Videos

Last Updated: 11/3/2023

My first haunted house video was a TV commercial in 2005. I began posting haunted house video interviews in 2006 (“Screamcast” video podcast). I started doing interviews with haunt operators for this website in 2011. Eventually all my old videos will be moved over to a dedicated Des Moines Haunted Houses YouTube channel.

2023

A few more videos are still being worked on including Blank Park Zoo Night Eyes, and Tunnel of Terror car wash.

All 2023 videos so far (playlist).
  • October 14, 2023 – Video interview with Lew Jordan of Zombie Hollow (Winterset, Iowa).
Zombie Hollow 2023
  • October 20, 2023 – Video interview with Marilyn Harris of Haunted Woods (Carlisle, Iowa), and some victims from Indianola.
Haunted Woods 2023
  • October 20,2023 – Video interview with Danielle Brannen of Trail of Terror (Mingo, Iowa), and Juan of El Meson Taco Shack (Colfax, Iowa).
Trail of Terror 2023
  • October 21, 2023 – Video interview with Breanne Barnum of Barnum Circus of Freaks (Des Moines, Iowa), Lily Earhart of Kool’s Sweets and Treats, and Saaba Circle.
Barnum Circus of Freaks 2023
  • October 21, 2023 – Video interviews with the Linn Family, including Merlyn Linn, at Linn’s Haunted House (Des Moines, Iowa), and some victims from Adel.
Linn’s Haunted House 2023
  • October 22, 2023 – A visit to Living History Farms for their Family Halloween event.
Living History Farms 2023
  • October 26, 2023 – Video interview with Ben Houk of White Rabbit VR Arcade in Merle Hay Mall (Des Moines Iowa).
White Rabbit VR 2023
  • October 27, 2023 – Video interview with Lisa Conard of Scream Team’s Haunted Garage (West Des Moines Iowa).
Scream Team’s Haunted Garage 2023
  • October 27, 2023 – Video interview with Shane of Bouton Haunted Church fire department fundraiser (Bouton, Iowa).
Bouton Haunted Church 2023
  • October 27, 2023 – Video interview with Auntie Mayhem of Tormented Souls Haunt and Scream Park (Madrid Iowa) and Nick Snider of Mad Town Labs 3-D printing.
Tormented Souls Haunt 2023
  • October 28, 2023 – Video interview with Ian Miller (Trig Biggs) of The Slaughterhouse in downtown Des Moines Iowa.
The Slaughterhouse 2023
  • October 28, 2023 – Video interview with Paige of No Escape Iowa in Ames, Iowa.
No Escape Iowa 2023
  • October 28, 2023 – Video interview with Jesse of Iowa Silent Disco in Des Moines Iowa.
Halloween Silent Disco 2023
  • October 29, 2023 – Video interview with Sandy Selby of The Pirate-Potter House (Des Moines Iowa).
The Pirate-Potter House 2023
  • October 31, 2023 – Video interview with Lefty Biggs of The Slaughterhouse in downtown Des Moines Iowa.
The Slaughterhouse “What’s Next” 2023
  • October 29, 2023 – Video interview with Jolena (volunteer) at the Tommy’s Express Tunnel of Terror in Grimes Iowa. (Mostly just raw footage.)
Tommy’s Express Tunnel of Terror 2023
  • October 29, 2023 – A visit to Blank Park Zoo for their Night Eyes event.
Blank Park Zoo Night Eyes 2023

2005 (before DMHH)

In 2005, I did a TV commercial for Sleepy Hollow’s “Fear 2005” Halloween event. That was my first haunted house-related video. I performed on the “Time Pirates Hayride” that year 😉 (Edited on an iMac using iMovie. So high tech!)

2006 (before DMHH)

  • In 2006 I began a series of videos covering the Sleepy Hollow Sports Park halloween event. I believe there were eight episodes in 2006, and then episodes 9-31 covered 2007. I do not know if I still have copies of the original videos, but if I can find them, I will post them here.
  • UPDATE: A DVD copy of the 2006 videos has been located, and I think I have found the original full-quality master files. I should be able to get them online.

2007 (before DMHH)

  • October 6, 2007 – Opening weekend, part 1. Sleepy Hollow Scream Park is a Halloween event in Des Moines, Iowa. It consists of six haunted attractions combined under one admission price. These video journals will cover some of the things going on during October.
Screamcast 9
  • October 30, 2007 – A look at a very impressive home haunted house in Urbandale, Iowa (Des Moines). Nathaniel James has been creating more and more elaborate haunts for the past six years. 2007 saw the addition of a video pre-show, computer control systems and a full animatronic skeleton seance with synchronized lighting and audio effects. A $2 admission fee is donated to Mother’s Against Drunk Driving.
HauntedFX Teaser
HauntedFX 2007

2009 (before DMHH)

  • October 2, 2009 – Scary Acres 2009 Montage
  • October 2, 2009 – A short interview with Tony, property superintendent, of Scary Acres in Omaha, Nebraska. www.scaryacres.com

2010

2011

  • October 11, 2011 – Video interview with “Trig” of The Slaughter House in Des Moines, Iowa.
  • October 16, 2011 – An interview with Chris Bales of The Haunted Barn in Ankeny, Iowa.

2012

  • October 14, 2012 – Video interview with Dick of Linn’s Supermarket Haunted House in Des Moines, Iowa (part 1).
  • October 14, 2012 – Video interview with Merlyn Linn of Linn’s Supermarket Haunted House in Des Moines, Iowa.
  • October 14, 2012 – Video interview with Sean of Ultimate Haunted House in Pleasant Hill, Iowa.
  • October 14, 2012 – Video interview with Zach and Chris Bales of The Haunted Barn in Ankeny, Iowa.

2013

  • September 21, 2013 – Video interview with Chris Bales of The Haunted Barn in Ankeny, Iowa.
  • September 25, 2013 – Video interview with Trig of The Slaughterhouse in Pleasant Hill, Iowa (near Des Moines).
  • October 5, 2013 – Video interview with Nathaniel of Sleepy Hollow Haunted Scream Park. (Part 1)
  • October 5, 2013 – Video interviews with Kevin Weekley of Yorkshire Dragon, Buddy & Justin of knife throwing, Jeremy from CHAOS, “Vladimir” from Castle of Blood, SINN X, and Jackie from Ottumwa. And more. (Part 2)
  • October 6, 2013 – Video interview with Mindy, KJO’s Tacos, some Marshalltown victims (Kramer, Skylar and Renee) and Chris Bales of the Ankeny Haunted Barn.
  • October 13, 2013 – Video interview with Resident Zombie at Ultimate Haunted House in Des Moines, Iowa.
  • October 25, 2013 – Video interview with the Tormented Souls Haunt in Madrid, Iowa.
  • October 29, 2013 – Video interview with Merlyn, Ivan and others at Linn’s Supermarket Haunted House in Des Moines, Iowa.
  • October 30, 2012 – Video interview with the amazing yard haunt, Zombie Hollow, in Ubanadle, Iowa.
  • October 30, 2012 – Video interview with Pat from the Haunted Garage in Grimes, Iowa.
  • October 30, 2013 – Video interview with Lew Jordan at Zombie Hollow in Urbandale, Iowa (near Des Moines).
  • November 1, 2013 – Video interview with Lynn Ballard of Ames Haunted Forest in Ames, Iowa.
  • November 1, 2013 – Video interview with Trig of Slaughterhouse in Pleasant Hill, Iowa (near Des Moines).
  • November 2, 2013 – Video interview on the final night for Linn’s Haunted House, Ankeny Haunted Barn and The Slaughterhouse.

2014

  • September 24, 2014 – Video interview with Chris Bales (owner) of the Haunted Barn in Ankeny, Iowa (near Des Moines). NOTE: This video contains behind-the-scenes construction footage which may be considered spoilers. And hockey masks.
  • October 4, 2014 – Video interview with Mindy Bales, Makala Bales, Trenton and Josh, HITS 99.9 and victims from Waukee at the Haunted Barn in Ankeny, Iowa (near Des Moines).
  • October 4, 2014 – Video interview with Merlyn Linn (owner) and Jim Woodward (creepy clown) of Linn’s Supermarket Haunted House in Des Moines, Iowa.
  • October 5, 2014 – Video interview with Nathaniel James (General Manager) of Sleepy Hollow Haunted Scream Park in Des Moines, Iowa.
  • October 27, 2014 – Video interview varios visitors and cast of the Haunted Barn in Ankeny, Iowa (near Des Moines).
  • October 28, 2014 – Video interviews with Hal (narrator), Lionel (driver), Kumari and Bob Henry of Tormented Souls Haunt in Madrid, Iowa (near Des Moines).
  • October 28-29, 2014 – Video interview with Mike Travers of Zee-Pocalypse at Tormented Souls Haunt in Madrid, Iowa (near Des Moines).
  • October 29, 2014 – Tormented Souls Haunt in Madrid, Iowa added a new paintball zombie hunt this year. This video shows how one person used up their paintballs towards the end of the ride… Poor zombie.
  • October 30, 2014 – Video interview with Lynn Ballard of Ames Haunted Forest in Ames, Iowa (near Des Moines).
  • October 31, 2014 – Video interview with Lew Jordan of Zombie Hollow home haunt in Urbandale, Iowa (near Des Moines). Also includes a raw footage tour of most of the attraction.

2015

  • October 2, 2015 – Video interview with Merlyn Linn (owner) of Linn’s Supermarket Haunted House in Des Moines, Iowa.
  • October 2, 2015 – Video interview with Jordan and Makayla Bales (bosses), Bailey (selfie stick owner), and Morgan (ticket taker) at the Haunted Barn in Ankeny, Iowa.
  • October 10, 2015 – (Part 1 of ???) Video interviews with Kevin and Kelly (parking) and a look at arriving at Sleepy Hollow’s Haunted Scream Park in Des Moines, Iowa.
  • October 10, 2015 – (Part 2 of ???) Video interviews and DMHH Award presentations with Nathaniel James (general manager), Jesse Johnson (Chaos) and Freak Show the Clown (Stage Fright/Freak Show) at Sleepy Hollow Haunted Scream Park in Des Moines, Iowa.
  • October 10, 2015 – (Part 3 of ???) Video interviews with Paula (3-D Gallery) and Tina (Blazing Jack-O-Lantersn) and a peek into the Fog Maze at Sleepy Hollow Haunted Scream Park in Des Moines, Iowa.
  • October 10, 2015 – (Part 4 of ???) Video interviews with Bonnie Gosch (Humphrey’s Concessions), Jesse, Jordan, Justin and Romana (Axed in Time), Melissa and Buddy (Knife Throw), and Taylor (Nobbies – Your Ultimate Halloween Superstore).
  • October 10, 2015 – (Part 5 of ???) Video interviews with Diana (Castle of Blood), Brian Ervin and Chris (Nightmare Estates), The Mad Hatter (Twisted Tales: The Next Chapter), and a glimpse inside the new Freak Show haunted walk at Sleepy Hollow Haunted Scream Park in Des Moines, Iowa.
  • October 10, 2015 – (Part 6 of ???) Video interviews with Mary and Rick Flatt (owners) at Sleepy Hollow Haunted Scream Park in Des Moines, Iowa.
  • October 10, 2015 – (Part 1 of 3) Video interviews with Lynn Ballard (owner), Lisa (ticket taker) and Shelby (hearse photos) at the Ames Haunted Forest in Ames, Iowa.
  • October 10, 2015 – (Part 2 of 3) Video interviews with victims, Jimmy (roamer) and Lee Ballard (owner) of Ames Haunted Forest in Ames, Iowa.
  • October 10, 2015 – (Part 3 of 3) Video interview with food vendor Paul Rohlf (Oak Tree BBQ) at the Ames Haunted Forest in Ames, Iowa.
  • October 11, 2015 – Video interview with Jordan and Makayla Bales (bosses) plus Crazy Guy, and Lizzy, Sam and Emma (victims), and pretty much everyone else working at the Haunted Barn in Ankeny, Iowa.
  • October 13, 2015 – Two-minute video from Sleepy Hollow’s Black Ops: Zombie Paintball (I recorded and edited this for them). From their facebook page:
  • October 16, 2015 – Video interview and DMHH award presenations with Merlyn Linn (owner), and various visiting victims at Linn’s Supermarket Haunted House in Des Moines, Iowa.
  • October 16, 2015 – Video interviews with Kristen (ticket taker), Sammy (photos), Lee Ballard (owner), and various victims at the Ames Haunted Forest in Ames, Iowa.
  • October 18, 2015 – Video interviews with Nathaniel James (general manager), The Pizza Man, Monique (Bavarian Cafe), and Taylor (Castle of Blood) at Sleepy Hollow Scream Park in Des Moines, Iowa.
  • October 24, 2015 – Video of opening gate crowds on Saturday, October 24th, 2015 at Sleepy Hollow Haunted Scream Park in Des Moines, Iowa.
  • October 25, 2015 – Video of fog, fog and more fog on Sunday, October 25th, 2015 at Sleepy Hollow Haunted Scream Park in Des Moines, Iowa.
  • October 30, 2015 – (Part 2 of 2) A full walk-thru of the Zombie Hollow yard haunt in Urbandale, Iowa.
  • October 30, 2015 – (Part 1 of 2) Video interview with Lew Jordan and “Slash” of the amazing Zombie Hollow yard haunt in Urbandale, Iowa.
  • October 30, 2015 – Video interview with Michael of the Haunted Garage home haunt in Grimes, Iowa.
  • October 30, 2015 – Video interview with Amanda from the DMHH Award-winning controversial Halloween yard display in Bondurant, Iowa.

2016

  • October 14, 2016 – Video interview with Merlyn Linn (owner) at Linn’s Supermarket Haunted House in Des Moines, Iowa.
  • October 19, 2016 – Video interview with Justin Smith of Baxter Fun Days Trail of Terror in Baxter, Iowa.
  • October 20, 2016 – Video interview with Nathaniel James of Sleepy Hollow Haunted Scream Park in Des Moines, Iowa.
  • October 23, 2016 – Video interview with Lynn Ballard of Ames Haunted Forest, Chloe (victim) of Pleasantville, and Ida of Ida’s Food Truck.
  • October 25, 2016 – Video interviews with Bret Miller, Debbie and the Ticket Taker, Ivan and Shovel Man at Linn’s Supermarket Haunted House in Des Moines, Iowa.
  • October 28, 2016 – Video interview with Matt Jermier of the Waukee Haunted House in Waukee, Iowa.
  • October 28, 2016 – Video interview with Lew Jordan of Zombie Hollow in Urbandale, Iowa.
  • October 29, 2016 – Video interview with the Haunted Garage home haunt in Grimes, Iowa.

2017

  • October 5, 2017 – Video interview with Ivan, Brett and Merlyn from Linn’s Supermarket Haunted House, as well as some first-time visitors from Leon and Des Moines.
  • October 14, 2017 – Video interview with Trevor from Circus of Freaks in Bussey Iowa.
  • October 14, 2017 – Video interview with Grace Davidson of Thrashers House of Terror in Mount Pleasant Iowa.
  • October 16, 2017 – Video interviews with Todd and John (parking), Shane (security), Breanne Barnum (Barnum Factory), Lefty Biggs (Slaughterhouse) and Colin and Kelsey (victims) at The Slaughterhouse in Des Moines Iowa.
  • October 18, 2017 – Video interviews with Lisa (ticket seller), Tyler, Catherine and Grace (victims), Katie (ticket taker), and Lee Ballard at the Haunted Forest in Ames Iowa.
  • October 23, 2017 – Video interviews with Elaina and Abbey (Baxter Dance Team) and Chad Maxwell (Baxter Fun Days) at the Trail of Terror in Mingo, Iowa.