2024’s Top 13 Scariest Haunted Houses in America

If you’re a thrill-seeker on a mission to find the scariest, most thrilling, most terrifying haunted houses in the U.S., look no further than these 13 evil locations. We’ve curated a list of the Top 13 Haunts in America guaranteed to have you screaming for more. From abandoned asylums to haunted hayrides straight out of your worst nightmares, these attractions are the stuff of legends. 

Ready to get scared? Get in your car and head out on the road trip from hell!

Here are 2024’s Top 13 picks:

1. The Dead End Hayride – Wyoming, MN

Website: TheDeadEndHayride.com
This is where your nightmares come to life in the eerie woods of Minnesota. The Dead End Hayride throws you headfirst into a horrifying journey through sinister forests and abandoned buildings. Expect massive sets, terrifying actors, and some serious screams. But it doesn’t stop there—this haunt takes immersive terror to the next level with interactive elements that make you feel like you’re part of the horror story. Trust us, you’ll be talking about this one long after the hayride ends. This year promises to go deeper into the woods than ever before. When it comes to haunted hayrides, Dead End Hayride is the beginning…and the end! And if you’re looking for family-friendly activities, you can visit their other attractions, Pinehaven Farm and the all-new Great Pumpkin Trail…pure fall fun for all-ages.

2. Fear Factory – Salt Lake City, UT

Website: FearFactorySLC.com
Located in an abandoned and absolutely haunted cement factory, this place is packed with pure terror. Fear Factory combines history with horror, and their insane set designs make you feel like you’ve walked right into a horror film. With six buildings up to 6 stories high, and 2 underground tunnels to explore, the scale of this attraction is massive and unmatched. The legend of this factory’s haunted past only adds to the chilling atmosphere, making it a must-visit for those seeking a truly authentically haunting experience. It’s more than just a haunted house…it’s a full night of fun and terror! Fear Factory in Salt Lake City is rated THE ABSOLUTE best of the best in the entire U.S by industry experts, and for good reason!

3. Brighton Asylum – Passaic, NJ

Website: BrightonAsylum.com
Think you can survive a night in an abandoned asylum? Brighton Asylum’s intense and immersive experience will test your bravery with its dark, twisted hallways and relentless scares. This haunt is known for its Hollywood-style special effects and detailed sets that transport you into a nightmare realm. Brighton Asylum offers multiple haunted attractions that take place on different levels of the old asylum. The Bleeding Grounds upstairs is said to be actually haunted, so don’t take our warning lightly! If you’re up for it, try their paranormal experience “The Twitching Hour” —this hunt for what lies just beyond the veil is sure to make your hair stand up on the back of your neck! A visit to Brighton Asylum is guaranteed to leave you with lasting nightmares. Brighton Asylum is New Jersey and NYC’s TOP haunted attraction.

4. Pennhurst Asylum – Spring City, PA

Website: PennhurstAsylum.com
Known for its haunted history, Pennhurst Asylum is no stranger to ghost hunters. But the haunted attraction here takes it up a notch, with a mix of real paranormal activity and expert-level scares from a massive event spanning acres and multiple buildings. The chilling atmosphere of this abandoned institution is enhanced by the fact that it was once a real asylum…even mentioned in Stranger Things. The combination of the building’s dark past and the expertly crafted horror experience makes Pennhurst one of the scariest haunts in the country. People travel from all over the world to visit Pennhurst Asylum, but we’re not sure they ever check out.

5. The Dent Schoolhouse – Cincinnati, OH

Website: dentschoolhouse.com
This haunted schoolhouse is not for the faint of heart. With a backstory that would make even the bravest scream, The Dent Schoolhouse delivers a cinematic experience with every twist and turn. This attraction is renowned for its Hollywood-quality sets and costumes, bringing the sinister story of a murderous janitor to life. The attention to detail is unmatched, and each year they up the ante with new horrors that keep even returning guests on their toes. Dent is not only actually haunted, but also features one of the most terrifyingly fun experiences you can have in a haunted attraction.

6. Hanna Haunted Acres – Indianapolis, IN

Website: HannaHauntedAcres.com
Haunted hayrides, corn mazes, and haunted houses all in one spot? Yes, please! Hanna Haunted Acres in Indy offers a variety of terrifying attractions, each more intense than the last. Their hayride is particularly famous, taking you on a terrifying journey through the haunted woods, while their corn maze will have you questioning every rustle of the wind. Hanna has gone over the top on its level of scare, attention to detail, and providing a full night of fun and scares. It’s a Halloween tradition in Indiana that you won’t want to miss.

7. Hollerin Haunts Hayride – Clinton, NC

Website: hollerinhauntshayride.com
Ready for a hayride from hell? Hollerin Haunts Hayride in North Carolina takes you on a bone-rattling ride through haunted woods, with 13 stops along the way, followed by heart-stopping frights in their haunted attractions. This haunt is known for its dedicated actors who are masters in the art of the scare, and the eerie rural setting only amplifies the terror. After surviving the hayride, try your luck in their other attractions, including a haunted house, a haunted trail, plus escape rooms, midway games and much more. You’re sure to get more Holler for your dollar!

8. 13th World Fright Park – Palmer, MA

Website: 13thWorld.com
New England doesn’t mess around when it comes to horror. 13th World Fright Park in Palmer is a terrifying combo of outdoor and indoor haunts, with scares lurking around every corner. This haunt is massive, offering a mile-long trail filled with immersive sets and over-the-top scares. The blend of traditional haunted house elements with creative new frights makes 13th World a top destination for thrill-seekers in the Northeast. It is set out in the woods, plus houses a top-notch bar, midway and party spot. A must-see for the Halloween season.

9. Frightmare Farms – Fulton, NY

Website: frightmarefarmsny.com
For those craving a farm-fresh fright, Frightmare Farms delivers. This attraction offers multiple haunted experiences, each with its own unique theme and set design that’ll leave you shaking in your boots. From the Twisted Labyrinth to the Condemned Manor, Frightmare Farms is packed with detailed, interactive experiences. Their dedication to creating an immersive environment makes this haunt a standout in the haunted attraction world. This year, they are celebrating 13 Years of Fear and even have a Thirteen Ghosts theme in one of their attractions for all of you cinephiles and cult classic horror lovers out there.

10. Aura Haunted House – Bartonville, IL

Website: HauntedPeoria.com
This Illinois haunt cranks up the fear factor with its chilling atmosphere and top-notch scare tactics. Aura Haunted House is known for its creativity and attention to detail, making it a must-visit for hardcore horror fans. Set in the historic Pollak Hospital, this haunt’s eerie setting combined with its nightmarish themes makes for an unforgettable experience. Are the scares you see part of the act, or real life ghosts? No one knows for sure. You’ll be second-guessing every shadow and sound as you navigate its haunted halls.

11. Valley of Fear – Feasterville, PA

Website: ValleyofFear.com
Pennsylvania strikes again with Valley of Fear, a haunt that lives up to its name. From its original horrifying hayride to haunted trails and haunted houses, this attraction delivers a solid punch of fear in every encounter. The attraction is set deep in the woods, adding to the dread as you journey through their multiple haunted experiences. And a Shipwreck in the middle of the corn fields haunted by One-Eyed Willie? Valley of Fear is also known for its live-action scares that feel almost too real—so keep your wits about you! You don’t get to 34 Years of Fear without knowing HOW to terrify the masses. This is an exciting milestone for all involved at this attraction, and certainly a ‘do not miss’ for 2024!

12. Terror Vault – San Francisco, CA

Website: TerrorVault.com
In the heart of San Francisco, Terror Vault stands out with its immersive storylines and over-the-top scares. Located in the historic Mint building, this haunt combines a unique setting with interactive theatrical horror performance that engages all your senses. With a mix of live actors and cutting-edge effects, Terror Vault creates a horror experience like no other. If you miss a season at Terror Vault, you will never get the opportunity to experience it the same because they change from top to bottom their entire theming every year.  This year, aliens have landed. Do not miss Fatal Abduction at Terror Vault!But be warned, their top-notch, R-rated experience is definitely not for the faint-hearted—prepare for a wild, terrifying ride. Buy tickets early as Terror Vault will sell out! And when you arrive, tell ‘em Large Marge from Scary Overload sent ya!

13. Midnight Terror Haunted House – Oak Lawn, IL

Website: midnightterrorhauntedhouse.com
Midnight Terror Haunted House is a place where your nightmares come to life. With detailed sets and actors who know how to push all the right buttons, this haunt is an adrenaline rush from start to finish. Celebrating their 10th Year of Fear, Midnight Terror offering special “Throwback Pricing” with tickets for only $20—but these deals are limited and available online only, so snag them early! This is also the final year for their current storylines, with a big finale planned for each attraction before they completely revamp their haunt for 2025. Don’t miss your last chance to find out how the horror ends!

Ready to face your fears? Whether you’re a haunt fanatic or just looking for a good scare, these Top 13 haunted attractions are sure to satisfy your horror cravings. Which one will you visit first? Let us know in the comments below! 

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