USA Travel Guide

Alright, before you yell at me, I admit right up front that neither of today’s haunted houses is actually located in Chicago. But, come on, they’re in the area. And I’ve got two attractions to get to here. I can’t be wastin’ space with this.

Dreamreapers in Melrose Park, Illinois
We like the Dreamreapers Haunted House in Melrose Park so well it earned a spot on our list of the Top 13 Haunted Houses in America. It was one of our last selections, for a number of reasons, but we’re happy with it. It’s a groovy kind of place – not extravagant, not overwrought, not hokey.

Instead, it’s honest and old-school. Scares rely on classic misdirection and the affronting performance of the costumed actors, not the hottest new tech. Well, it does have one unusual feature. A number of the rooms are scented, which in the darkness of this phantasmagoric maze can be more unsettling than anything you could ever see.

Dreamreapers features a single haunted attraction of 22 rooms. General admission is $16; outdoor waiting is a possibility so check the weather. Season runs through October 31. Learn more.

If you’re traveling in, get the most of your trip to the Chicago area by staying in the heart of it. Two Chicago hotels we’ve mentioned before – the Silversmith Hotel and the Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Magnificent Mile – offer quality and surprisingly affordable accommodations near most of the biggest Chicago attractions, and they’re only about 15 miles out from Dreamreapers.

Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois
A national staple, Fright Fest at Six Flags Amusement Park is a smart choice to find both quality and quantity to fill up your seasonal scare quota. Little more than a tame makeover during the day, at Fright Fest the ghouls come out at night.

The heart of Fright Fest is always the fee-added haunted houses. For just a little extra, risk a timid walk through the twisted terrors of Studio 13, where thirteen famous horror films come to life. On the free side, enjoy the no-children-recommended Human Freak Show. Not for the squeamish.

Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America features two haunted houses, two dedicated scare zones and lots of additional activities, from parades to dance parties. Although the main attractions are not recommended for those under 12, the event also features children’s programming. Runs weekends through November 1; included with regular admission. Learn more.

For hotels near Six Flags Great America, we love the earthy boutique vibe of Hotel Indigo Vernon Hills. The hotel is located only eight miles out from the park and offers an upscale room experience at not-at-all upscale prices.

Looking to kill some time this evening? We may have covered a great haunted house in your area. Check out our “Top Haunted Houses in America” coverage.