Reaper’s Realm 2018
Hammond, IN
Reviewed on: Sunday, October 14, 2018
There are few attractions anywhere in the country that can say they have been open and operating consistently for 30 straight years. Fortunately for the Chicagoland area, Reapers Realm is just that attraction! For many of those that are working in the haunted attraction industry, Reapers Realm was among their first attractions, if not their very first. Many that we have spoken to, including some of our team, remember going to Reapers in their early teens and being scared out of their socks! Reapers Realm has been a foundation that helped the haunted attraction industry progress to where it is now and spans across generations of patrons from 60 to 6.
Located right over the border into Indiana, Reapers Realm is extremely visible off of I-80/94. Most memorable for their “Three Floors of Terror” slogan, Reapers not only has their iconic main Mansion, a second attraction called, “Reapers Revenge,” and then the grand finale through “Reapers Woods.” In addition to their haunted attractions that will keep the kids up at night and checking the closet, there is also an entire midway of carnival games and rides that will help them forget about the party of monsters under their bed. This is certainly an entire evening worth of entertainment, and we made sure to dedicate the entire evening to this legend!
Just entering from the street and parking, the sounds of screams and chainsaws fill the air, along with smells of funnel cakes and pixie dust. (Ok, we really didn’t smell that, but we are sure they have a supply somewhere behind the Zipper.)
Our haunted adventure began in their iconic main attraction, “Haunted Mansion.” Filled with a variety of old-school traditional haunted house scenes, this attraction brings back the classic style of haunting and adds their own modern twist. With moving floors, shock pads in the walls, and even a Tesla coil, patrons never know what may be lurking in the dark. Highlights included a visit through the pyramids, a labyrinth filled with clowns, and even a trip down the “slide of death!”
Making our way towards the second attraction, “Reaper’s Revenge,” we were informed that for 2018 they completely re-envisioned the attraction. Our anticipation increased as we were definitely ready to see what was in store! Surrounded by very little light, patrons are thrown into the unknown. With actors attacking from all angles, this is an attraction that gives actors all the best opportunities to feast on the endless sacrifices that wandered through their scenes.
Our last stop for the evening was “Reaper’s Woods.” Being completely outdoors, this attraction takes you on a trail from a visit at the Museum of Monsters and Madmen, through Jason’s trailer at Camp Crystal Lake, and even some special attention by the man himself, Michael Myers. Weaving our way throughout, many more iconic films came to life and re-created the nightmares! Let’s not forget our last encounter with Pennywise the clown and that chainsaw-clad maniac, Leatherface!
Monsters of Note: The Reapers Woods ensemble of famous movie monsters!
The Bottom Line: Reaper’s Realm is an incredible part of the industry’s history and shows they are still kicking as they are celebrating their 30th year of operation! We tip our hats off to the crew, cast and family of Reaper’s Realm on reaching such a tremendous milestone! This is one of the most iconic attractions in the Chicagoland area, and a great option to take the whole family for some Halloween fun! Congratulations and here’s to 30 more years!
– Official Haunted House Chicago Review Team Review
