Grand Haven, MI

JUST SPOKE TO THEM IN 2006, HOPING TO GO!

623 N Lafayette  NOT IN THE FEAR FINDER, NO RATING AVAILABLE. This is their 11th anniversary, so they must be doing something right! Featuring FRANKENSTEIN LIVE this year. (written in 2002)

NOT OPEN IN 2003 OR 2004 – A MAJOR FIRE DESTROYED THIS! IT'S OFFICIAL IN 2005 - THIS IS A GONER.

123 West Grand River, downtown Howell

take I-96 to exit 137, go north 1 mile

CLOSED IN 2006 & 2007.

6675 Wagner Road, Imlay City, MI 48444

(810) 533-2591

off Van Dyke (M-53) 5 miles north of I-69

THIS SOUNDS LIKE A HIGH-INTENSITY HAUNT!

124 Mechanic, Jackson, MI

In 2002 they called this "THE HAUNTED THEATRE OF JACKSON"

NOT IN THE FEAR FINDER, NO RATING AVAILABLE

NO MENTION OF HAUNT IN 2006, BUT THEY HAVE MONSTER MOVIES.

11375 Rowe Road, Jonesville, MI

from their 2002 promo: Floyd Cranson was one of North Carolinas' most notorious murderers. Years of incarceration did little to curb Floyd's thirst for blood. Now Floyd has escaped and is COMING FOR YOU!

2002 was their 1^st year, didn't operate in 2003, and now they are back for 2004!

OPEN IN 2006 WITH "PSYCHO WARD 4 & PSYCHO CIRCUS."

PHOBIA HOUSE by THE TIMID RABBIT MAGIC & MASQUERADE SHOP

921 Portage, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

2002 write-up:

It's a relatively new effort - this is their 4th year. 8000 square feet, walk around characters and magician when lines are long. The creator of this haunt has been a supplier to the haunt industry since 1974! "It's a mixture of phobias and traditional haunt scares" says their promo.

INSANE CLOWN POSSE WILL APPEAR AT THIS ATTRACTION ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2002! They are scheduled to appear from 8 pm - 12 midnite as performers in the haunt. We understand their Indianapolis appearance WAS cut short. No music or autographs, but this should be a blast - WE PLAN TO BE THERE OR BE SQUARE!

2003 write-up:

It's a new location this year. And they've been so successful that they started a Phobia House in Miami, Florida this year! (see SOUTHERN UNITED STATES listings) This is a tour guided haunt open LATE. If you get a ticket by 11:30 pm you WILL get to go, even if it takes until 3 am the way it did recently! The operator of this haunt has a very unique, positive approach to the haunt industry – how refreshing!

A NEW LOCATION AGAIN FOR 2006 - 33,000 SQUARE FEET! Hopefully it will be permanent.

3222 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, 48910

ZIOPTIS 2005 rating 4 1/4 STARS

A BRAND NEW HAUNT WITH SOME "FRESH BLOOD" TO INVIGORATE THE HAUNT SCENE! Also features a cool rock band playing live in the waiting area.

JAYCEE'S HAUNTED HOUSE

200 Museum Drive at Impression 5 Science Museum, Lansing 48933-1914

ZIOPTIS 2005 rating 4 STARS

STATUS UNKNOWN FOR 2004 – message left on their voice mail. ABOVE # DISCONNECTED IN 2005.

1826 Rolfe road, Mason, MI 48854

FEATURES A 100 YEAR OLD BARN!

Croakie's Party Island, I-75 to exit 11 (Laplaisance Road), west 1/4 mile, left on Dundar Road, over expressway, Island on left. (419) 697-8324 or

(419) 693-5300 www.croakiespartyisland.com $12 / $6

ZIOPTIS 2002 rating 4 1/2 STARS

2002: This is only their 2nd year - A MOST WELCOME ADDITION TO THE SCENE! Excellent 20-25 minute walk outdoors with a hay bale maze at the end. Big bonfire after exit and heated tent waiting area with DJ music. We especially liked the first thingy you must walk on, the people going crazy in the red camping tent off to your right and the tree that breaks and almost hits you! Excellent recorded sound effects and THE WILDEST, JAW-DROPPING STUNT WE'VE SEEN AT ANY HAUNTED HOUSE SO FAR THIS YEAR!!! I'm not about to give it away, BUT BELIEVE ME -

WHEN YOU SEE IT, YOU'LL FREAK OUT!!!

WE ARE SAD THEY AREN'T OPEN IN 2003 – HOPE THEY COME BACK!

IT LOOKS LIKE THIS IS A GONER (2005).

DIMENSIONS IN TERROR

ZIOPTIS 2000 rating 3 1/2 stars NOT OPERATING THIS YEAR This one was thrown together at an old bar that's probably been demolished by now! Shawn Nolan did this one - I couldn't reach him on an Ohio phone # he gave me. A POSSIBLE "FLASH-IN-THE-PAN?"

NO SIGN OF ACTIVITY IN 2005 or 2006.

PSYCHO ASYLUM INSANE HAUNTED ATTRACTION (formerly CREATURE CASTLE in 2000) Monroe County Fairgrounds at the intersection of M-50 & Raisinville Road 3 miles west of Telegraph

(734) 269-6041 ZIOPTIS 2000 rating 4 1/2 stars ZIOPTIS 2001 & 2002 rating 4 3/4 STARS

2001: We liked this one so much we went back for another visit just before the end of the season - and they dished us up a DOUBLE DOSE OF THEIR MIND SPINNER! VERY COOL - DEFINITELY ONE TO WATCH!!

ZIOPTIS 2002 rating 4 3/4 STARS

2002: From the fine folks who brought you many great performances long ago in Dundee, and then at the Creature Castle in Monroe comes ANOTHER GREAT SHOW FROM START TO FINISH! Fantastic WHIZ-BANG START PUMPS YOU UP BIG TIME FOR AN INTENSE JOURNEY!

Excellent, tight blind passageways, padded with thick piled carpet for ultimate finger comfort! We especially liked the compressed air blasts, the new Elevator Room and the guy on the sound system taunting you with custom patter. He must be just making it up as he goes along! And how DOES he do that with his voice? Unless we see something else amazing soon, this house will win our:

OVERALL BEST PHYSICAL THRILL VALUE AWARD FOR 2002! MASTERS OF THE CRAFT!

ZIOPTIS 2003 rating 5 STARS!

2003: Outstanding haunt with high intensity level and great sound system usage. Their MIND SPINNER / FAST BLACK HOLE combination teamed up with several other gags we won't give away gives a GREAT PHYSICAL THRILL FACTOR YOU WON'T FIND at most haunts! Still has great dark passageways with lots of tight turns, but lots of new goodies have been added. We especially liked the chain restrained creature and the mysterious glowing hands floating above us! A POWERHOUSE PERFORMANCE FROM MASTERS OF THE CRAFT!

ZIOPTIS 2004 rating 5 STARS

Muskegon County Fairgrounds

855 Mayflower Road, just west of US 31 exit 5 between Niles & Buchanan. Take US 31 expressway to exit 5 (Niles-Buchanan Road). Go west 1/4 mile, then left (south) on Mayflower Road 1/4 mile. Info line (269) 687-FEAR (3327) voice line (269) 445-9184 direct line to house during operation (269) 695-4526 www.haunted.org & www.hauntedamerica.com various prices NOT IN THE FEAR FINDER, NO RATING AVAILABLE, but here are excerpts from their 2002 press release: " Scream Park has added even more attractions this year. Scream Park spans 44 acres...may be the only major haunted house with multiple routes. There are over 100 possible ways through it, so it's worth several trips...includes Nightmare in 3-D, Dark TERRORtory Hayride and the Realm of Darkness. The midway offers Fry Freddy, Blade Slinger, Hangman Hoops, Spooky Splat paintball gallery, photo opportunity, magic of Sean Bogunia and much more. Now in its 23rd year...raised over $76,000 in 2001 for children's organizations civic groups and charities." SPANS 44 ACRES?! THIS COULD BE A TRUE MONSTER!!!

2003 comment:

I JUST TALKED TO A HAUNT OPERATOR IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN AND HE SAID THIS ONE IS REALLY COOL! There's 9 POSSIBLE ENTRY ROOMS AND 100 DIFFERENT WAYS THRU AND VARIOUS SECRET PASSAGES. HE WENT 3 TIMES AND SAW TOTALLY DIFFERENT ROOMS EVERY TIME!

2005 comment:

I JUST TALKED TO A HAUNT OPERATOR IN WESTERN MICHIGAN AND SHE SAID THEY HAD A BLAST HERE RECENTLY- WE HOPE TO FINALLY MAKE IT HERE THIS YEAR AND SEE WHAT ALL THE COMMOTION IS ABOUT!

WE HOPE TO GO HERE IN 2006!

7 miles south of I-96 exit 137, then 1/4 mile east. Or 11 miles west of US23, exit 54B, 3 miles north on D-19, then 1/4 mile east.

ZIOPTIS 2002 rating 4 1/2 STARS up from 4 STARS in 2000 and 3 1/2 STARS in 1999

2000: When interrogated as to the whereabouts of the troll, the bridge keeper claimed he ate him whole! But we discovered it was just his arms - he's probably out there flapping his stumps at the girls right now!

Many improvements since our last visit in 2000! The steep hill clumsiness is gone, and there's a new indoors intro to the haunt. We especially liked the flexible bridge over rushing water and the DOUBLE LENGTH, DOUBLE ACTION BLACK HOLE IS TO DIE FOR!!! It starts with the traditional polka dots, then shifts to orange swirls - THE BEST WE'VE SEEN YET!

Also features a maze building just before the end. This years Haunted House operators "meeting of the minds" convention was held here this year. From what we hear, everyone in attendance was favorably impressed!

ZIOPTIS 2003 rating 5 STARS

2003: This haunt has an EXCELLENT new haunted house (The Terrorfied Manor) separate from the forest walk which has improved every year and almost got our top rating in 2002. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, we couldn't take the forest walk this time so we can't give a complete rating yet but we do feel they're headed for a TOP RATING IN 2003! Includes a DOUBLE BLACK HOLE, THE BEST WE'VE EVER SEEN – AWESOME!

ZIOPTIS 2004 rating 5 STARS!

EVEN BIGGER AND BETTER THAN 2003, STILL HAS THE MULTIPLE BLACK HOLES.

ZIOPTIS 2005 rating 5 STARS

2005: FEATURES THE MOST INCREDIBLE BLACK HOLE YET! Actually, it's THREE OF THEM!!! The 1st you encounter is a single, the next is a DOUBLE - 2 of them placed end to end rotating opposite each other to dramatically increase the strange motion sensation, with dots then swirls - WAY COOL! The forest walk is a 1/2 mile adventure thru the forest you had nightmares about after seeing "The Wizard Of Oz" as a kid! Lots of goons and creatures hiding in the woods, good sound and lighting. Also has a maze after the forest. The HAUNTED MANOR here has deep, plush carpeting and STARTLING REALISM FROM SETTINGS AND ACTORS! We especially liked the 1st room with the refrigerator, the slide, the guy writhing on the floor and one very special room you won't forget!

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT IN THIS AREA IS THREATENING THIS HAUNTS' EXISTENCE! WE STRONGLY SUGGEST YOU GO THIS YEAR IN 2005!

STILL OPEN IN 2006 & 2007.

at Double JJ Resort (800) 368-2535 or (231) 894-4444 www.doublejj.com various prices NO RATING AVAILABLE. Features a Haunted Barn, Haunted Hayride and The Rocky Horror Show - audience participation required! And you cowpokes and cowgirls can horseback ride here too. YEE-HAH!

317 West Portage Avenue (906) 635-0093 NOT IN THE FEAR FINDER NO RATING AVAILABLE, but here are excerpts from their brochure: " The Haunted Depot is a brand new entertainment adventure in the Soo. It is the largest attraction of its' kind in the Midwest...live actors greet you...guides escort you through the Depot's many unusual chambers...fall uphill in the mystery bedroom, walk through a storm in the cemetery, tread lightly through a 60 foot underground tunnel. Lose your head at the guillotine and laugh your way through the chamber of doors."

STATUS UNKNOWN FOR 2004 & 2005 - no answer at above #

6147 River Road, Sodus, MI 49126

23740 West Carleton Road take I-94 to I-275 south, take exit 11B (South Huron River Drive), go west and follow signs.

(734) 753-5523 or (734) 516-9111

ZIOPTIS 2002 rating 4 1/4 stars

2002: A multi-attraction event with 2 haunted houses, hayrides and a magic show suitable for the whole family! "HOUSE OF MONSTERS" features clever use of the building's original infrastructure - it appears to have been an animal hospital or kennel. Many caged rooms with dog sized exit holes used for various displays of famous horror scenes such as Hitchcock's Psycho shower stall and The Exorcist - love that "floating" bed with "Linda Blair" strapped on tight! Each scene has separate sound track! Friendly man tells weird story at beginning to ease the minds of apprehensive little ones. WE ABSOLUTLEY LOVED the final room - a Frankenstein send-up featuring lots of vintage, antique electronic equipment placed throughout room and in tall racks. Also features modern electronic eye candy stuff! 2nd house is their "MAZE" featuring lots of monster interaction and even live mice!

Hayrides with tractor pulling 3 separate carts - last car gets most of the gags. Several effective ruses on audience - we especially liked the one with the disgruntled Bobcat driver who GETS HIS REVENGE!

Beautiful decor in ticket booth / concessions building. This is their 2nd year at this site - RECOMMENDED! Their brochure boasts "Over 100 acres of Halloween Fun!"

5600 US12, Tipton, MI

NO MENTION OF HAUNT ON RECORDING IN 2006, MESSAGE LEFT, WILL CHECK WEBSITE SOON.

At Cherryland Center, Traverse City in 2007

2070 Waldorf NW, Walker, MI 49544 (new address for 2008)

1 mile south of I-96 at exit 28 Walker Avenue

ZIOPTIS 2003 rating 4 1/2 STARS

ZIOPTIS 2002 rating 5 STARS

2002:Several Detroit area haunt operators told us this is the coolest haunt in Michigan, and I must say we agree! The entrance façade is an EXACT REPLICA of a real haunted house in Grand Rapids that scared the show producer and his friends when they were kids. This is in a large warehouse – lots of chamo-netting gives a rustic feel. 3 large mausoleums in the indoor waiting area suddenly open up and 3 groups of dancers perform a clever dance routine with instrumental music. Tons of awesome gags and illusions and the biggest 3-D display by Stu Smith we've ever seen! 2001 was their first year – over 30,700 attended!! We can't wait to see what they do in 2003!

2003:This haunt was unfairly hindered this year from delivering the show we KNOW they are capable of, not from the actors or performances, but from the limited space available to them. Half of the building was being prepped for a Christmas show. The grandious giant feel is gone, and it seemed like all were being rushed thru. But still they managed to pull off some really clever, wild stuff that is the essence of what haunt fans crave. We plan to go again in 2004 and have confidence they will blow us away!

2004: Mausoleums are back, and no Christmas show preparations to contend with this time, thank goodness! Massive amounts of great visuals and wacked out actors and crazy scenarios to WOW you! Also has a photo opportunity before the exit so you can PROVE to your friends you're brave enough to hang with ghouls.

9411 East M-36

(734) 828-7444

SO GLAD TO SEE THIS EXCELLENT HAUNT BACK IN ACTION WHERE IT BELONGS!

3770 Noble Road

BESTMAZE opens 9/8/07  TRAIL OF TERROR opens 9/29/07

I 94 to exit 183 Huron Street north (right) to Cross Street (right) thru Depot Town to River Street (left) to Maple which dead ends at the haunt. THEY HAVE SIGNS TO HELP YOU FIND THIS EASILY! (734) 332-9139

ZIOPTIS 2003 rating 4 1/2 STARS

2003: An impressive 1^st time Jaycees effort. Good dark passageways, monsters popping out and wailing spooky music. Excellent scare factor with monsters coming after you a lot. Lots of blood references and a body bag room. We especially liked the zombie nurses in the white room and the wheel chair attack. WHAT A GREAT START FOR A NEW PROJECT!

ZIOPTIS 2004 rating 4 3/4 STARS

NO MENTION OF HAUNT ON RECORDING AT ABOVE #, MESSAGE LEFT - STATUS UNKNOWN FOR 2005.

YPSILANTI AREA JAYCEES ARE BACK FOR 2006!

NIGHT TERRORS

 ZIOPTIS 2000 rating 2 3/4 STARS

2000:  This was the most expensive one we went to in 2000 ($20 for full package), but we were disappointed. But Wiard's has put many great shows together in the past, and their ad said it's "ALL NEW FOR 2001!" And even if you don't go haunting here, the cider, doughnuts and apple butter are awesome! Try dipping the doughnuts in the apple butter - YUM!! NO RATING AVAILABLE FOR 2001