Fear Fest 2021

Fear Fest (Also known as Northern Illinois Fear Fest)
South Beloit, Illniois
Visited on: Sunday, October 24, 2021

Vital Signs:
Opened: 1998
Number of seasons-to-date: 23
Number of attractions: 3
Setting: Indoor/Outdoor
Fun Fact: Fear Fest gives out free tickets nearly everyday on social media!

For 23 seasons, located on the Illinois-Wisconsin border is Fear Fest in South Beloit, Illinois. Just 1 mile East of Interstate 90, hosting three haunted attractions on its property, Fear Fest has been operating and giving patrons years of thrills and chills.

We began our night in the “Creepy Carnival”. Here you are informed that it this is an interactive experience and to enjoy the adventure. Unlike other haunted attractions throughout our season, here in this carnival you are encouraged to take photos throughout the house! This obviously was super exciting and different for us! We began by entering the wax museum where we were greeted by Madame Tussaud herself. Here she tested our knowledge of her monsters housed within. From there, we made our way through the carnival, where we met Mrs. Claus, who had gifts for us all. Along our journey we also were lucky enough to have a visit with the fortune teller, where we picked a card and our fortunes were told. Now normally touching the props is frowned upon, but here, it is encouraged! One of our favorite scenes was that of the carnival games, where you can take your shot at Plinko, toss some eyeballs into the bucket, or throw the rings onto the skeleton hands. Do well and you just might leave with a prize, and your life!

After our fun in the carnival had ended, we headed toward the second attraction, “The Haunted Barn”. This attraction is set up with your traditional pop scares, but mix in the real dirt floors, tight black hallways, and the use of uneven surfaces and this is one heck of an adventure! Another really unique feature that we don’t get to see much of in the Chicagoland area is the use of a 60-foot grain silo! Set up with red and green laser lights dancing above us, it was quite the sight to see!

Unfortunately, the night that we were there it was raining quite heavily, so the hayride was shut down for the evening. But from our previous experience, the third attraction, the “Haunted Hayride” will take you on a journey under the stars and out into the unknown. Making your way past many different scenes, actors will attack the wagon at all angles and some even come onboard! A great feature: the entire wagon is rigged to feel the brunt of the attacks! Watch out!

Overall, Fear Fest is a great attraction for those looking to have a night out with family and friends under the stars. With it being a staple in the area, it’s safe to say that this attraction will continue to be around for a long time!

Monsters of Note: Madame Tussaud and Mrs. Claus

The Bottom Line: Fear Fest is the perfect place for you if you’re looking for a night of all types of fright. Whether you experience it with family or friends, the best way to enjoy the Halloween season is together! With three great attractions and fun fall concessions, this is definitely one to see for a night out near the border!

Don’t just take our word for it, check out these images from our visit: