For decades, Necropolis Underground has been haunting the Indianapolis, Indiana area, delivering terror from deep within the basement of an old telephone warehouse. What once connected voices across the city now echoes with screams, laughter, and the whispers of the damned.
This massive indoor complex features four distinct haunted attractions, each designed to immerse guests in a world of dread. Beyond the haunts themselves, visitors can test their skills with axe throwing, escape games, and haunted mini golf, making Necropolis Underground a full evening of thrills, challenges, and eerie entertainment.
As Edgar Allan Poe once wrote, “Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing…” – a fitting sentiment for anyone brave enough to descend into the shadows below. Whether you come for the scares, the spectacle, or the sheer atmosphere of the underworld, Necropolis Underground continues to prove why it remains a cornerstone of Indianapolis horror entertainment after all these years.
Throughout our journey into the dark corridors of Necropolis Underground, we encountered an abundance of unique and terrifying denizens lurking around every corner. The monsters were energetic, committed, and eager to strike at unsuspecting prey whenever the opportunity arose. Each interaction with the cast felt purposeful and engaging, often featuring impactful, in-character dialogue rather than the overused “get out” lines commonly heard at other attractions. Every performer remained fully immersed in their role, demonstrating genuine enthusiasm in their efforts to deliver memorable scares.
That said, a few of the haunts appeared to be light on cast members, leaving noticeable stretches of time with little to no activity. The most apparent example of this was within Cemetery of the Damned, where the abundance of detailed hiding spots went largely underutilized. While several of the active scare zones were designed to allow for multiple interactions with guests, many of these areas were too exposed, making the scares more predictable and less effective than intended.
Similar staffing inconsistencies were noticeable in some of the other attractions, though the impact was less severe due to their shorter run times. Nightmare House, however, stood out as a strong exception – it maintained a consistent level of energy and engagement throughout, with virtually no dead space.
In an effort to compensate for lower actor counts, we observed queue actors entering the haunts alongside guests. While we appreciated the extra presence and enthusiasm, this approach occasionally disrupted immersion, as their costumes and characters didn’t always align with the themes of the houses they entered. Their involvement also left fewer actors available in the queue areas, where their interactions are typically most effective and impactful.
Despite these challenges, several standout performances elevated the evening. Doctor Cutter delivered an electrifying and commanding performance that kept us on edge, while Nurse Missy Carriage made a lasting (and grotesque) impression with her disturbingly committed portrayal – complete with unsettlingly realistic prop work. We also experienced an impressive SFX-based scare within the Bunker that caught our entire group completely off guard. Credit to that actor for impeccable timing and execution.
With an attraction as expansive as Necropolis Underground, maintaining a consistent and immersive aesthetic requires a sizable costuming and makeup team. Their efforts are clearly evident, as every monster is outfitted in attire that not only stands out individually but also complements the environment and storyline of each respective scene.
Upon arrival, we were immediately greeted by a large cast of queue actors roaming throughout the midway and stationed near the entrances to each haunt. Every performer was impressively dressed, featuring multi-layered costumes, detailed accessories, intricate makeup, and intimidating props or weapons that enhanced their overall presence. The attention to detail was unmistakable and helped establish a cohesive visual identity across the entire attraction.
Once inside the haunts, that same level of craftsmanship continued. There was no shortage of detail or character consistency – each actor appeared perfectly suited to their role, fully embodying the persona they were portraying. We didn’t encounter any characters that felt out of place, aside from a few queue actors who followed guests into the attractions, as mentioned previously.
We also appreciated the thoughtful touch of giving each performer a distinct character name, reflecting the haunt’s commitment to world-building and character development. Every actor we encountered seemed well-versed in their role and confident in their delivery, adding authenticity to the experience.
Our standout performer of the evening was the delightfully witty Jocerin, who resides within Cemetery of the Damned. His sharp humor, perfectly timed remarks, and engaging interaction with guests brought levity amidst the chaos. His performance left a lasting impression, providing moments of genuine laughter that balanced the night’s intensity and made the experience even more memorable.
Planning our visit to Necropolis Underground was a seamless experience, with all the essential details – such as ticket options, event hours, and directions – clearly outlined on their website. The layout was intuitive, making it easy to find everything we needed to prepare for our trip.
Our GPS led us directly to the well-lit parking lot, where a large illuminated sign atop the main building confirmed we had reached our destination. However, the signage in front of the main gate was somewhat difficult to see, especially in low light, so first-time visitors may want to keep an eye out as they approach. Once inside, the parking area was spacious, well-organized, and easy to navigate. Several attendants were present to assist guests in finding available spots, helping traffic flow efficiently. Best of all, parking was free of charge.
Before entering the main attraction, guests pass through a security checkpoint where staff conduct a quick wanding procedure to ensure everyone’s safety. The process was smooth and efficient, and the staff members were courteous, professional, and approachable.
The steps leading into the building were well-lit but notably steep, so we recommend taking your time when descending. Once inside, navigating to the appropriate queue for our tickets was straightforward. Although the interior lighting was dim, it posed no real difficulty in finding our way, as the layout was logical and easy to follow. Be sure to arrive early to catch the opening ceremony – it’s a must-see show that sets the tone for the entire experience.
This year, Necropolis Underground implemented a new system that allows guests to experience each haunt in any order they choose. This flexible approach enhances convenience and freedom, enabling visitors to explore the midway area at the start of their evening rather than only after waiting in long lines. It’s a clever improvement that not only encourages guests to spend more time on-site but also enhances overall engagement and contributes positively to the event’s atmosphere. Guests increasingly seek attractions that offer a complete night of entertainment, and this change makes Necropolis an even more appealing destination for groups looking to make an evening of it.
That said, we’d love to see this open-concept layout expanded further – starting with clearer signage to direct guests toward less crowded attractions. Improved signage could help distribute foot traffic more evenly and reduce queue times across all haunts. Due to its current placement and lack of visible signage, Nightmare House still tends to accumulate the longest line, as many visitors are unaware that they can freely roam between attractions at their own pace. For a smoother experience, we recommend guests consider visiting the haunts in reverse order, as Necropolis’s signature attraction typically sees shorter wait times later in the night.
Additional signage throughout the facility would also strengthen both flow and immersion. Currently, Dead and Breakfast stands out most clearly thanks to its prominent motel-style sign, while the other haunts could benefit from similar visual identifiers to build anticipation and help guide guests seamlessly from one attraction to the next. Finding a way to better integrate Nightmare House into the midway area would also be a significant improvement.
Once inside, each haunt successfully adhered to its intended storyline and theme. Despite some of the staffing gaps mentioned earlier, the attractions consistently managed to pull us into their eerie worlds filled with mischief and madness. However, there were a few moments that momentarily disrupted immersion – most notably within The Bunker, where the absence of an overhead covering exposed parts of the building’s ceiling. While this may go unnoticed by most guests, it did momentarily pull us out of the experience on a few occasions. It’s a minor critique, but addressing it could elevate the overall sense of realism even further.
We noticed several notable updates in the SFX (special effects) category this season at Necropolis Underground. The audio design struck an excellent balance – loud enough to make a strong impact without overpowering the experience or drowning out the actors’ dialogue. Most of the props and animatronics were well-timed, triggering at just the right moments to deliver effective and memorable scares.
The most significant addition this year was the introduction of the Cathedral in Cemetery of the Damned. Its towering, ominous structure served as a powerful tension builder throughout the attraction, with much of the surrounding dialogue warning guests of the horrors that awaited inside. The build-up was masterfully executed; however, once inside the cathedral, we found ourselves wishing for dimmer lighting and a few additional scare elements to match the suspense that had been created beforehand. While the structure itself is visually stunning, it currently feels underutilized, and the brighter lighting detracts slightly from the dark, oppressive tone established in the rest of the haunt.
We also observed a few technical inconsistencies during our visit, including projections and props that either failed to activate or were temporarily out of order – most noticeably within Cemetery of the Damned and The Nightmare House. These minor issues didn’t significantly impact the overall experience but were noticeable enough to mention.
Negatives aside, Necropolis Underground continues to showcase some of the most breathtaking set designs not only in Indianapolis but across the entire tri-state area. The level of artistry and craftsmanship on display is truly remarkable. Many of the sets are visually captivating, serving as storytelling tools and clever distractions that set guests up perfectly for the next scare. In this regard, Necropolis excels – seamlessly blending atmosphere, design, and surprise to create an experience that is as visually impressive as it is terrifying.
21. How scary was it? (35% of score): 8.22
22. How well did they provide scares to everyone in the group? (15% of score): 8
23. How predictable were the scares? (25% of score): 8.31
24. How well did they provide a wide variety (types) of scares? (10% of score): 8.28
25. How strong was the ending / finale? (15% of score): 3.5
Don’t let this score deceive you – Necropolis Underground is a genuinely terrifying haunt packed with inventive scares and a passionate, high-energy cast. The monsters within these walls demonstrate a keen understanding of their environment, skillfully using every inch of space to deliver impactful and well-timed frights. The pacing throughout the experience is effective, featuring brief moments of calm that build tension before erupting into intense, unrelenting bursts of fear. We also encountered several impressive “double” and even “triple tap” scares, where actors coordinated multiple startles in quick succession to keep us constantly on edge.
We did, however, notice a few instances where most interactions were directed toward the most visibly frightened member of our group. While this is common in many haunts, it occasionally left other guests – particularly those toward the back – missing out on certain scare moments. A more evenly distributed approach could help maximize engagement across the entire group.
Our most heavily weighted scoring category leaves little room for leniency, as it considers not only the intensity of the scares but also their timing, consistency, and overall impact. While fear is inherently subjective, small details can make a significant difference in how a haunt resonates with guests, and this section serves as a clear example of that.
From a visitor’s standpoint, the opening scene and finale are often the most memorable moments of any haunt. Necropolis excels at kicking things off with strong, adrenaline-pumping introductions, but the finales across all four attractions felt noticeably underwhelming – and in some cases, almost vacant. The Cemetery of the Damned, once known for its powerful closing scare, now ends on a weaker note due to the removal of its signature finale moment. Although we appreciated the effort to repurpose this space, the replacement lacked the same punch and left us exiting the haunt (and the others) feeling like something was missing.
Necropolis offers a range of ticket options designed to suit every guest’s preferences, including group packages, VIP passes, and front-of-the-line access. For the most enjoyable experience, we recommend visiting on less crowded evenings such as Fridays or Sundays. However, if your schedule requires visiting during peak times, several upgraded ticket options are available to help minimize wait times and ensure a smooth, uninterrupted experience.
Our tour through all four haunted attractions lasted approximately 34 minutes. With a general admission price of $35, this equates to about 0.97 minutes of entertainment per dollar spent. While slightly below average compared to some nearby haunts, the overall quality and immersion of the experience still make Necropolis a strong value for thrill-seekers.
Guests seeking faster entry can upgrade to VIP access for around $50, or opt for Front-of-the-Line passes at $75, which provide top-tier priority access and virtually eliminate wait times.
Don’t miss the Dead City Festival, Necropolis Underground’s lively midway area. For a small additional fee, guests can enjoy a variety of activities, including axe throwing, escape games, tarot readings, and mini golf, as well as concessions and merchandise stands. The festival area is also home to roaming cast members and numerous photo opportunities, offering plenty of entertainment even after the main attractions.
Additionally, mini golf, axe throwing, and escape rooms remain open year-round, giving guests the perfect reason to return and experience Necropolis during the off-season.
7130 Western Select Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana 46219