TAYLOR, MICHIGAN

BULL'S HOLLOW HAUNTED GYM

22347 Ecorse Road next to Senate Coney Island east of Pardee Road ( $5 NOT IN THE FEAR FINDER ZIOPTIS 2002 rating 3 1/2 STARS

Thanks to the Duncan Street Horror for telling us about this one - it's a first time effort from the MAD BULL GYM. EXCELLENT spooky electronic music, good sets and scares, blind passageways, distortion mirrors in last hallway.

Rather short, but what they have is cool. GOOD BANG FOR THE BUCK! Our only regret is that we didn't hear about this sooner - and now we must re-submit info to Guinness - there are 6 HAUNTED ATTRACTIONS IN TAYLOR THIS YEAR!!!

NOT OPEN  2004 - 2008.

NOX

24341 Brest Road, 100 yards west of Telegraph between Goddard & Northline (877) NOX-DARK or www.noxdark.com

ZIOPTIS 2004 rating 4 1/2 STARS

2004: A first time effort with all new original ideas with only one exception - the polka-dot room, which is THE BEST WE'VE EVER SEEN!

This new haunt has some really cool new stuff and a 3-D display, but unfortunately some of it wasn't yet working and to make it even worse, some key actors were missing. And we all know THAT can make or break a performance / experience! We especially liked the live butcher, the clown room and the nuclear area. WE PLAN TO VISIT THIS AGAIN IN 2004! WE DID GO AGAIN AND IT WAS WAY COOL!

THIS HAS MOVED TO THE NOVI EXPO CENTER IN 2005.

WAS OPEN IN 2007, but we missed it due to a late night traffic jam. Not open in 2008 to our knowledge - WE HOPE THEY COME BACK, THEY HAD SOME TRULY INSPIRED STRANGENESS!

TERRORZONE & TERROR TRAILS

In Papp Park. 1/2 mile west of Telegraph. Take Telegraph to Wick Road west, continue to Westlake and turn left and take entrance to the park on the right. (313) 295-4010

 ZIOPTIS 2000 rating 3 3/4 STARS FOR THE HOUSE ONLY (hayrides were finished when we arrived)

ZIOPTIS 2001 rating 3 STARS FOR THE HOUSE ONLY - they were missing some key actors though. We hope to try the hayride soon. This one was at Lange Park last year. A PROMISING YOUNG PROJECT!

NOW CALLED "TAYLOR LITTLE LEAGUE HAUNTED HOUSE AND HAUNTED FOREST HAYRIDE" ZIOPTIS 2002 rating 4 stars (combined rating for house and hayride)

House had good interaction level. Evil graffiti, strobes, fog. Only one sound effect: calliope music before the insane clowns attack. Little girl made up like old lady - can't see her at first...very effective!

We finally got to try their hayride, and it was the high point of our visit. The driver looks like he's from the "Motel Hell" movie. Starts out slow, then monsters storm the wagon and kids with charcoal faces banging things against the wagon. Chain saw guy jumps onto wagon for close-up haunts.

INCLUDES A SPECIAL STUNT WE'VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE ON A HAYRIDE! Then the final stunt failed due to a prop problem, but we had it described to us and it should be cool. This was their opening night for 2002...it's hard to get things perfect on the first night!

ZIOPTIS 2003 rating 4 STARS for the house and hayride

2003: Good modular haunt that features excellent small actors and vocalizations, and it's easy to get lost in the maze! The hayride driver looks just like the guy from the "Motel Hell" movie.

It seems like a tame hayride until insanity suddenly attacks the cart in many shapes and forms. High intensity monster interaction and some special surprises we won't give away!

PAPP PARK PANIC ATTACK (formerly TERRORZONE & TERROR TRAILS)

In Papp Park. 1/2 mile west of Telegraph. Take Telegraph to Wick Road west, continue to Westlake and turn left and take entrance to the park on the right. (313) 295-4010

$12 combo ticket or $8 for walk thru haunt / $6 for hayride

WE SUGGEST YOU GO FOR BOTH ATTRACTIONS.

ZIOPTIS 2005 rating 4 1/2 STARS

NOT IN THE FEAR FINDER.

2005: WAY COOL JOURNEY TO "MOTEL HELL" TOPS OFF THIS DOUBLE ATTRACTION! THIS IS A WELL DONE MODULAR HAUNT AND A REALLY CLEVER HAYRIDE.

 The walk thru modular features excellent wailing noises from lots of live actors. Lots of surprises and monsters popping out from ALL OVER! We really liked the graveyard scene and the girl ghoul that warns "THERE IS NO WAY OUT" as you're trying to find your way thru a place you're sure to get lost in!

And what's the deal with that high pitched beeping noise? Are there trucks backing up in here? But, more importantly, CAN WE FIND OUR WAY OUT OF HERE?

The hayride features a driver who looks like he belongs in the "MOTEL HELL" movie! And the journey includes a "HUMAN FARM" scene that we absolutely loved! If you saw "MOTEL HELL" you'll instantly understand the bizarre implications the scene depicts!

But if you haven't seen it, here's a brief synopsis: Farmer Vincent sells the tastiest sausage in the country. But his horrible secret is that he uses HUMAN meat from victims of his abductions, "curing" them in fields they are buried in up to their necks! You will see these pitiful souls, who have been stripped of their vocal chords to prevent them from crying out for help!

Also features 2 REALLY SHOCKING SCENES, one of which involves some girls who are playing jump rope. The other one will TOTALLY FLABBERGAST YOU! We're NOT giving any other clues, but when it happens you WILL know it!

Lots of high intensity monster interaction and good use of resources. We really liked the weird dude with wild makeup and multi-colored clothes who comes up to communicate with you with ultra-strange mannerisms.

And we instantly fell in love with the girl who emerges from a house part that couldn't exist in the location they've placed it at! She has a CRAZY hairdo (remember cousin Itt on The Addams Family?) and ethereal demeanor to boot!

This is the old TERRORZONE & TERRIFIED TRAILS revamped and revved up ready to go! YOU should go! GOOD BANG-FOR-THE-BUCK VALUE!

THE EXTREME SCREAM

7834 Telegraph, 1/2 mile south of I-94 in Forest City Plaza (734) 637-1871

ZIOPTIS 1999 rating 2 1/2 STARS

ZIOPTIS 2000 rating 3 1/2 STARS

ZIOPTIS 2001 rating 3 3/4 STARS

ZIOPTIS 2002 rating 4 stars A rising star on the Downriver scene - ONE TO WATCH! WE'RE PLEASED TO SEE THEY'VE MOVED BACK TO THE BIGGER BUILDING THEY USED BEFORE!

2002: Even bigger this year - 80 more wood panels than last time! Still has blind passageways - can't tell where you're going! And then, BANG GOES YOUR HEART!

We especially liked the improved soundtrack (condensed from over 6 hours of material), the WALL OF HEADS room and the EXTREME HIGH INTENSITY from the actors!!

ZIOPTIS 2003 rating 4½ STARS

2003: This haunt improves every year, how do they do it? Great sound, monster interaction, some new high intensity gags, and of course their trademark pitch black passageways. You can't tell where you're going and then suddenly - BANG GOES YOUR HEART!

We especially liked the new swirl room and ghost entrances to the next rooms. Also new is the hallway where you might get squished "to death" you'll love it! THIS PLACE WAS JAMMIN' WHEN WE ARRIVED - I CAN SEE WHY!

ZIOPTIS 2004 rating 4 3/4 STARS

2004: This is old school at its' finest! Features LOTS of TOTALLY DARK passageways, more than any other haunt we've seen. You keep wondering when all hell will break loose, because you instinctively know IT WILL! And then sensory deprivation gives way to sensory overload - YOU POSITIVELY WILL FREAK OUT when they thrust you into an ALL NEW GAG THAT WILL KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF! We're not about to give any clue as to what it is now, but TRUST ME, you WILL KNOW when it happens!!!

Great sound and eerie content, flying monsters, LYING monsters, AWESOME SCARE AND PHYSICAL THRILL FACTORS! WIMPS STAY HOME!!! WE'RE NOT KIDDING!!!!!

STILL ONLY $10 IN 2005!

ZIOPTIS 2005 rating 5 STARS

2005: OLD SCHOOL HAUNTING AT ITS' FINEST! THE EXTREME SCREAM DELIVERS THE GOODS AND PACKS A GREAT BANG-FOR-THE-BUCK AT STILL ONLY TEN BUCKS!

Even better sound and lighting this year! The PA system is a top notch system, producing deep thunderous bass and crystal clear highs too - never too loud but with a fantastic impact!

Awesome monster scares and totally black passageways, as always! We especially liked one scene that features 2 stage lighting trees that illuminate briefly a few times with just the right amount of light fog before......

Last year's big WOW has been replaced with a section that brought us to our knees, begging for mercy! And beware of what the monsters tell you, as these creatures of ill repute have been known to lie!

THE EXTREME SCREAM RAISES THE BAR AGAIN WITH IMPRESSIVE RESULTS!

THE SCREAM MACHINE

Heritage Park on Pardee between Goddard & Northline (734) 379-3778 or www.thescreammachine.net

ZIOPTIS 2000 rating 4 STARS

ZIOPTIS 2001 rating 4 1/4 STARS

ZIOPTIS 2002 rating 4 1/2 STARS THE MIGHTY MACHINE SCREAMS ON BETTER THAN EVER!

New location this year inside same park as last year - in the Taylor Community Center. Bigger area - 20,000 square feet - room for even more expansion in 2003!

We especially liked the new entrance facade, the giant rat attacking your feet and the giant monster dude near the end. Good black hole too! VERY HOLLYWOOD-ESQUE...GREAT LIGHTING AND SOUND!!! EVEN BIGGER PLANS FOR 2003!

This is on our MUST SEE LIST FOR 2003!

ZIOPTS 2003 rating 5 STARS!

2003: MUCH BIGGER than previous years, now with an extensive 3-D display by the industry leader Stu Smith at start of haunt. The second part of the haunt features so many scenes it's mind boggling! Great monster interaction, sound and lighting, werewolves, cemetery, church scene, animals attacking you AND SO MUCH MORE!

We especially liked the low frequency THOOM € THOOM noises you hear at the start and the "living" forest - watch out for that not so friendly tree! AN IMPRESSIVE EFFORT FROM ONE OF DOWNRIVER'S LEADERS!

ZIOPTIS 2004 rating 5 STARS!

2004: WOW! Even more amazing than 2003, this haunt continues to expand at an almost alarming rate! What you get is 150 more original 3-D panels than last year and SO MUCH MORE! Good dark passageways and then a floor you'll swear is floating in the 3-D display!

We especially liked the floating dead bride, the church scene, the super tall dude and the FASTEST BLACK HOLE ANYWHERE - 10 RPM FASTER THAN THE OTHERS!! Many people have chickened out of going thru, but we were in our glory! Try walking thru WITHOUT holding on to the railing, and then turn around slowly IF YOU CAN for a most unique motion illusion sensation!

Great sound and lighting throughout and excellent monster interaction. BIG PLANS FOR EVEN MORE EXPANSION IN 2005!

ZIOPTIS 2005 rating 5 STARS

2005: Follow the strobe lights outside this to an AMAZING HAUNT THAT DELIVERS THE GOODS! Awesome 3-D at the start with FLOORS THAT FLOAT too - many haunts' 3-D displays are on the walls only. Also features the FASTEST BLACK HOLE we've seen and LOTS OF DETAIL, EVERY ROOM DIFFERENT.

Great creatures, sound, lighting, and LACK of lighting in totally black passageways! This takes quite a while to go thru - there's JUST SO MUCH TO SEE AND EXPERIENCE HERE - GO!!!

EXFEARIENCE

Gibraltar Trade Center, 15525 Racho Road I-75 & Eureka Rd. (exit 36) (734) 913-9609 or www.taylorhaunt.com

ZIOPTIS 2002 rating 2 3/4 STARS

2002: This is a first time effort from a veteran performer / magician on the scene that unfortunately fell a little short of obtaining its' lofty goals - THIS TIME.

The concept is great, almost even spiritual - attending your own funeral, being in your coffin and then a journey to the light at the end of the tunnel!

Realization hindered by city inspectors this year - plans in works to fulfill project in 2003. High intensity action from actors, loud rock music playing outside while you wait in line. WE HAVE BIG HOPES FOR THIS ONE - DON'T COUNT THEM OUT!!

ZIOPTIS 2005 rating 4 1/4 STARS

2005: THIS AMBITIOUS YOUNG PROJECT HAS COME A LONG WAY SINCE ITS' DEBUT IN 2002!

The intro is on a TV with a hideous looking human with a giant tooth (or something!) growing out of his cheek. High intensity taunting and we really liked the highly unique method of transporting you from one room to the next that will land you flat on your back!

Later, a sign says "WELCOME TO HELL," and they are NOT referring to Hell, Michigan! Your soul will be revealed to you, unless you don't have one! You'll be able to SEE that here, thanks to a special room constructed for just that purpose!

Good music and creepy things hanging and on walls. We really liked the krazy klown with the super long face and one VERY SPECIAL ACTOR YOU WON'T FORGET in the last scene!

NOT OPERATING IN 2006, WE HOPE THEY'RE BACK NEXT YEAR!

THE DUNCAN STREET HORROR

Duncan Street, Taylor, MI October 25, 26 and 31, 2002 UNKNOWN STATUS FOR 2004- 2008. directions: take Beech Daly to Joan Street, go west. Continue 3 blocks to Duncan Street and turn left. This is not just a yard display - it's a multi-room walk thru attraction.

2002 write-up:

HERE'S ANOTHER ONE NOT IN THE FEAR FINDER - IT'S A 3 DAY ONLY AFFAIR AT WHAT LOOKS TO BE SOMEONE'S HOUSE IN TAYLOR, MICHIGAN. " THE DUNCAN STREET HORROR IS BAAAAACK" SAYS A BROCHURE I FOUND AT A LOCAL PIZZERIA. 6355 Duncan Street, Taylor, MI directions: take Beech Daly to Joan Street west, go to 3rd stop sign and turn left on Duncan Street. OCTOBER 25, 26 AND HALLOWEEN ONLY.

From the flyer: "By entering of your own free will, you agree that you are fearless, and not easily subject to nightmares or post-traumatic stress disorder caused by extreme incidents of being completely frightened.

You also agree that you don't smell too bad, are able to read, and you agree to take sole responsibility for your actions and reactions to what you might experience while visiting Duncan Street Horror...from use or misuse of demons herein...No lifeguard on duty...without the express written consent of the Wicked Witch of the East or the Headless Horseman...Management recommends bringing a flashlight and waiting at least one half hour after eating before entering this hell-zone.

No animals were harmed in any way in the testing and creation of this haunting. Furthermore, you agree to eat your vegetables and always turn out the light when you leave a room. If you fail to do so, we will tell your mom. This visit may be recorded for virtual fright training and quality control purposes."

ZIOPTIS 2002 rating 4  STARS

We squeezed in a visit to this late Halloween night and really liked what we saw. The path takes you thru several structures with ghoulish surprises, quite elaborate for a yard haunt. Lots of neighborhood kids obviously approved, because they kept coming and coming the whole time we were there! KUDOS TO THE DUNCAN STREET HORROR!

NOT OPEN IN 2003 - MAY BE AT A DIFFERENT LOCATION IN 2004.

STATUS UNKNOWN FOR 2004 - 2008 and beyond to 2018.

WAYNE

HAUNTED THEATRE

Historic Wayne Theatre, 35164 West Michigan Avenue, 48184

(734) 782-0462, (734) 728-7469  or www.historicwaynetheatre.com

2006 dates: October 28 - 31

7pm - 11pm  Friday & Saturday till Midnight  $10 / $8

ZIOPTIS 2005 rating 4 3/4 STARS

THIS HIGHLY UNUSUAL APPROACH IS A WINNER! Short but sweet, this haunt offers several quirky twists we haven't seen before. Highly effective use of strobe lighting at a VERY SLOW RATE.

Also features an excellent op-art room, excellent monster surprises and vocalizations, and we really liked the prison we found ourselves suddenly trapped in where some highly unusual demands were made of us! You better obey, or else!

WE HAD A BLAST HERE...YOU WILL TOO IF YOU GO!

WESTLAND

HUSH HAUNTED ATTRACTION

34043 Ford Road, Westland, MI

(734) 502-6026 or www.facebook.com/hushdetroit

NEW FOR 2013!

Opens September 27th, closing night is November 2, 2013

WESTLAND

HAUNTED FOREST AND HAYRIDE

6440 Hix, between Ford Road & Warren Road  (313) 320-0999 $10 / $5

ZIOPTIS 2005 rating 4 3/4 STARS

A STRONG NEW EFFORT FROM VFW & VIETNAM VETS VOLUNTEERS! The action starts before you start your hayride with an unusual twist on a familiar prop at haunts - look to the left of the ticket booth. You'll be prompted, be ready!

The hayride has a single cart, providing maximum accessibility for the many ghouls and monsters waiting. Then the hayride dumps you off at the "Witches Hut." Now you're on your own to fend off who knows what during the forest walk, which features a bottomless pit and a corn field. Afterwards, you can sit around the bonfire and hear ghost stories told!

Great ambience and effective use of SLOW flashing strobe lights. AWESOME PRESENTATION FROM START TO END!

NOT OPEN IN 2006, THEY SAID THEY'LL BE BACK IN 2007. WE LOOK FORWARD TO IT!

THE SHOW IS ON FOR 2007, WE ARE GOING FOR SURE!

WESTLAND JAYCEES HAUNTED HOUSE

36651 Ford Road at Bailey Recreation Center, (734) 226-0400

2006 schedule:

7-10 pm Sunday -Thursday, 7-midnight Friday & Saturday October 13-14, 20-21 and 23-30.

WYANDOTTE, MICHIGAN

WYANDOTTE JAYCEES HELL'S HOSPITAL

2070 Biddle, corner of Spruce, Wyandotte, MI 48192

2007: Oct. 6-7, 11-14, 18-21, 25-31 Thursday & Sunday (weekends thru Halloween) 7pm-10pm and Friday & Saturday 7pm-12am

All tickets $10

Friendly Monster nights Oct. 19 (5-7pm) and Oct. 28 (4-7pm) $2 per child, parents free

A BRAND NEW LOCATION FOR 2007 AT AN OLD HOSPITAL!

JAYCEES HAUNTED THEATER corner of Elm & 1^st

(734) 284-3861

2004: This is at the old Wyandotte Theater. They were busy working on it when we visited. Opening date in 2004 is October 15. THE JAYCEES HAVE BEEN PUTTING ON HAUNTS FOR MANY MOONS, WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT THEY'VE DONE TO THIS THEATER!

They always seem to have a knack for finding old buildings or houses slated for demolition, although we understand there are no current plans to demolish this particular structure after the haunt season. Maybe they can keep dibs on this place!

WICKED WAREHOUSE

Corner of Biddle and Sycamore across from Yack Arena 1 block north of Eureka. (734) 284-3861 $10 / $6 www.wyandottejaycees.com

ZIOPTIS 2000 rating 3 1/2 stars ZIOPTIS 2001 rating 3 3/4 stars for their HAUNTED REALMS.

ZIOPTIS 2002 rating 3 1/2 STARS

2002: This year they have secured the old Mclaughlin's Furniture warehouse to use, and they were allowed to modify it to their needs, including building walls. The Jaycees have been haunting us for eons and eons throughout Michigan and Ohio - KUDOS TO THE JAYCEES!

We especially liked the deranged clowns and the final room - IT'S SNOWING INSIDE! Great voice characterizations from girl in Snow Room. Disappointing "blind" passageways - tops are open so you can see exactly where you need to go next because of ambient strobe lighting above. Good interaction, chain saw dude at end.

TWO TERRORS AT TRACKSIDE

461 Goddard, corner of Goddard and 5^th (734) 284-3861 $10 / $6

ZIOPTIS 2003 rating 4 STARS

2003: Much improved since 2002! The dark passageways ARE dark this time! Their best haunts seem to have been the ones in abandoned houses slated for demolition, and that is the case in 2003! In fact, they have 2 houses next door to each other connected by an added hallway structure!

Excellent scare factor, some really LOUD surprises from devices AND actors, and what's the deal with the last room where it's SNOWING?!

JAYCEES HAUNTED WYANDOTTE THEATER

102 Elm, Biddle & Elm

(734) 284-3861 or www.wyandottejaycees.com

ZIOPTIS 2004 rating 4 1/2 STARS

2004: The action starts while you wait in line with some creepy characters that spook you - excellent makeup! They did lots of work on this and it shows! The Jaycees have a long history of cranking out quality haunts, and this one is no exception. Good scenes, interaction and we really liked the live sound effects, some of which involved high intensity metal clanging!

NEW LOCATION FOR 2005 IS 2929 FORT STREET, 2 BLOCKS NORTH OF EUREKA.

FORTRESS OF FEAR

2929 Fort Street, 2 blocks north of Eureka, corner of Fort & Oak

(734) 284-3861 or www.wyandotte.net/fear

ZIOPTIS 2005 rating 4 3/4 STARS

2005: The show started before we entered with various creepy souls lurking about! Our favorite was a young ghoul dragging an axe. The makeup is incredible! Actually, it's more than just makeup - gory deformities are molded right on the face giving a highly realistic effect! It looks so real! Other characters too with the same techniques - we especially liked the bloody bride that has a most dramatic entrance!

Totally black passageways, good monster interaction / misdirection, a unique shrinking hallway, and we absolutely loved the scene near the end with the witch in front of you! TOTALLY WILD!! And the very last scene - well you'll just HAVE TO GO HERE TO SEE IT! Mere words cannot do it justice, and we're not talking anyway!

A NEW LOCATION AGAIN - THE JAYCEES HAVE A KNACK FOR FINDING EXCELLENT BUILDINGS TO USE JUST BEFORE THEY'RE DEMOLISHED!