Niles Haunted House Scream Park
Niles, MI
Reviewed on: Saturday, September 20, 2014
In the past, we have referred to Niles Haunted Scream Park as the essential Halloween experience for haunted attraction lovers of all ages and levels. Whether you enjoy some of the lighter, classic style of the holiday, or maybe the thrill of shrieking in terror across the parking lot, Niles can pretty much serve up whatever your order may be.
First, if you don’t know, let’s set up Niles Haunted Scream Park. They aren’t in a strip mall, or in an old drug store. Rather, they inhabit 44 acres of amazing land that they have truly customized to their own over the past 41 years. They combine a collage of side-show acts, cornerstone attractions, and general carnival goodness to bring you an entertaining experience that is like none other. In fact, I would be willing to wager a few cents that there isn’t anything quite like it anywhere else in the country!
Of course, Niles has three “traditional” attractions that fit the mold of your standard haunted house. This year, the appetizing, “Tomb of the Undead” and “Curse of the Dark Walker” wet the appetite, as you prepare for the epically big standard house, “Niles Haunted House.”
But, while a normal haunt-goer would visit those three attractions and call it a night, there are still three more left in store.
To mix things up, Niles’ has their own in-house magician, who for the last few years has done quite the job of mystifying and earning jeers from the crowd. Each year, the fun never ends, as the people are packed wall-to-wall for a little bit of cheesy humor and slapstick comedy.
Quite famous on its own, Niles’ “Dark Territory” hayride is the only one of its kind in the Midwest, and easily the most unique course on the menu. Taking through a hand-made trail that seems like something out of the Universal Studios’ backlot tour, this is truly a fun time for all!
But, as the owners and designers would say, is the real main course, is the Field of Screams. Simply put, make sure you have enough time, because this isn’t quite like anything you have been to before. With countless ways out of the maze, the Field of Screams throws you into the middle of mayhem, surrounded by some of the best creatures the Niles’ team has to offer.
While Niles’ boasts six main attractions, the heart of Niles will always be their team of loving volunteers. From the top management, famous characters, and even the guys that cleans up the trash, everyone at Niles’ loves their job, and wants to help each customer have the best experience possible.
The Bottom Line: If there was a Disneyland of Haunted Houses, this would be it. With no blood or gore, it is safe, fun, and affordable for the whole family, without disappointment. Let Death, Nancy, and the entire gang take you on a ride that will absolutely give you the best bang for your buck in the Midwest!
2014 Scores:
Entertainment: 18 out of 20
Scare Factor & Fright: 6 out of 10
Acting: 8 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: 85 points out of 100 points possible
– Official Haunted House Chicago Review Team Review
