The Hill Has Eyes 2018
Franklin, WI
Reviewed on: Thursday, October 11, 2018
Just located about 40 minutes north of the Illinois-Wisconsin border sits “The Hill Has Eyes” in Franklin, Wisconsin. In their 7th operating season on the grounds of The Rock sports complex, patrons will find 5 attractions scattered throughout the grounds. Be prepared for a full night of thrills and chills under the moonlit skies, as this entire attraction takes you outside on one spooky adventure.
As you make your way towards the start of the attractions, the sound of music is blaring from the tent, amping patrons up to begin their journey into the unknown. Complete with a bar, guests can help shake those pre-haunt jitters off by having a beverage or two…. or three… or however many it takes to get the edge off.
We began our journey into the first attraction, “Containment”, which definitely set the tone and wet our appetite for the intensity of these attractions. Weaving in and out and making your way down some dark hallways, dodging your way out of different rooms, testing your mind and body. There are even a variety of staircases, that keep your mind guessing on just how far into the depths you might be headed.
As you exit the first attraction, we entered a clearing complete with community fire pit. After a few moments to warm our bones, we continued the journey to their second attraction, “Failed Escape.” Here, mutilated hillbillies are waiting for their taste of fresh blood and meat. We were promptly greeted by our hosts, “Fanny” and “Mortish.” With their clever banter and lively interaction, this gruesome-twosome kept us in stitches! Entering the forest maze filled with many twists and turns along the way, and a healthy dose of relentless actors, guests are left once again bewildered on where they might just be and how long it will take to get out! But, what left a lasting impression was “Momma” who made sure she told us she had 37 children, and they were all after us!
Continuing on our trek, “Hunger Hollow” offers you another dark walk on their second trail. After a brutal opening scene, our bodies were tossed into one of the scariest, and perfectly-atmosphered meat lockers yet! As numerous actors wait for their next victim to arrive, you don’t want to be the last one through the door as you might just end up the first eaten! The actors in these scenes had incredible patience, waiting until our entire group was within sight before they attacked. A big applause to these actors on being so diligent and continuing their acting until we were FAR outside of listening range. Our final memory was arriving to the church… and then everything goes blank….
(Insert time to worship the devil.)
Making our way out of the trail, is one of the MOST interesting attractions that we have EVER seen, ANYWHERE! Heading towards the “Scare Lift”, which yes, you guessed correctly, is a ski lift!!! As you embark on this journey up the hill, you never know what may be lurking down below. (We were even granted permission to Facebook Live some of this experience!)
After disembarking the lift, we reached our final destination “CARNIvore”. But, before we could enter, we were greeted by “Dark Heart.” Appearing to be a member of the circus family, Dark Heart certainly had … “issues.” She dazzled us with carnival tricks so well, that we even let a few groups past us, just to watch longer!
After a short while, we finally made our way to the circus tent, and encounter our guide, “Cherry.” Cherry was filled with games, banter, and wit, and kept us smiling and nervous the entire time! Reaching the main entrance to the carnival, or should we say, “CARNIvore,” we were engulfed with demonic carnies who scaled the walls and rafters with ease. But, the highlight certainly was one of the most fun-crafted red and white curtain maze. While we have had our fair-share of navigation through these labyrinths, this one still kept us questioning our decisions at every turn.
Monsters of Note: Fanny, Uncle Eric, “Momma,” Dark Heart, Cherry, and the heart and soul of the ‘Hill: Mortish.
The Bottom Line: This is certainly a one-of-a-kind attraction that is worth the drive from Chicago. From long hikes through the dark forest, to layers of smoke and fog masking your path, to a host of goblins and ghouls that make sure you are never resting, this is certainly a full evening of thrills and chills in the great outdoors. But, add in the only haunted attraction with a ski-lift, and you have something that doesn’t exist anywhere! For anyone looking for a fun, full Halloween evening, make sure to set your sights on the Hills Has Eyes!
– Official Haunted House Chicago Review Team Review
