McHenry Jaycees Haunted House 2019

 

McHenry Jaycees Haunted House
McHenry, IL
Reviewed on: Saturday, October 19, 2019

 

You are probably here because you like/enjoy/love haunted attractions? That’s precisely why we are here, and why we founded Haunted House Chicago back in 1999. We love Halloween, love getting scared, and love haunted attractions. But, there’s many people that don’t know the history behind the industry. While it is the standard these days to visit multiple attractions with near movie-quality sets, professional make-up, and huge budgets, haunted attractions were not always this way. In fact, for those that can remember going to attractions in the 80’s and early 90’s, almost all had one thing in common: they had the name “Jaycee” attached to it. These attractions were typically low budget in sets and props, but filled with an overwhelming amount of energy and passion. The crews were hungry and aggressive, and made sure you were screaming all the way to the parking lot.

While the Jaycees are still around today, not many host haunted attractions as fundraisers. Some of these groups held multiple records for consecutive years of operation in the 30 and 40-year range. But in 2019, at least here in the Chicagoland area, only one remains: The McHenry Jaycees.

In their second year of returning to the “scene,” the McHenry Jaycees are a group filled with heart, passion, care, concern, and true dedication. They love Halloween, they love scaring patrons, they love providing each individual with an experience, and ultimately they love their haunted house.

Upon arrival, we were welcomed into the waiting area of Rotter Manor. There, we met a true cast of characters. We met the madam of the manor, Mrs. Rotter, who dazzled us in a beautiful white dress AND heels! She welcomed us to her home and warned us of the mayhem we were about to encounter. Once it was finally time to enter the manor, we experienced one of the BEST rules room “masters” that we have seen. Reading his groups perfectly, he was able to be playful, and made one of the most mundane, but necessary, parts of the tour a lot of fun! It set the perfect tone for the tour ahead.

Through the journey, we experienced the traditional “Jaycee” actor/actress: overfilling with energy, interactive, and playful. Each room was a show, and each actor took their time to focus on each guest. They knew how to take every opportunity to provide us a true experience! There was a healthy level of banter, sass, and some great scares! (Not to mention the screams: nice pipes!)

Our favorite scenes include the girl in the TV, the scarecrow sector, the plants/greenhouse, and the Rotter crypt where, luckily for us, you had to don the last name to stay forever.

The Bottom Line: We at Haunted House Chicago couldn’t be happier that the McHenry Jaycees are back and growing their show. They were a part of the Lost Souls Haunted Bus Tour this year, and we have been told they will be back for 2020! But, this isn’t just a glimpse into the grandfathers of haunted attractions. While you can see the foundations, the crew here is sharp and using modern innovations to make sure their show is one that will entertain today’s patron. If you are in the area, make sure this is a stop on your Halloween adventures. Great crew and show, for a great cause!

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