Wisconsin Feargrounds
Waukesha, WI
Reviewed on: Friday, October 30, 2015
Located on the grounds of the Waukesha County Fairgrounds sits what many in Wisconsin call, the best attraction in the state. Well-known throughout the entire area, Wisconsin Feargrounds has already received national attention from Haunted Attraction Magazine, America’s Best Haunts, USA Today and so many more! No matter how you set it up, Wisconsin Feargrounds has been a staple on our Halloween tour, and should be on yours as well.
Divided into three different attractions, Wisconsin Feargrounds has been known in the past few years for switching things up. This year, we began in the long-standing traditional, Morgan Manor. Themed after a very old house that is haunted, you will be whisked away with detail upon detail. Through each room, each prop, and each wall, no inch is left untouched, and we truly mean that. From peeling wallpaper, to dusty books on the library shelf, the illusion is absolutely complete.
But, let’s not stop there. The acting here is among the best we have experienced all season. Each creature has their own routine, and we didn’t hear one growl or simple startling remark. Every twist and turn through the mansion is filled with spot on attacks and definitely didn’t disappoint. The actors within are also very playful, in fact the man in the library asked what book we wanted to stay and read with him forever!
One of the newest rooms inside the manor was that of the serial killer room. Covered wall to wall with photos and newspaper clipping, all from REAL-LIFE cases. This is the real deal here people, in fact the photos on the walls are from actual crime scene photos, as well as even human hair from cases way back when!
The second attraction is known as, CarnEvil. Set in a circus sideshow, we awaited the attraction which was described as some of the biggest freaks. Inside, we found exactly what was advertised! CarnEvil had its fair share of scares, but there were also plenty of laughs to go around. Simply put: we enjoyed it thoroughly.
The final attraction was Unstable, which is truly a one-of-a-kind event. Based on a horse stable, the event sends us racing through western-inspired scenes, with just a dash of hillbilly. Paths are lined with curing meats and furs and the actors are definitely in-character. One of our favorites for years, this was another great showing for one of the most unique attractions.
Upon exiting Unstable, you are then given a chance to get back at all those actors that you paid to scare you: you can shoot zombies with paintballs! For a small fee, get all your anger out on some poor undead minion. Cathartic? Absolutely!
Lastly, a 4th attraction is Morgana’s Escape. Set as a separate attraction, patrons enter the dark abyss and the doors are locked behind you. Given a total of 50 minutes to escape, guests must use their intelligence and quick wit to find their way out. Searching for 3 separate keys with hidden clues along the way, will you be able to escape the torment from within!
The Bottom Line: Wisconsin Feargrounds has accomplished so much over the years. With all the National Recognition they are receiving, there is no doubt that they should be a must-see on your list.
2015 Scores:
Entertainment: 19 out of 20
Scare Factor & Fright: 9.5 out of 10
Acting: 9.5 out of 10
Sets & Room Detail: 10 out of 10
Costumes: 5 out of 5
Make Up: 5 out of 5
Sound: 5 out of 5
Lights: 5 out of 5
Props & Special Effects: 9.5 out of 10
Originality & Story Concept: 9.5 out of 10
Management & Owner Presentation: 5 out of 5
Website: 5 out of 5
Total: 97 points out of 100 points possible
– Official Haunted House Chicago Review Team Review
