The Hills Has Eyes 2021

The Hills Has Eyes
Franklin, Wisconsin
Visited on: Saturday, October 2, 2021

Vital Signs:
Opened: 2011
Number of seasons-to-date: 10
Number of attractions: 4
Size: 45 acres
Number of actors: 50+
Setting: Outdoor
Fun Fact: New set up for haunt entrances, has a real ski lift on site, located on sports complex

The Hills Has Eyes is the farthest north that the Haunted House Chicago Review Team travels. Although it may seem slightly outside of our area, being only 18 miles southwest of Milwaukee, most people would be shocked to hear that it is only 87 miles north of Chicago. In one of the most unique settings on our list of attractions, The Hills Has Eyes is nestled in a valley within some amazing natural topography. Almost hiding it completely from the nearby baseball fields and shopping destinations, the Hills team designed an entire experience that gives away no spoilers. Because of the location, you can’t hear the screams and have no idea where the path may lead you. Carved into the dense woods, the darkness is their friend concealing more than just a horde of blood-thirsty actors and actresses along with some amazingly designed outdoor sets. Make sure you bring your hiking boots because this is no walk in the park.

We have been visiting the Hills Has Eyes for nearly a decade and were excitedly surprised with the changes in store for us this year. Our first surprise was the starting point. Instead of starting at the top of the hill inside the party tent, the team here brought the party into the valley. Patrons are led into the base of the valley to begin their trek. Smack-dab in the middle is a fun-filled midway filled with fire pits, a DJ, drinks and libations, and a handful of amazing creatures of the night. One of our favorites, Darkheart, made sure to give extra special attention to anyone who wanted to see some classic cirque/freakshow-style “tricks,” such as pounding screw drivers into her nose! All four of the attractions have been built in a circle around the midway. Patrons can choose to do all of them back-to-back, or pace them out as they see fit. The mood is fun, the spirit is excitement, and the entire combination gets you ready to go!

Our first attraction is properly labeled #1 and leads us to “Failed Escape.” Here, we line-up outside of Junkyard Ray’s home. After a chance encounter with Ray’s dog, and avoiding the horrid infestation, we are met with our first surprise – a walk DOWN into the woods. Following multiple stairways and winding paths, we had a wonderfully equal experience of fright and fun in the forest! But, dark times were ahead for our next attraction.

Second on the list was called “Hunger Hollo.” Mixing in more hills and hillsides, we had a chance to experience an amazing butcher, one of the best freezer scenes, and of course, a visit to Camp Crystal Ridge. The Hills team does a great job of using lighting and special effects to accent the adventure and to help ensure you never truly let your guard down.

Next on the checklist was “Carnivore.” Modeled after a traditional circus attraction, patrons are asked to “Step right up” and “Step right in.” We experienced a number of killer clowns and big-top trickery to combine for a fun romp through all three rings. Oh, and we should definitely add that the price of admission is your soul!

Finally, we made our way to the final attraction “Dead End.” This attraction was new to us, as it was built into the side of the hill leading back up to the exit. As we are set into the middle of a battle between the 666^th infantry brigade and the tormented cannibals, we did our best to work off that COVID weight and not become the main course!

Monsters of Note: Darkheart

The Bottom Line: The Hills Has Eyes is an amazing trek that brings patrons through some of the scariest outdoor scenes in the region. Not only is it a fantastic attraction that has placed on our Top 13 list, but also an amazing location that won’t disappoint!

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