Hayride of Horror and Curse of the Bayou 2019

Hayride of Horror and Curse of the Bayou
Lockport, IL
Reviewed on: Saturday, October 12, 2019

Haunted houses in the Chicago market have a tendency to lean one way or the other, when it comes to which audience they gear towards. It is rare that you will be able to find an attraction that actually has a nice balance between “kid” and “grown-up” attraction. Usually, it is one extreme of the other. But, when it comes to Hayride of Horror and Curse of the Bayou, we feel that a true balance has been achieved that will appeal to all ages of chill seekers!

Set in the middle of Dellwood Park in Lockport, IL, two fine attractions, and a fun midway, have combined together to make for a fine evening for the whole family. As we arrived to the property, we experienced a number of features and “side shows” that were housed in the midway. There were some food options, some crafters, and even a few opportunities to taunt and tease some of the living dead!

As we awaited our opportunity to start the journey, we met several of the characters that roamed the area. Extremely playful, these actors and actresses showed skill in determining what level and method of scare tactic to use. We were very excited to interact with Dolly, Mr. Jingles, and Sammie Fish Face! No matter what the age, patrons were screaming, laughing, and hungry for more!

We began our walk down over the bridge and into the darkness. Within moments, we found ourselves at the stairs of a hayrack/wagon, and were asked to board. This portion was very entertaining as the wagon traversed through various classic haunted house scenes. Actors completed their respective routines, but then some even boarded the wagon for an additional scare!

We then were led through the freak show portion of the circus. As patrons observed and gawked at what the show had prepared for us, the wagon suddenly stopped. Shattering the illusion of safety, patrons were forced to walk back amidst all that the circus had to offer.

Soon, there was a clearing in the trail. Patrons were offered a choice to head home or to take the challenge and enter the Bayou. Advertised as a more “intense” attraction than the Hayride, Bayou continued the on-foot adventure through various swamp and voodoo-themed scenes. Surrounded by a number of creatures of the night and trying to escape the voodoo priestess, patrons ducked inside a building that held even less safety. Here awaited a nice maze made of pallets. Even our crew got turned around and lost for a short time! The best part: trying to find our way out through the “secret” exit!

The bottom line: Halloween is all about fear and fun, and Hayride of Horror and Curse of the Bayou certainly have both of those elements. This is more than just an attraction, but an event that can fill your entire family with laughter and nightmares! While their crew consists of humans from age 4 to age 72, this haunted attraction appeals to anyone who has the spirit of Halloween in them!

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