See also: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
UPDATE: This list is in need of repair. I had the 2012 data duplicated by mistake, and am slowly getting this page updated…
Here are the only haunted houses we have heard about, so far. The descriptions mostly come from the haunt operators (or their websites), but as we go through the attractions, we will try to revise them to reflect what they actually consist of. “The worst of humanity” doesn’t give much information — chainsaw killers? politicians? We will try to keep spoilers to a minimum. Events that have been specifically tagged as “Family Friendly” will not appear in this listing.
Here are the only haunted houses we have heard about, so far. The descriptions mostly come from the haunt operators (or their websites), but as we go through the attractions, we will try to revise them to reflect what they actually consist of. “The worst of humanity” doesn’t give much information — chainsaw killers? politicians? We will try to keep spoilers to a minimum. Events that have been specifically tagged as “Family Friendly” will not appear in this listing.
Database:
- Name: Ames Haunted Forest
Location: 1513 S 4th St, Ames IA 50010
Directions: 1 block south of Jack Trice Stadium.
Dates/Times: Oct 4-5, 11-12, 18-20, 25-27, 31-Nov 1. Opens at 7pm.
Calendar: Fri-4, Sat-5, Fri-11, Sat-12, Fri-18, Sat-19, Sun-20, Fri-25, Sat-26, Sun-27, Thu-31, Fri-1
Theme: The Phantom of the Bijou (horror movies).
Short Desc: Movie themed haunted walk.
Long Desc: Horror movie fanatic, Vincent, burned in a movie theater fire, now lives alone in the woods where he tries to recreate the horror movie world he loved so much.
Admission: $13
Discounts: Special $2 off coupon for opening weekend on website.
Category: Haunted Walk
Website: www.ameshauntedforest.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Ames-Haunted-Forest/168825177811
- Name: Castle of Blood
Location: 4051 Dean Ave, Des Moines IA 50317
Directions: East of the Iowa State Fairgrounds at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park.
Dates/Times: Oct 4-5, 11-12, 17-20, 24-27 and 31. 7pm-Mid, but ticket booth closes at 10:30pm.
Calendar: Fri-4, Sat-5, Fri-11, Sat-12, Thu-17, Fri-18, Sat-19, Sun-20, Thu-24, Fri-25, Sat-26, Sun-27, Thu-31
Theme: Vampires in a castle.
Short Desc: Vampire castle. One of five haunted houses.
Long Desc: (Sleepy Hollow was voted “Best Haunted House 2013” by Cityview readers.) Go inside the Des Moines Renaissance Faire “castle”. Two-minute theme park style computer controlled pre-show (lights and sound) leads guests through a torture chamber then in to the actual haunted house where vampire actors await. Completely new lighting system and a few layout changes for 2013, including new moving props.
Duration: 5 minutes
Admission: Available only as part of a $25.50 (adult)/$23.50 (child) “do it all” package, or $19.75 (adult)/$17.50 (child) “pick three” package. Hayride is $1 extra.
Buy Tickets Online: sleepyhollowscream.inticketing.com/events/
Discounts: Coupons at Kum & Go. Online discounts 48 hours in advance using code “BUYEARLY”. Group discounts.
Category: Haunted House, Food
Website: www.sleepyhollowscreampark.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sleepyhollowhauntedscreampark
Twitter: @shspdmscream
- Name: Chaos
Location: 4051 Dean Ave, Des Moines IA 50317
Directions: East of the Iowa State Fairgrounds at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park.
Dates/Times: Oct 4-5, 11-12, 17-20, 24-27 and 31. 7pm-Mid, but ticket booth closes at 10:30pm.
Calendar: Fri-4, Sat-5, Fri-11, Sat-12, Thu-17, Fri-18, Sat-19, Sun-20, Thu-24, Fri-25, Sat-26, Sun-27, Thu-31
Theme: All things chaotic.
Short Desc: Horror movies. One of five haunted houses.
Long Desc: (Sleepy Hollow was voted “Best Haunted House 2013” by Cityview readers.) Loud music, disorienting lights, spinning vortex tunner, horror movie killers (and clowns), fog, electrocution, and more. Layout reversed for 2013 so if you have been through it before, expect the opposite.
Duration: 5 minutes
Admission: Available only as part of a $25.50 (adult)/$23.50 (child) “do it all” package, or $19.75 (adult)/$17.50 (child) “pick three” package. Hayride is $1 extra.
Buy Tickets Online: sleepyhollowscream.inticketing.com/events/
Discounts: Coupons at Kum & Go. Online discounts 48 hours in advance using code “BUYEARLY”. Group discounts.
Category: Haunted House, Food
Website: www.sleepyhollowscreampark.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sleepyhollowhauntedscreampark
Twitter: @shspdmscream
- Name: Duty Calls: Zombie Apacolypse
Location: 4051 Dean Ave, Des Moines IA 50317
Directions: East of the Iowa State Fairgrounds at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park.
Dates/Times: Oct 4-5, 11-12, 17-20, 24-27 and 31. 7pm-Mid, but ticket booth closes at 10:30pm.
Calendar: Fri-4, Sat-5, Fri-11, Sat-12, Thu-17, Fri-18, Sat-19, Sun-20, Thu-24, Fri-25, Sat-26, Sun-27, Thu-31
Theme: Laser tag zombie shoot
Short Desc: Haunted walk with zombies and laser tag guns. One of five haunted houses.
Long Desc: (Sleepy Hollow was voted “Best Haunted House 2013” by Cityview readers.) Redesigned for 2013. Outdoor haunted walk with laser tag rifles and zombies to shoot. Mutli-channel computer controlled lights and sound guide groups through scenes of captured zombies, base camp, research facility and escape.
Duration: 5 minutes
Admission: Available only as part of a $25.50 (adult)/$23.50 (child) “do it all” package, or $19.75 (adult)/$17.50 (child) “pick three” package. Hayride is $1 extra.
Buy Tickets Online: sleepyhollowscream.inticketing.com/events/
Discounts: Coupons at Kum & Go. Online discounts 48 hours in advance using code “BUYEARLY”. Group discounts.
Category: Haunted Walk
Website: www.sleepyhollowscreampark.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sleepyhollowhauntedscreampark
Twitter: @shspdmscream
- Name: Haunted Barn
Location: 3215 SE 72nd St, Ankeny IA 50021
Directions: Take Corporate Woods Dr exit off of I-35, east.
Dates/Times: Oct 4-6,11-13, 18-20, 25-31, November 1-2. Fri-Sat, 8pm-Mid. Sun and last week in Oct, 8pm-10pm.
Calendar: Fri-4, Sat-5, Sun-6, Fri-11, Sat-12, Sun-13, Fri-18, Sat-19, Sun-20, Fri-25, Sat-26, Sun-27, Mon-28, Tue-29, Wed-30, Thu-31, Fri-1, Sat-2
Theme: Horror movies and general scares.
Short Desc: Horror movie rooms, possible live snakes.
Long Desc: Indoor and outdoor scenes including a crawl, live snake(s), movie themed rooms (Orphan), graveyard and more. Reconfigured for 2013, including upgraded sounds and effects. Tons of “invisible” actors you won’t see until they want you to. Food truck (tacos, hot dogs, snacks) available. Credit cards accepted.
Duration: 10-15 minutes
Admission: $15
Discounts: $3 off coupon on website, and at area businesses.
Category: Haunted House, Food
Website: www.ankenyhauntedbarn.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HauntedBarnAnkeny
- Name: Haunted Garage (home haunt)
Location: 612 NE 13 St, Grimes IA 50111
Dates/Times: Oct 25 & 27, 7pm-10pm.
Calendar: Fri-25, Sat-26
Theme: Haunted garage.
Long Desc: Please note that this is a home haunt/Halloween display in a residential neighborhood. Last year they handled about 150 visitors each night, so plan accordingly. This is the third year for this home haunt. It is totally free but they accept canned good donations for the food pantry.
Admission: Free, but they collect canned good donations for the food pantry.
Category: Home Haunt
- Name: James Family Halloween Display
Location: 4828 Fairview Dr, Pleasant Hill IA 50317
Dates/Times: After dark, in October.
Theme: Halloween display.
Short Desc: Front-yard light and sound show.
Long Desc: Front yard display with lightning and other effects. (This is the location of the elaborate James Family Christmas Light Spectacular in December.)
Admission: Free
Category: Yard Display
Name: Linn’s Haunted House
Location: 3805 6th Ave, Des Moines IA 50313
Directions: At Linn’s Supermarket.
Dates/Times: Oct 4-5, 11-12, 18-20, & 25-Nov 2. 7pm-10pm, Sun-Thu. 7pm-Min, Fri-Sat.
Calendar: Fri-4, Sat-5, Fri-11, Sat-12, Thu-17, Fri-18, Sat-19, Sun-20, Fri-25, Sat-26, Sun-27, Mon-28, Tue-29, Wed-30, Thu-31, Fri-1, Sat-2
Theme: Classic haunted house.
Short Desc: Des Moines’ oldest haunted house (29 years!).
Long Desc: The long, dark crawl at the start is scary enough to make many chicken out! This is a classic haunted house, focusing on darkness and startles rather than heavy metal music and gore. Tons of actors, and some surprises that could make your group end up exiting minutes after the group AFTER you…if you fall for the trap, that is.
Duration: 10-20 minutes
Admission: $12
Discounts: $4 off coupons good for first two weeks available at local businesses.
Category: Haunted House
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Linns-Haunted-House/151672821003
- Name: Nightmare Estates
Location: 4051 Dean Ave, Des Moines IA 50317
Directions: East of the Iowa State Fairgrounds at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park.
Dates/Times: Oct 4-5, 11-12, 17-20, 24-27 and 31. 7pm-Mid, but ticket booth closes at 10:30pm.
Calendar: Fri-4, Sat-5, Fri-11, Sat-12, Thu-17, Fri-18, Sat-19, Sun-20, Thu-24, Fri-25, Sat-26, Sun-27, Thu-31
Theme: Rednecks in a trailer.
Short Desc: Redneck trailer. One of five haunted houses.
Long Desc: (Sleepy Hollow was voted “Best Haunted House 2013” by Cityview readers.) Indoor redneck themed haunted house. Reconfigured layout is 40% longer this year.
Duration: 5 minutes
Admission: Available only as part of a $25.50 (adult)/$23.50 (child) “do it all” package, or $19.75 (adult)/$17.50 (child) “pick three” package. Hayride is $1 extra.
Buy Tickets Online: sleepyhollowscream.inticketing.com/events/
Discounts: Coupons at Kum & Go. Online discounts 48 hours in advance using code “BUYEARLY”. Group discounts.
Category: Haunted House, Food
Website: www.sleepyhollowscreampark.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sleepyhollowhauntedscreampark
Twitter: @shspdmscream
- Name: Perry Fire Department Annual Haunted Forest
Location: 16th Street and North Street, Perry IA 50220
Directions: Behind Perry Elementary School at 16th Street and North Street.
Dates/Times: Oct 11-12, 18-19, 25-26. Opens at 7pm. (Oct 11-12 listed in an article, but not in another article. Unconfirmed.)
Calendar: Fri-11, Sat-12, Fri-18, Sat-19, Fri-25, Sat-26
Short Desc: 25th anniversary
Long Desc: Children’s matinee Sat Oct 256h from 12pm-4pm. Face painting, balloon animals, and a day scare through the forest.
Admission: $5
Discounts: $3 for children
Category: Haunted Walk
Website: www.iowalivingmagazines.com/2012/10/18/halloween-activities-in-perry/
Name: Slaughterhouse, The
Location: 1300 Metro East Dr Suite 126, Pleasant Hill IA 50327
Directions: At Batter’s Box.
Dates/Times: Oct 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-31, Nov 1.
Calendar: Fri-4, Sat-5, Fri-11, Sat-12, Fri-18, Sat-19, Fri-25, Sat-26, Thu-31, Fri-1, Sat-2
Theme: Pig slaughterhouse.
Short Desc: Covered waiting area in case of rain. Des Moines’ most feared haunted house.
Long Desc: Indoor haunted house themed to a pig slaughter house. Very unique beginning, then twisting passages with metal walls. Many more show scenes and scare effects than when we visited in 2011.
Duration: 13 minute ride/walk/crawl.
Admission: $12
Buy Tickets Online: tikly.co/-/1939
Discounts: $2 OFF coupon on website. FRI OCT 4TH: Get $4 OFF if you find the recent post on their
Facebook: page and “Like” it, then use the pass phrase “I’m a Squealer” when you buy your Tikits with a coupon.
Category: Haunted House, Snacks, Covered Waiting Area
Website: www.theslaughterhousedm.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheSlaughterhouseDM
Name: Tormented Souls Haunt
Location: Edgewood Park, Madrid IA 50156
Directions: No parking at haunt. Park at and take shuttle from Edgewood Park.
Dates/Times: Oct 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, and 28-31, 2013. 7:15pm-11:45pm, except 28-31 when it closes at 10pm.
Calendar: Fri-4, Sat-5, Fri-11, Sat-12, Fri-18, Sat-19, Fri-25, Sat-26, Mon-28, Tue-29, Wed-30, Thu-31
Theme: Ghost town.
Short Desc: New for 2013!
Long Desc: New for 2013. A long haunt with many rooms, many actors and special effects (including the largest animatronic creature you will see in the area). Features pnuematics, a cool projection effect, tons of animated props, the fastest Vortex tunnel around, and some pretty elaborate sets. Park at Edgewook Park (look for the signs near the baseball field) and wait for the decorated yellow school bus to pick you up. This one is worth checking out – only a short drive from Des Moines. (This all-new haunt incorporates some components from the long-running HauntedFX backyard haunt in Urbandale, and expands with new animatronics, show scenes and more. They aqcuired items from three other haunts to build this one attraction.)
Admission: $15
Buy Tickets Online: www.eventbee.com/event?eid=175808672
Category: Haunted House
Website: www.tormentedsoulshaunt.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Tormented-Souls-Haunt-Madrid-IA/1413920792155728
- Name: Trail of Terror
Location: Scotch Ridge Center, Carlisle IA 50047
Directions: 1/2 mile east of 65/69 bypass on Hwy 5, exit 72. Turn south at Peoples Bank and follow the signs.
Dates/Times: Oct 11-12, 18-19 and 25-26, 2013. 6:30pm-11pm. Kids trail 6:30pm-9pm. First group starts at 7pm.
Calendar: Fri-11, Sat-12, Fri-18, Sat-19, Fri-25, Sat-26
Theme: Haunted forest
Long Desc: Proceeds benefit several local Boy Scout Troops and Crews.
Admission: $8
Discounts: $6 age 12 and under in costume.
Category: Haunted Walk, SnacksName: Twisted Tales: The Next Chapter
Location: 4051 Dean Ave, Des Moines IA 50317
Directions: East of the Iowa State Fairgrounds at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park.
Dates/Times: Oct 4-5, 11-12, 17-20, 24-27 and 31. 7pm-Mid, but ticket booth closes at 10:30pm.
Calendar: Fri-4, Sat-5, Fri-11, Sat-12, Thu-17, Fri-18, Sat-19, Sun-20, Thu-24, Fri-25, Sat-26, Sun-27, Thu-31
Theme: Fairy tales gone bad.
Short Desc: Fairy tales gone bad. One of five haunted houses.
Long Desc: (Sleepy Hollow was voted “Best Haunted House 2013” by Cityview readers.) Indoor and outdoor fairy tale themed haunted house with ramps, stairs, crawls and a small slide. Computer controlled pre-show and multi-channel sound. For 2013, a large expansion through the woods has been added.
Duration: 10 minutes
Admission: Available only as part of a $25.50 (adult)/$23.50 (child) “do it all” package, or $19.75 (adult)/$17.50 (child) “pick three” package. Hayride is $1 extra.
Buy Tickets Online: sleepyhollowscream.inticketing.com/events/
Discounts: Coupons at Kum & Go. Online discounts 48 hours in advance using code “BUYEARLY”. Group discounts.
Category: Haunted House, Food
Website: www.sleepyhollowscreampark.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sleepyhollowhauntedscreampark
Twitter: @shspdmscream
- Name: Ultimate Haunted House
Location: 5401 E University, Pleasant Hill IA 50327
Dates/Times: Oct 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, and 25-31 plu s BONUS Nov 1. 7pm-Midnight Fri-Sat, 7pm-10pm other nights.
Calendar: Fri-4, Sat-5, Sun-6, Fri-11, Sat-12, Sun-13, Fri-18, Sat-19, Sun-20, Fri-25, Sat-26, Sun-27, Mon-28, Tue-29, Wed-30, Thu-31, Fri-1
Short Desc: Des Moines’ scariest Haunted House
Long Desc: New scenes for 2013 including a nice high tech window effect at the start. Be sure to look closely to catch all the details. Window your way through a morgue, kitchen, graveyard, vortex tunnel, Freddy’s alley, Chucky’s room, spider forests and more. Two rooms have trick exits and watch out for dead ends. Tons of actors and a number of pmeumatic props and scares, including a few items I have not seen at any other haunts in the metroplex. This event has been running over two decades and is a classic for the area.
Duration: 8-12 minutes
Admission: $13
Discounts: $2 off coupons in area stores, and printable from website.
Category: Haunted House
Website: www.whitewateruniversityiowa.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WhiteWaterUniversity - Name: Waukee Haunted House
Location: Centennial Park, Waukee IA 50263
Dates/Times: Oct 25 & 26, 7pm-10pm.
Calendar: Fri-25, Sat-26
Short Desc: Dare to be scared!
Long Desc: Dare to be scared! Not suggested for young children. The cost is $5 and is sponsored by the Waukee Park Board.
Admission: $5
Category: Haunted House
Website: www.waukee.org
- Name: Zombie Hollow (home haunt)
Location: 3109 Pine Circle, Urbandale IA 50322
Directions: Between Douglas and Hickman, just east of 86th Street.
Dates/Times: Oct 25-26 & 30. 7pm-10pm. Oct 27, 7pm-8:30pm.
Calendar: Fri-25, Sat-26, Sun-27, Wed-30
Theme: Pirates of the Carribean meets Haunted Mansion.
Short Desc: Pirates of the Caribbean fans HAVE TO SEE THIS!
Long Desc: AMAZING walk through display featuring lighting, sound, animated figures, and tributes to scenes from Disney’s Pirates of the Carribean and Haunted Mansion rides! Raises money through freewill donations that will go to charity to benefit severely injured or dismembered veterans
Duration: Self-paced walkthru.
Admission: Free
Category: Home Haunt
Website: www.thezombiehollow.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Zombie-Hollow/258264987517799
Other Indexes
We believe in cross promotion, so here are other haunted house indexes we have found. DMHH is not responsible for the accuracy of information on these sites, but we will at least try to point out major omissions if we notice them.
- KCWI 23 Halloween – the winner of best other Halloween listing this year is KCWI 23. Not only do they seem to list most of the haunted houses, but they created little graphics for each one based on images from the websites. Someone there did some great work – kudos to KCWI!
- Spooky Des Moines – The Des Moines Radio Group’s page (LITE 104.1) index. It now lists most of the haunted houses, and has a ton of family events.
Des Moines Register – This “Haunted Evenings” article gives a pretty good rundown of the haunts operating this year.
See also: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.