Niles Haunted House Scream Park
Niles, MI
Reviewed on: Saturday, September 27, 2015
As the first attraction to open each season in the Chicagoland area, it is only right that we start the season with a classic and take a trip to visit all of our friends at Niles Haunted House Scream Park in Niles, MI. This Scream Park engulfs 44 acres of land and is more than just your average haunted house. Here, you will find an entire evening of entertainment, as they have 6 different attractions, all set to entertain each person in their own unique way.
Every year, over 200 volunteers help to staff all the attractions. The volunteers here are a variety of ages, and are an extensive family of dedicated and passionate individuals, all with one main goal: to give you the best Halloween experience possible, and most of all ensure you have a night full of fun. What sets Niles apart is that there is not a lot of blood and gore, just all around family-fun. This is definitely an attraction that is set for the whole family to enjoy.
We started our night off being greeted by one of our most favorite ghost hosts, “Death”. Here, we spoke with him about his upcoming wedding to his lovely soon-to-be bride, Sophia. While visiting with them, we also got to see “Nancy”, sporting her fancy dress around the midway. Combine a number of other roaming characters to the midway, and you’re in for a great treat! Also set in the midway, the Gore Store, endless amounts of carnival food, photo opportunities and so much more!
As we made our way to the first house, “House of Horror 3D”, which is one of their two smaller attractions. This attraction brings everything that you would think that lived under your bed as a child all together for one frightful punch. From clowns and scary dolls to even loud chainsaws, it definitely set the tone for the evening, and a great way to start the 2015 season.
The second of the smaller houses was “Ashes to Ashes”, which was one of our favorite concepts that they’ve created for the smaller houses. Based on the concept of an all-girls boarding school, that has burned to the ground, along with everyone inside. From encounters with some of the teachers, to the girls who want to watch you burn, this was another great attraction!
Before we continued on through the night, the review team took some time to sit down and watch “The Ploy” with the devious Viktor Novikov. This years’ show was all about trying to fool him and mislead him reading your mind. It was a well done show, which we are still trying to figure out how he can read people’s minds like that!
Next, we made our way to the “Dark Terror-tory Hayride”. It is always an entertaining twisting ride through the fields under the moonlit sky. This year’s theme was “Night Terrors”. Set up on a new route with some wonderful new sets, it tells the story of some of the night terrors that a young girl might face while asleep, but the question remains, is she really asleep? Filled with many laughs, thrills and plenty of water (you’ll thank us later for that heads up!), this is one hayride you won’t want to miss!
The main house, Niles Haunted House is one of the most deeply thought out and developed attractions we have encountered over our travels throughout the years. Each and every year, they are not only updating and perfecting the scenes within, but they re-theme the attraction each year. This year, the theme was “Kingdoms End”, based upon numerous Stephen King novels; all of the characters come to life within. But, what really keeps this attraction standing apart from the rest is the size. With over 64 different rooms, and 8 different starting paths, each trek through the house will provide each group of patrons with a different experience each time!
Our last and final attraction for the night, was the “Field of Screams”. This attraction always keeps us on our toes and is always constantly expanding! Based on a standard maze, but always adding different elements that will keep patrons guessing the correct path for as long as they can handle. Filled with many actors lurking in the dark throughout, we always love ending our night with this attraction. Definitely one of our all-time favorites!
The Bottom Line: Another terrific performance this season from Niles Haunted House Scream Park. If you haven’t made it out to visit, make sure you add this to your must-see list! We can’t wait to see what 2016 has in store for you!
2015 Scores:
Entertainment: 17 out of 20
Scare Factor & Fright: 6 out of 10
Acting: 8.5 out of 10
Sets & Room Detail: 8 out of 10
Costumes: 4 out of 5
Make Up: 4 out of 5
Sound: 5 out of 5
Lights: 5 out of 5
Props & Special Effects: 8 out of 10
Originality & Story Concept: 9 out of 10
Management & Owner Presentation: 5 out of 5
Website: 5 out of 5
Total: 84.5 points out of 100 points possible
– Official Haunted House Chicago Review Team Review
