Realm of Terror Haunted House 2021

Realm of Terror Haunted House
Round Lake Beach, Illinois
Visited on: Friday, October 29, 2021

Vital Signs:
Opened: 2003
Number of seasons-to-date: 18
Number of attractions: 1
Size: 16,000 square feet
Number of actors: 50
Fun Fact: Won the Haunted House Chicago Haunted Attraction of the Year in 2009, and has been consistently on the Top 13 since 2006

Opening its doors back in 2003, taking up residence on the grounds of Kristof’s Entertainment Center, lays Realm of Terror Haunted House in Round Lake Beach, Illinois. Boasting numerous accolades, as well as being named Haunted House Chicago’s top Haunted Attraction in 2009, this attraction is a consistent resident of our Top 13 list and continues to grow each season.

When HHC first visited this attraction back in 2003, we met a young 16-year-old who was an aspiring haunter and had a vision for his haunted house. Now at 31-years of age, Steve has numerous titles including owner of two “60 to Escape” escape room locations, 2 arcade locations, as well as winning a reality-TV mini golf competition on ABC back in 2019.

With all his time and dedication, Steve and his amazing team of talented builders and managers find time to consistently design, redesign, and update this attraction year after year. Not to mention, his partner-in-crime and amazing make-up artist, SyFy channel’s makeup challenge show “Face Off’ contestant, Stevie Calabrese, is also a past recipient of our HHC Jim Warfield Acting Award. This mix of personnel is the perfect blend to bring to life any vision, concept, or creation.

As we entered Kristof’s, we watched as numerous roamers tortured those souls waiting to enter the attraction. With a virtual queue system still in place, instead of standing in line, patrons can wander about, play some arcade or pinball games inside, grab a bite to eat, get a drink, buy some merchandise, or play some games out on the midway! As we waited to enter the Victorian-style mansion, we were met by an actor that told us of the party inside and how we were just the guests they were waiting for.

Entering the mansion, we were welcomed to dinner in the dining room. Here we were told of the menu: livers, hearts & toes, oh my! Safe to say, we made our way out as quickly as possible, but watch your step the floor below us was a little warped and moved more than expected!

Making our way throughout this attraction, Realm of Terror has mastered the art of putting patrons out of their comfort zone by incorporating tight spaces, twists, turns, and obstacles that you must move out of your way. All the while, the actors are lurking in the perfect spots, waiting to attack, and scare you right when you’re distracted. Remember to duck and be ready to use your hands and arms; you’re in for a treat!

Outside of the physical space adding a layer of discomfort, lets not forget the actors. These actors are relentless, playing with your group and keeping the banter going for as long as they want. For us, one actor in particular caught our eye when we were asked if we wanted a present, of course we said yes, and each member of our group received something very special. As we put out our hands to accept our gift, we truly did not know what we might get – a worm, some beans, or even a safety spoon?

As we came to the end of our journey, the scares didn’t stop there. In Realm of Terror fashion a maze drew us in to the darkness. With a pitch black inside, you’re forced to find your way out through twists and turns with creatures that lurk in the dark. Just when we escaped the darkness, the white maze was ready to strike! Sending us in to an all white-walled maze with an ever-slow strobe, disorienting patrons making it nearly impossible to find their way out. Be careful you don’t get turned around; you never know who is right behind you. And remember, there’s only one way out!

Monsters of Note: Maizie the Candy Corn Monster, Pablo the Crow, and A1!

The Bottom Line: Realm of Terror is another long-running attraction in our Chicagoland area and definitely one to haunt your dreams and thrive in your nightmares. If you are looking for a night full of laughs, fun, scares and some amazing acting, head to Realm of Terror Haunted House this Halloween season!

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