See also: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.
Here are all the haunted houses we have heard about, so far. The descriptions initially 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.
When visiting these haunts, please tell them you saw their listing on DMHauntedHouses.com.
Database:
Last Updated: 10/30/2014 9:49 AM
- Name: Aftershock Costume Party @ Tormented Souls
Location: Edgewood Park, Madrid IA 50156
Directions: Bus picks you up at Edgewood Park and takes you to the actual location (no parking at the actual haunt site).
Dates/Times: Nov 1, 8:30pm-11pm. Haunt and Zee-Pocalypse will be open 7pm-11pm, too.
Calendar: Sat-Nov-1
Theme: Halloween parrty!
Long Desc: 2014 DMHH SPONSOR: They have decided to keep the haunt and Zee-Pocalypse running one more night, and added an alcohol-free Halloween party: Party admission includes costume contest (cash prizes), prizes every half hour, entertainment, food, drink (no alcohol served). Combo packages are available that include the party as well as the haunt and Zee-Pocalypse.
Admission: $20
Buy Tickets Online: www.dmhauntedhouses.com/redirects/tormentedsouls.shtml
Category: Party
Website: www.dmhauntedhouses.com/redirects/tormentedsouls.shtml
Facebook: www.dmhauntedhouses.com/redirects/tormentedsouls.shtml - Name: Tormented Souls Haunt (DMHH Sponsor)
Location: Edgewood Park, Madrid IA 50156
Directions: Bus picks you up at Edgewood Park and takes you to the actual location (no parking at the actual haunt site).
Dates/Times: 18 DAYS: Oct 3-4, 9-11, 16-19, 23-26, and 28-Nov 1. (19 & 26 are “Kid Friendly” 1pm-5pm days). 7pm-11:45pm on Fri/Sat. 7pm-10pm on other nights. Nov 1 adds the “Aftershock Costume Party” (8:30-11pm).
Calendar: Fri-3, Sat-4, Thu-9, Fri-10, Sat-11, Thu-16, Fri-17, Sat-18, Sun-19, Thu-23, Fri-24, Sat-25, Sun-26, Tue-28, Wed-29, Thu-30, Fri-31
Long Desc: 2014 DMHH SPONSOR: This new haunt (opened in 2013) is one of the longest around. This year, the layout is completely different. Your visit begins by being picked up at Edgewood Park by the “Terror Bus” to be driven out to the haunted coal mining town of Zook Spur. A narrator on the bus will give you the first part of the story. Once there, you choose one or both of the haunted house or the Zee-Pocalypse paintball zombie hunt. The haunt begins by meeting the Sherriff and then you wind your way through endless twisty hallways and through dozens of scenes. Pay attention to all the details – there are so many props (many are animated), lights and details you could go through this several times and still not catch it all. Tons of actors will do their best to startle you along the way and you will come face to face (literally) with a huge animatronic figure and walk through the fastest spinning tunnel at any haunt in the area. Winner of two 2013 DMHH Awards for “Best Prop” and “Best Vortex Tunnel.”
Admission: $16
Buy Tickets Online: www.dmhauntedhouses.com/redirects/tormentedsouls.shtml
Category: Haunted Walk
Website: www.dmhauntedhouses.com/redirects/tormentedsouls.shtml
Facebook: www.dmhauntedhouses.com/redirects/tormentedsouls.shtml - Name: Zee-Pocalypse
Location: Edgewood Park, Madrid IA 50156
Directions: Bus picks you up at Edgewood Park and takes you to the actual location (no parking at the actual haunt site).
Dates/Times: 18 DAYS: Oct 3-4, 9-11, 16-19, 23-26, and 28-Nov 1. (19 & 26 are “Kid Friendly” 1pm-5pm days). 7pm-11:45pm on Fri/Sat. 7pm-10pm on other nights. Nov 1 adds the “Aftershock Costume Party” (8:30-11pm).
Calendar: Fri-3, Sat-4, Thu-9, Fri-10, Sat-11, Thu-16, Fri-17, Sat-18, Sun-19, Thu-23, Fri-24, Sat-25, Sun-26, Tue-28, Wed-29, Thu-30, Fri-31
Theme: Zombie hunting.
Long Desc: 2014 DMHH SPONSOR: This is DMHH’s favorite attraction for 2014! A brand new addition to the Tormented Souls Haunt! Your visit begins by being picked up at Edgewood Park by the “Terror Bus” to be driven out to the haunted coal mining town of Zook Spur. A narrator on the bus will give you the first part of the story. Once there, you choose one or both of the haunted house or the Zee-Pocalypse paintball zombie hunt. On the hunt, you ride in a trailer (seating 9 or 11 guests) and fire flourescent paint balls at “real” zombies as they attack, as well as other targets along the way. You guide uses his spotlight to point out the attacking zombies in case all the high powered blacklights on the trailer don’t light them up enough for you. Fortunately, the zombies do not know how to use paintball guns so they don’t shoot back. Fee includes use of the mounted paintball gun and 50 paintballs, but extra paintballs can be purchased ($5 for each 50). It is so much fun you will probably want to buy a few more rounds during your ride. Capacity is limited, so reservations are recommended.
Admission: $26
Buy Tickets Online: www.dmhauntedhouses.com/redirects/tormentedsouls.shtml
Discounts: $25 in advance. Additional paintballs may be purchased.
Category: Paintball
Website: www.dmhauntedhouses.com/redirects/tormentedsouls.shtml
Facebook: www.dmhauntedhouses.com/redirects/tormentedsouls.shtml - Name: Ames Haunted Forest
Location: 1513 S 4th St, Ames IA 50010
Directions: 1 block south of Jack Trice Stadium.
Dates/Times: 11 DAYS: Oct 10-11, 17-19, 24-26, 30-Nov 1. Opens at 7pm with various closing times.
Calendar: Fri-10, Sat-11, Fri-17, Sat-18, Sun-19, Fri-24, Sat-25, Sun-26, Thu-30, Fri-31, Sat-Nov-1
Long Desc: A very long outdoor forest walk that goes through various indoor scenes and around 35 actors! Many surprises along the way and some very unique characters to encounter. The organizers say it takes 15-60 minutes to go through (some people get stuck in scenes longer than others). Winner of the 2013 DMHH Award for “Best Character.” (NOTE: 2-hour lines have been reported the first two Saturdays. Try to go on Sunday for much shorter lines.)
Duration: 30 minutes
Admission: $13
Discounts: $1 off coupon on website.
Category: Haunted Walk
Website: www.ameshauntedforest.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Ames-Haunted-Forest/168825177811 - Name: Animated and Musical Halloween Lights Spooktacular
Location: 611 S Market St, Madrid IA 50156
Dates/Times: Oct 13-Nov 1, 7pm-10pm (weather permitting).
Theme: Yard Display
Short Desc: Syncronized “Christmas” lights to music.
Long Desc: This holiday lights display is put on by brother and sister team, Nick and Sarah Snider. Stop by this house each evening starting around 7pm and tune your radio to 101.7 and watch 5000 lights dance to various Halloween tunes and other songs. Ghostbusters, Addams Family, and even What Does Fox Say! Winner of the 2013 DMHH “Best Halloween Display” award.
Duration: 30 minute loop
Admission: Free
Facebook: www.facebook.com/snidersanimatedlightsdisplay - Name: Castle of Blood
Location: 4051 Dean Ave, Des Moines IA 50317
Directions: East of the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Dean Ave.
Dates/Times: 14 DAYS: Oct 10-12, 16-19, 23-26, 30-Nov 1. 7pm-11:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 7pm-9:30pm on Thursdays and Sundays.
Calendar: Fri-10, Sat-11, Sun-12, Thu-16, Fri-17, Sat-18, Sun-19, Thu-23, Fri-24, Sat-25, Sun-26, Thu-30, Fri-31, Sat-Nov-1
Theme: Vampire castle.
Long Desc: The most high-tech attraction around, featuring highly themed rooms inside the Des Moines Renaissance Faire’s “Marrick Castle.” It starts with a theme-park style 2-minute preshow “tour” through a torture chamber, then in to the castle. It features computer controlled lights and 14-channels of syncronized sound, as well as air effects, lightning, and vampires at every turn. (One of five haunted houses/walks at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park. Admission also includes Museum of Fear, Fog Maze, 3-D Gallery, Club Blood, and more.) Winner of the 2013 DMHH Award for “Best Special Effects.” (NOTE: There have been HUGE ticket lines the first two weekends. Go on a Thu or Sun for almost no waits, or buy tickets online the day or morning before to bypass the huge ticket lines and show up early before the crowds get huge.)
Admission: Available only as part of a $26 Do-It-All package, or a $20.75 Pick-3 package. (11 and under: $24 and $18.85)
Buy Tickets Online: sleepyhollowsportspark.eventbrite.com/
Discounts: Discounted advance tickets sold online. Coupons at metro-area Kum & Gos.
Website: www.sleepyhollowscreampark.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sleepyhollowhauntedscreampark
Twitter: twitter.com/shspdmscream - Name: Chaos
Location: 4051 Dean Ave, Des Moines IA 50317
Directions: East of the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Dean Ave.
Dates/Times: 14 DAYS: Oct 10-12, 16-19, 23-26, 30-Nov 1. 7pm-11:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 7pm-9:30pm on Thursdays and Sundays.
Calendar: Fri-10, Sat-11, Sun-12, Thu-16, Fri-17, Sat-18, Sun-19, Thu-23, Fri-24, Sat-25, Sun-26, Thu-30, Fri-31, Sat-Nov-1
Theme: Heavy metal chaos.
Long Desc: Loud music and chaotic strobe lights with scares around every corner. Features a vortex tunnel, clown room, new lighting for 2014, and updated sets. (One of five haunted houses/walks at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park. Admission also includes Museum of Fear, Fog Maze, 3-D Gallery, Club Blood, and more.) (NOTE: There have been HUGE ticket lines the first two weekends. Go on a Thu or Sun for almost no waits, or buy tickets online the day or morning before to bypass the huge ticket lines and show up early before the crowds get huge.)
Admission: Available only as part of a $26 Do-It-All package, or a $20.75 Pick-3 package. (11 and under: $24 and $18.85)
Buy Tickets Online: sleepyhollowsportspark.eventbrite.com/
Discounts: Discounted advance tickets sold online. Coupons at metro-area Kum & Gos.
Category: Haunted House, Food, Covered Waiting Area
Website: www.sleepyhollowscreampark.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sleepyhollowhauntedscreampark
Twitter: twitter.com/shspdmscream - Name: Duty Calls: Zombie Apacolypse
Location: 4051 Dean Ave, Des Moines IA 50317
Directions: East of the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Dean Ave.
Dates/Times: 14 DAYS: Oct 10-12, 16-19, 23-26, 30-Nov 1. 7pm-11:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 7pm-9:30pm on Thursdays and Sundays.
Calendar: Fri-10, Sat-11, Sun-12, Thu-16, Fri-17, Sat-18, Sun-19, Thu-23, Fri-24, Sat-25, Sun-26, Thu-30, Fri-31, Sat-Nov-1
Theme: Laser tag zombie shoot.
Long Desc: High-tech outdoor laser tag attraction. A guide leads your group through various scenes of a zombie outbreak, but you get a laser tag rifle to shoot anything that might attack you. (One of five haunted houses/walks at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park. Admission also includes Museum of Fear, Fog Maze, 3-D Gallery, Club Blood, and more.) (NOTE: There have been HUGE ticket lines the first two weekends. Go on a Thu or Sun for almost no waits, or buy tickets online the day or morning before to bypass the huge ticket lines and show up early before the crowds get huge.)
Admission: Available only as part of a $26 Do-It-All package, or a $20.75 Pick-3 package. (11 and under: $24 and $18.85)
Buy Tickets Online: sleepyhollowsportspark.eventbrite.com/
Discounts: Discounted advance tickets sold online. Coupons at metro-area Kum & Gos.
Category: Haunted Walk, Food
Website: www.sleepyhollowscreampark.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sleepyhollowhauntedscreampark
Twitter: twitter.com/shspdmscream - Name: Escape from Dr. Fran Kenstyn’s Lab
Location: 2622 Lincoln Way, Ames IA 50014
Directions: At Collegiate United Methodist Church.
Dates/Times: Oct 17-18, 24-25, and 31-Nov 1 and possible extended dates if there is demand.
Calendar: Fri-17, Sat-18, Fri-24, Sat-25, Fri-31, Sat-Nov-1
Short Desc: Escape-the-room experience.
Long Desc: RESERVATIONS REQUIRED (VERY limited capacity each day). According to their PR: It’s NOT a haunted house (but it’s creepy). It’s not a scavenger hunt (but you gotta be really observant). It’s not a trivia contest (but there are puzzles and problems to figure out). You are locked in Escape Dr. Fran Kenstyn’s laboratory and have to solve a series of puzzles which hold the keys to release you. Reservations only, apparently. As mentioned here: http://www.iowastatedaily.com/news/student_life/article_60aee308-5de4-11e4-830e-b31b464c39c3.html
Duration: 90 minutes
Admission: $10
Buy Tickets Online: doodle.com/paiswgmpah2yiyxa
Category: Escape-the-Room Experience
Facebook: www.facebook.com/events/456497617826624 - Name: Haunted Barn
Location: 3215 SE 72nd St, Ankeny IA 50021
Dates/Times: 18 DAYS: Oct 3-5, 10-12, 17-19, 24-Nov 1. Fridays and Saturdays 7pm-Midnight. Other days 7pm-10pm.
Calendar: Fri-3, Sat-4, Sun-5, Fri-10, Sat-11, Sun-12, Fri-17, Sat-18, Sun-19, Fri-24, Sat-25, Sun-26, Mon-27, Tue-28, Wed-29, Thu-30, Fri-31, Sat-Nov-1
Long Desc: The #1 most “Liked” area haunted house on Facebook! Reconfigured layout for 2014. Mostly indoors with an outdoor walk at the end. Wind through maze-like dark corridors, pass through various scenes (including a Silent Hills-ish hospital), an outdoor graveyard, a new multi-room “house”, hallway of screams, and more (often including multiple chainsaws). There is plenty of bloody walls and creepy characters. Snacks (chips, candy, pickles) available at the ticket booth, and credit cards are accepted (with a surcharge). Winner of two 2013 DMHH Awards for “Best Gimmick” and “Coolest Use of Blacklight Paint.”
Duration: 11-15 minutes (or more)
Admission: $15
Discounts: $2 off coupons available at participating Casey’s, Kum and Go, Halloween Express and Nobbies.
Category: Haunted House, Snacks
Website: www.ankenyhauntedbarn.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thehauntedbarn1 - Name: Haunted Garage (home haunt)
Location: 612 NE 13 St, Grimes IA 50111
Dates/Times: 2 DAYS: Oct 31 (8pm-10pm) and Nov 1 (7pm-11pm).
Calendar: Fri-31, Sat-Nov-1
Long Desc: Please note that this is a home haunt/Halloween display in a residential neighborhood. They handle about 150 visitors each night, so plan accordingly. This is the fourth year for this home haunt, and this year they are expanding beyond the garage by adding a trail in the backyard. It is totally free but they accept canned good donations for the food pantry. Runner up of the 2013 DMHH Award for “Best Home Haunt.”
Admission: Free
Category: Home Haunt - Name: Linn’s Haunted House
Location: 3805 6th Ave, Des Moines IA 50313
Directions: Located at Linn’s Super Market.
Dates/Times: 16 DAYS: Oct 3-4, 10-11, 17-19, 24-Nov 1. Fridays and Saturdays 7pm-Midnight. 7pm-10pm all other nights.
Calendar: Fri-3, Sat-4, Fri-10, Sat-11, Fri-17, Sat-18, Sun-19, Fri-24, Sat-25, Sun-26, Mon-27, Tue-28, Wed-29, Thu-30, Fri-31, Sat-Nov-1
Theme: Classic haunted house.
Short Desc: Des Moines’ oldest haunted house.
Long Desc: Voted “Best Haunted House 2014” by Cityview readers! This is Des Moines’ oldest haunted house, celebrating 31 years in 2014. This very unique haunt begins by crawling down a long, dark, carpetted tunnel that eventually slides down in to the main haunt. There are many twisty dark passages (usually ending with one of their 25-30 actors startling you), and a few more crawls along the way. There are several scenes and suprising sets, including multiple clowns with electric chainsaws, blasts of air, and even a room of swarming bees. Be careful when the floor becomes swamplike, or if you find yourself stuck in an apparently endless “maze.” (Located at Linn’s Super Market. Consider supporting this long-time independent grocery store year ’round by shopping with them so they can continue to exist and offer this yearly haunted house.)
Duration: 18-25 minutes
Admission: $14
Discounts: $4 off coupons available for the first two weekends. Check most local Halloween/costume shops.
Category: Haunted House
Facebook: www.facebook.com/linnshauntedhouse - Name: Newton Home Haunt
Location: 913 N 4th Ave E, Newton IA 50208
Directions: RESIDENTIAL AREA! Be respectful.
Dates/Times: Fri 10/17 and Sat 10/18 only, starting at 7:30pm.
Calendar: Fri-17, Sat-18
Long Desc: From Newton Daily News: “Haunted House will meet at 7:30 p.m. (Friday and) Saturday at 913 N 4th Ave E in Newton. A haunted house for the community. Provided by Chad Barton and Tena Staver. No admission fees, asking free will donations to go towards purchases for next year’s event/ toys and candy for the kids in the neighborhood. This event is done out of our home, please be respectful.”
Admission: Free
Discounts: Free-will donations accepted.
Category: Home Haunt
Website: www.newtondailynews.com/2014/10/16/events/ata4ugg/ - Name: Nightmare Estates
Location: 4051 Dean Ave, Des Moines IA 50317
Directions: East of the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Dean Ave.
Dates/Times: 14 DAYS: Oct 10-12, 16-19, 23-26, 30-Nov 1. 7pm-11:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 7pm-9:30pm on Thursdays and Sundays.
Calendar: Fri-10, Sat-11, Sun-12, Thu-16, Fri-17, Sat-18, Sun-19, Thu-23, Fri-24, Sat-25, Sun-26, Thu-30, Fri-31, Sat-Nov-1
Theme: Hillbilly trailer.
Long Desc: A double-wide trailer full of hillbillies that do not like visitors. New effects, lighting and sound for 2014, and even a small expansion of the layout. (One of five haunted houses/walks at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park. Admission also includes Museum of Fear, Fog Maze, 3-D Gallery, Club Blood, and more.) Runner up of the 2013 DMHH Award for “Best Theme.” (NOTE: There have been HUGE ticket lines the first two weekends. Go on a Thu or Sun for almost no waits, or buy tickets online the day or morning before to bypass the huge ticket lines and show up early before the crowds get huge.)
Admission: Available only as part of a $26 Do-It-All package, or a $20.75 Pick-3 package. (11 and under: $24 and $18.85)
Buy Tickets Online: sleepyhollowsportspark.eventbrite.com/
Discounts: Discounted advance tickets sold online. Coupons at metro-area Kum & Gos.
Category: Haunted House, Food
Website: www.sleepyhollowscreampark.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sleepyhollowhauntedscreampark
Twitter: twitter.com/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 31-Nov 1. 7:30pm. (Unconfirmed, and it ran earlier this year too.)
Long Desc: Unconfirmed by DMHH, but reported by a Perry resident who saw signs.
Category: Haunted Walk - Name: Twisted Tales: The Next Chapter
Location: 4051 Dean Ave, Des Moines IA 50317
Directions: East of the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Dean Ave.
Dates/Times: 14 DAYS: Oct 10-12, 16-19, 23-26, 30-Nov 1. 7pm-11:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 7pm-9:30pm on Thursdays and Sundays.
Calendar: Fri-10, Sat-11, Sun-12, Thu-16, Fri-17, Sat-18, Sun-19, Thu-23, Fri-24, Sat-25, Sun-26, Thu-30, Fri-31, Sat-Nov-1
Theme: Fairy tales gone bad.
Long Desc: Wander through indoor and outdoor scenes from fairy tales gone wrong. Many stairs and ramps, and one crawl (bypass available). Features a theme park style preshow room, then syncronized sound that actually plays different fairy tale tunes in each room coordinated to one main tune throughout the entire walk. New expanded outdoor scenes for 2014. (One of five haunted houses/walks at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park. Admission also includes Museum of Fear, Fog Maze, 3-D Gallery, Club Blood, and more.) Winner of the 2013 DMHH Award for “Best Sets.” (NOTE: There have been HUGE ticket lines the first two weekends. Go on a Thu or Sun for almost no waits, or buy tickets online the day or morning before to bypass the huge ticket lines and show up early before the crowds get huge.)
Admission: Available only as part of a $26 Do-It-All package, or a $20.75 Pick-3 package. (11 and under: $24 and $18.85)
Buy Tickets Online: sleepyhollowsportspark.eventbrite.com/
Discounts: Discounted advance tickets sold online. Coupons at metro-area Kum & Gos.
Category: Haunted Walk, Food
Website: www.sleepyhollowscreampark.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sleepyhollowhauntedscreampark
Twitter: twitter.com/shspdmscream - Name: Ultimate Haunted House (NOT OPERATING)
Location: 5401 E University, Pleasant Hill IA 50327
Directions: Located at White Water University.
Dates/Times: NOT OPERATING. From a response on their Facebook page 10/10: “White Water’s Ultimate Haunted House: Due to the new city ordinances put in place by the City of Pleasant Hill, (some of which are nearly impossible to incorporate) the haunted house did not pass inspection and was closed by the city. The owners are trying to get back in business before the month is over.” Once I hear back from them, I will revise the listings here.
Long Desc: (NOT OPERATINNG) $20 VIP pass available this year. Numerous changes planned for the haunt this year, too. Winner of the 2013 DMHH Award for “Cutting Edge” and Runner Up for “Best Vortex Tunnel.”
Admission: $15
Discounts: Coupon may be available on their website.
Category: Haunted House
Website: www.whitewateruniversityiowa.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WhiteWaterUniversity - Name: Waukee Halloween Haunted House
Location: 1225 Warrior Lane, Waukee IA 50263
Directions: Centennial Park enclosed shelter house.
Dates/Times: Oct 24-25, 7pm-10pm.
Calendar: Fri-24, Sat-25
Long Desc: For the bigger kids, the Waukee Park Board is hosting their annual Halloween Haunted House at the Centennial Park enclosed shelter house on both Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25 from 7:00-10:00 p.m. The cost of admission is $5 but we encourage attendees to bring three nonperishable goods for the Waukee Area Food Bank to receive $1 off admission. Keep in mind that the haunted house is intended for older children and might be too scary for little ones.
Admission: $5
Discounts: Bring three nonperishable goods for the Waukee Area Food Bank and receive $1 off.
Category: Haunted House
Website: www.waukee.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=556
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WaukeeParksandRecreation
Twitter: twitter.com/WaukeeParks_Rec - Name: Zombie Hollow (home haunt)
Location: 3109 Pine Circle, Urbandale IA 50322
Directions: See map on website. Take Colby Pkwy off of 86th in Urbandale, then turn on Colby Woods Drive and follow the crowds.
Dates/Times: 3 DAYS: Oct 30 (7pm-9pm), Oct 31-Nov 1 (7pm-10pm).
Calendar: Thu-30, Fri-31, Sat-Nov-1
Theme: Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, etc.
Short Desc: Immersive walkthru experience.
Long Desc: A MUST SEE! A jaw-dropping walk-thru experience of lights, sounds and special effects. It features large props (a pirate ship in water, with firing cannons), waterfall, animatronic characters, lush soundtrack, etc. In 2012, it felt like walking through parts of Disney’s Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean rides. 2013 added some zombiefied Duck Dynasty-like characters. Winner of the 2013 DMHH Award for “Best Home Haunt.”
Admission: Free
Category: Yard Display
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. (Visitors beware: the national sites often list defunct attractions or have incorrect information. Always verify a haunt actually exists before driving out.)
List updated on 10/2/2014:
Local (?) Sites:
- spookydesmoines.com – local (?) site listing most of the haunts now.
National Sites:
- www.findahaunt.com – a great national site ran by Haunted House legend Leonard Pickel. He was the only national index last year that was 100% accurate for Des Moines, and I will be getting him updates this year, too.
- www.funtober.com – national site with a page for Iowa and one for Des Moines area. They currently list one current haunt, and one that (so far) is not happening this year.
- www.hauntworld.com – national site that Tormented Souls Haunt is running a cool banner ad with. They still list The Asylum even though it hasn’t ran for two years.
- www.iowahauntedhouses.com – national site with domain names registered for different states. They currently list two current haunts, and one haunt that has been defunct for two years. (Ankeny Haunted Barn has a cross link thing with them.)
See also: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.