Written by Denee Menghini. Media by James Menk.
I’ve never understood haunted houses. Why would anyone intentionally put themselves in a frightening situation? I may never know, but I’ve been told that nothing brings friends together quite like being so scared you pee your pants. Thankfully this time of year provides lots of opportunities for experiencing some of St. Louis’ best haunted attractions, which have gained nationwide attention for their excellent creepiness. Scarefest includes three separate haunted attractions worth a visit.
Creepyworld houses ten haunted attractions in one location, each of which contains different unique features. One of the new additions for this year is The Dark Zone, which is a giant pitch black maze full of terrifying surprises. Carnivorous in 3D is full of possessed clowns and amazing 3D art. If you feel like being chased by a serial killer be sure to check out The Tool Shed. The final new addition is Evil Dread, a cabin in the wood where hillbillies and evil farm animals threaten to attack as you travel through a farmhouse. These join old favorites like SiloX, Raven’s Mansion, Hornbuckle Hogs and Corn Maze, Zombie City Paintball War Zone, Route 66 Drive-In, and the world’s largest famous faces pumpkin display.
Lemp Brewery is known as on of the most haunted places in the United States and is advertised as an authentically haunted location. The brewery was built in caverns and the haunted house is located five stories below ground. The Haunting of Lemp was recently filmed for a special called Halloween Crazy, which will air on Travel Channel this month. It is said to have been explored by many of the nation’s top paranormal experts, and just last year most of the haunted house industry visited The Haunting of Lemp to experience the terror. The website explains that only fifty people are allowed into the caverns each hour, and attendees are given a panic password.
The Darkness is the place to be for the haunted house traditionalist. While there are technically three attractions on the grounds of The Darkness, it focuses on providing a top-notch haunted house. Each year The Darkness completely remodels their facility, so the haunt is always changing and getting scarier by the year. This year is the twentieth anniversary of The Darkness, so organizers have gone to great lengths to make the haunted house exceptionally petrifying. The main haunted house is the two story Darkness. Also on the grounds are Terror Visions 3D and the Monster Museum and gift store.
All of the attractions are open nightly from now until November 2, opening at varying times. Tickets can be purchased online at scarefest.com and prices range from $20 to $25 for adult tickets. Creepyworld is located in Fenton, Missouri, Lemp Brewery is just in St. Louis, and The Darkness is in the Soulard neighborhood of St. Louis next to the Old Soulard Market.
While these haunted houses are not for the faint of heart, they are a great place to take a group of friends. Chances are none of the ghosts, possessed clowns, or chainsaw murders will follow you back to Greenville.
