Walk-thru haunt and hayride, excellent volunteer haunt!

Hmmm...sounds innocent enough. But have you SEEN their "faculty"? They're highly questionable at best. So what's the worst? You don't want to know.

They promise a "hands-on experience that will change your life. We quite agree. You will become an EVEN HAPPIER HAUNTER after you see what these rascals have up their sleeves! THEY NEVER LET US DOWN. (see previous years reviews & "Other MICH")

12300 Woodbine, Redford, MI

Located above the studios of Reel Action FX.

Friday & Saturday 8 pm - 12 midnight

Sunday 7 pm - 11 pm

$15 or $14 with a canned food donation for the Redford Interfaith Relief.

Hazel Park Community Center, 620 Woodward Heights

(9 1/2 Mile and I-75)  (248) 547-5535  ONLY $8 in 2009

ZIOPTIS 2007 rating 5 STARS

DON'T LET THE PRICE FOOL YOU, THIS IS A TOP NOTCH HAUNT WITH INCREDIBLE BANG-FOR-THE-BUCK!!!

2007 review:

Inside an amazing barrage of fantastic rooms await, all with superior sound and lighting. One of our favorites is the old styled room with a wooden radio that played...well you'll just have to go and find out, we're not going to give it away but trust us - IT IS WAY COOL!

155 Mill District Road, Allegan, MI 49010

NEW IN 2009, LOOKS LIKE A WINNER.

We just talked to this haunt, and they're ready to rock! They promise LOTS of actors AND the time needed to absorb them all. We've seen their work elsewhere and were impressed.

at Nazarene Church, 7669 Brighton Road, Brighton, MI 48116

2009 dates: October 15-17 and October 22-24

at Kalamazoo Speedway, US 131 & D Avenue (exit 44)

The new 2009 show is Psycho Ward VIII and The Dark Maze and Zombie Bayou.

at Our Lady Queen of  Martyers School, 32340 Pierce Street, Beverly Hills, MI 48025

Open 2 weekends only. October 16, 17, 18 & October 23, 24, 25

Friday & Saturday 6-11 PM, Sunday 6-9 PM

Admission: $7, $25/family

6060 Maybee Road, Clarkston, MI 48346

at Fountains Golf & Banquet

2009 is their 2nd year. We went in 2008 and gave it thumbs up!

Dundee Old Mill, 242 Toledo Street, Dundee, MI 48131

Saturday, October 24, 2009 7 PM - 10 PM, $40

from their promo: "You'll hear scary tales, frightening folklore and possibly even encounter some spirits on the paranormal investigation and seance. Do you believe? You may just after this night."

Guests include: Kristy Robinett, Psychic Mediu from Tangled Wishes, Madelyn Alt, Bestselling Author of The Bewitching Mysteries, Kathy of Paranormal Encounters (MPE), and Scott Hattis of ParaHaunt.

Straight Farmhouse, 6221 Merrian Road, Garden City, MI

Friday, October 30, 2009 $40

With psychic medium Kristy Robinett "at the very haunted Straight Farmhouse in Garden City! Local ghost stories and a Seance.

14256 Wyoming, Detroit, MI  (313) 289-4965

ZIOPTIS 1999 rating WOW!!! We took a peek in 2001 and it looks like they're at it again! This house defies conventional ratings. You've all heard stories, mostly legend, about haunted houses that are truly frightening and/or difficult to get through. Well, this one REALLY DOES fit that description! If you are looking for the ultimate challenge WE DARE YOU to try this one! When we went in 1999 my companion didn't even make it past the 1st obstacle because of her high- heeled boots, leaving me totally alone to fend for myself. And they taunted her for about 20 minutes before letting her out of a totally dark room. I still can't believe I made it through - I was battered and bruised with torn pants and shirt by the end! Expect to CRAWL about 1/2 way through in pitch black. Occasionally, a slot in the wall would open up and you would see a tiny red flashing light offering a glimmer of hope and then BANG, it was slammed shut! If you decide to attempt this one, wear jeans and tennis shoes only. A grueling test for only the exceptionally brave and physically fit few - I'M NOT KIDDING!!!

NOT IN THE FEAR FINDER. WE PERSONALLY DROVE HERE TO MAKE SURE IT'S OPEN IN 2003. WE DARE YOU TO GO!!!

STATUS UNKNOWN FOR 2004

THEY ARE BACK IN 2005 AND ALSO HAVE A PAINTBALL BASED ATTRACTION "DEMON HOUSE" - WE DARE YOU TO GO!!!

NOT OPEN IN 2006 TO OUR KNOWLEDGE. NOT LISTED IN THE FEAR FINDER OR HAUNT GUIDE. WE WILL CALL THEM OR DRIVE BY THEIR SITE SOON.

OPEN IN 2008!!! ONLY FOR THE TRULY BRAVE, WE ARE NOT KIDDING.

OPEN IN 2009, GO IF YOU DARE. I had an experience and a HALF here! See "Wayne Cty" archieves)

4721 Rochester Road, Dryden (south of Dryden Road between Crawford & Casey Roads)

2008 dates: October 11, 18 & 25  dusk to 11:00 pm

DONATIONS ACCEPTED FOR CHARITY

This looks like a volunteer effort, and we've seen some awesome haunts from all volunteer groups many times. This could be one of them, we'll check it out if we can!

GET IN THE CAR!

Algonac High School, 5200 Taft behind football field, even if it rains! $5 / $3

2006 dates: October 22, 7-11 pm & October 23, 5-8 pm

This is a fund raiser for the senior All Night Party and is wheelchair accessible.

Brighton Nazarene Church, 7669 Brighton Road (across from Brighton High School)

info (810) 227-6600  reservations (248) 756-1693

ONLY $4 AND IT LASTS ONE HOUR AND TEN MINUTES!

Lake Erie Metropark, 32481 West Jefferson, Brownstown Twp., MI

October 16 & 17, 2009

At Wave Pool area, no entree fee to park. $1.00 off per person with coupon available on website.

Thanks to V.C. for providing their new website address.

5411 Hackman Road, Capac  (810) 395-7633

NOW IN FF 2007.

The ghost of Johnny Appleseed (or perhaps his evil twin brother Johnny Frank-n-Seed) is rumored to haunt this cider mill during the darkness of night. Younger children can enjoy a less scary attraction by day. It's 4,000 square feet of spooky fun. A corn maze and hayride are also available.

www.wickedhh.com

ZIOPTIS 2002 rating 4 1/4 STARS, up from 3 3/4 in 2001

2002: Doctor VanWicked's Office of Mayhem - cool video at start explains gruesome experiments occurring here. We especially liked the awesome makeup instead of masks and the guy (real!) who flies across the ceiling. Very high intensity level - not for the faint of heart or young children!

ZIOPTIS 2003 rating 4 ½ STARS

2003: NOT for young children! Lots of truly dark passageways and loud rock music reverberating throughout. Clever entrance doors to both sections of haunt, a surprise swishy floor, and we especially liked the 3 buckets you're given a choice of lifting. We DARE you to lift the left bucket! Better than average scare factor – this haunt has ALWAYS delivered the goods in that department, and this year is no exception. We saw one of their first shows for the season. QUIRKY CREATIVITY AND HIGH INTENSITY LEVEL!!! This haunt has a full page ad in the "SCREAM SEEKER," a new "GO TO GUIDE FOR HAUNTED ATTRACTIONS & EVERYTHING HALLOWEEN" we picked up at a local Subway. THE DETROIT HAUNT SCENE IS SO BIG, ONE NEWSPAPER WASN'T ENOUGH!

THIS MOVED TO THE MACOMB MALL IN ROSEVILLE FOR 2005 AND USES THE OLD "PSYCHO ASYLUM" STRUCTURE REVAMPED!

AT MACOMB MALL (GRATIOT AT MASONIC) AGAIN IN 2006.

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).

Steffen's Park on 14 Mile Road, east of Garfield Road

(586) 405-9714  open Thursday thru Sunday 7:30 pm - Midnight

from their ad: "2 HAUNTED HOUSES - 1 LOCATION...ONE OF MICHIGAN'S LARGEST OUTDOOR HAUNTED HOUSES. MANY LEVELS OF FEAR TO CHALLENGE THE BRAVEST OF SOULS. Open rain or shine. DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?"

We hope to check this out in 2005, message left on their voice mail.

Once you board this possessed train, you're taken to an abandoned train yard where the ghosts, ghouls and special effectsawait as you walk thru dark, confining spaces. Running 3 times each evening during weekends in October. Two family friendly excursions operate earlier in the evening.

Greater Grace Temple, 23500 W. 7 Mile

2006 dates: October 25 & 27, doors open at 6pm, show at 7pm

Live onstage by Bishop Charles H. Ellis III and the Performing Arts Ministry. Pyrotechnic effects, ghoulish costuming.

UNKNOWN STATUS FOR 2007.

HAVOC AT HUTCHINS LAKE

5860 122^nd Avenue, Fennville, MI 49408

UNKNOWN STATUS FOR 2004 – we're waiting for a reply.

NOT OPERATING IN 2005.

Walk over the drawbridge to the multi-storied haunted windmill with 4 floors of fright. Then take a wagon ride around the pasture, where you may encounter goblins and spirits as you search for the Headless Horseman, or meander along the haunted trail that winds thru the woods and leads into the cemetery. This annual event runs the last 2 weekends in October.

www.michigantheatre.org

(517) 783-0811 option #2 or (517) 783-0962

The haunt opens for 2 weekends in 2005 on October 20th. Also, they have a cool sounding magic show scheduled for October 15th, and the rock band QUIET RIOT will play here on November 19, 2005. CUM ON FEEL THE NOIZE!

Kalamazoo County Fairgrounds

THIS IS A 15 YEAR OLD JAYCEES EFFORT!

ABOVE # DISCONNECTED IN 2005 - UNKNOWN STATUS.

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

BACK AGAIN IN 2005 WITH THE SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT NAME ABOVE - WE HOPE TO GO THIS YEAR!

PHOBIA HOUSE by THE TIMID RABBIT MAGIC & MASQUERADE SHOP

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!

2003 write-up:

3525 Dix at the Lincoln Park Community Center. (313) 386-4075 $5 NOT IN THE FEAR FINDER ZIOPTIS 1999 rating 3 stars NO RATING for 2000 ZIOPTIS 2001 rating 3 1/2 stars ZIOPTIS 2003 rating 4 stars THIS IS PROBABLY THE CHEAPEST ONE OUT THERE THIS YEAR - IT PACKS A GREAT "BANG-FOR-THE-BUCK!"

2003 review:

ZIOPTIS 2003 rating 4 stars

An excellent modular haunt that has improved again and offers an excellent "BANG-FOR-THE-BUCK!" Even more twists and turns this time – it's easy to get lost here. Good monster interaction.

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

13 Mile & John R, behind police station  (586) 214-2835

$12 / $10 2006 dates October 27 - 31, 7:30 - Midnight Friday & Saturday, 7:30 - 10:00 other nights

This has been run by the Jaycees since 1966!

FINALLY LAID TO REST, THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!

This national historic landmark vessel is transformed into a frightening ghost ship. The 25 minute tour lures visitors thru a haunted maze of catwalks and pipes in the engine room, down narrow passageways and thru spooky cabins in the upper decks.

8800 Cook Avenue  (231) 743-2466

2005 IS THEIR 4th YEAR.

7363 School, Melvin, MI  $5 day / $7 night

HAUNTED & NON-HAUNTED FEATURES ON 8 ACRES.

at Saint Mary Magdalen field, Outer Drive & Hanna, across the street from the church. $6/$3 NOT IN THE FEAR FINDER ZIOPTIS 2001 rating 3 3/4 STARS

2001:  A brand new effort from 40 volunteers. Excellent monster interaction and we really liked their "HEAD SALAD" gag near the end. AQUINAS HIGH SCHOOL IS GONE NOW - HOPEFULLY THIS WILL BECOME A STRONG REPLACEMENT TO THE DOWNRIVER HAYRIDE SCENE!

THIS IS OPERATING IN 2004 – IT RAINED ON THE NIGHT WE HOPED TO GO IN 2003.

WE DIDN'T MAKE IT IN 2004. NOT OPERATING IN 2005 - WE HOPE THEY'RE BACK IN 2006! NO SIGN OF ACTIVITY YET, BUT WE'RE CHECKING ON IT.

UNKNOWN STATUS FOR 2007 and 2008.

6421 N. Stony Creek, MI  $8 mazes / $10 with hayride

Maze isn't haunted, but hayride is.

UNKNOWN FOR 2009

8392 N. Saginaw Road (nest to La Villas Pizza)

open every Friday, Saturday & Sunday in October and October 30th & 31st

THIS IS A NEW ONE FROM ENCORE MAGIC.

Apple Charlie's Orchard & Cider Mill, south of I-94 off I-275

Take exit 11B, one mile due west (734) 753-9380

ZIOPTIS 2004 rating 4 stars

NOT IN THE FEAR FINDER.

OPEN IN 2005!

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!

8 Mile east of Napier (248) 374-0200 $8 /$4 (2004 prices)

5-9 pm Friday, 1-9 pm Saturday & Sunday thru Oct. 31, 2005

HALLOWEEN SOUP

Marquis Theatre, 135 Main Street (248) 349-8110 $7.50

Next shows are 2:30 pm October 8 & 9, 2005. THIS IS A MUSICAL THEATRE PRESENTATION SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN – IT IS NOT A HAUNTED HOUSE..

at Macomb Mall, Masonic & 13 Mile Road

ZIOPTIS 2005 rating 4 3/4 stars

HIGH INTENSITY HAUNT REVAMPED BY A FAMILIAR NAME IN THE HAUNT SCENE!

If you remember "PSYCHO ASYLUM" that we raved about in past years, you'll find some amazing similarities between them and this years WICKED. That's because the structure is the same! BUT, many changes have been made too, with even more plans for expansion in 2006.

The "Mind Spinner" that dumps you right into a BLACK HOLE is still intact - AWESOME! The audio is drastically different though this time. The custom pitch bended taunting is gone, and a mix of live monster screeching and EXTREMELY LOUD Rob Zombie rock music will assault you instead! Unfortunately, the sound system produced audible distortion. Last year WICKED was at Lasers Edge, and the audio WAS loud but not distorted and had much deeper bass. (we went back to our notes in 2004 to confirm this)

Still has excellent black passageways, padded with thick plush carpeting for your comfort! And you'll NEED comforting from the insane monsters screaming at you for all kinds of silly reasons!

IF YOU LIKE IT REALLY LOUD AND REALLY CRAZY,  THIS IS FOR YOU!

Please remember, the ratings DO NOT compare one haunt to another. Rather, they indicate HOW WELL a haunt accomplished what they set out to do. If you like loud, in-your-face insanity, WICKED IS FOR YOU! If you prefer eye candy and intricate details galore, we suggest others such as THE REALM OF DARKNESS in Pontiac or THE SCREAM MACHINE in Taylor. It depends on what you like!

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 #

Berlin Twp. Fire Dept. Station #2, 12226 Dixie Hwy, South Rockwood  (734) 379-3683

2006 dates October 28 & 29, 8 pm -  Midnight ONLY $4

7:30 – 10:30 pm October 14-15, 21-22, 28-29, 2005

LOOKS LIKE A GONER.

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

ZIOPTIS 2003 rating 4 1/2 STARS

ZIOPTIS 2002 rating 5 STARS

2002 review:

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 review:

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 review:

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.

Historic Wayne Theatre, 35164 West Michigan Avenue, 48184

2006 dates: October 28 - 31

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

PLEASE NOTE: DO NOT CONFUSE THIS WITH "THE HAUNTED THEATRE HOUSE" THAT WE RAVED ABOUT. That one was in Detroit and is NOT operating a PUBLIC haunt this year.

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!

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

Open thru October 30, 2005 - Friday, Saturday & Sunday

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 awaiting. 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!

Now appears in 2007 FF as "HAUNTED HALLOWS."

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.

This IS in the FEAR FINDER for 2006, but they don't have a display ad, just a listing. So we decided to keep it in this section as well as WAYNE COUNTY.

20 miles east of Lansing off I-96, 1 mile west of I-96 & M-52

Pirate theme for 2006 maze. Arts & Entertainment TV did a documentary here on their star prop for the maze!

3340 Dumont Road, Allegan, MI 49010

(269) 673-6332 $8 / $6

2004 WAS THEIR 19^th YEAR!

MESSAGE LEFT IN 2005, NO MENTION OF HAUNT ON RECORDING.