You’d never guess that only 8 miles east of Madison, in Deerfield, Wisconsin, there is a family farm carrying a secret. By day, Schuster’s Farm is a wholesome farm of cider donuts, cute pumpkin patches, and fun family hayrides. But when the last sliver of light departs the sky, the wholesome fun is stripped away to reveal the chilling truth of the Deerfield woods.
The night begins with an ominous, tractor-pulled cage ride, the last look at civilization as you’re hauled into the black, silent countryside. You’re then dumped at the edge of the attraction, a dark woodland trail that is now a labyrinth of terror. This isn’t a walk in the pumpkin patch; it’s a spooky excursion where the farm’s familiar landscape is warped into a nightmare.
Dive headfirst into Schuster’s Haunted Forest (SHF), where the scarecrows aren’t straw-stuffed figures and the dolls aren’t just toys, and see what sentinel beings are waiting to pursue. As you stumble through the unrelenting darkness, the horrors are not confined to old barns; they emerge from the cold farmland itself. It’s a chilling, suspenseful, outdoor haunt that will make you wish you’d just stayed near the bakery.
If you survive the forest, you can reward yourself with a hot drink and a story by the bonfire, live music in the barn, the night corn maze, or a stiff drink at the bar to calm the adrenaline still coursing through your veins.
As we made our way through SHF, we noticed there was a good number of actors spread throughout the attraction. The characters were spaced really well for an outdoor haunt, which made the experience feel balanced and smooth rather than crowded or overwhelming. Each actor fit well into their scene, bringing their roles to life, adding to the overall atmosphere, and helping tell the story of each scene. The way they were positioned kept the scares coming at just the right pace, making the whole experience more immersive and enjoyable.
While the butcher and the kitchen cast stood out for their strong verbal interactions and engaging dialogue, adding a dynamic layer to their scenes, we noticed that many of the other actors throughout the attraction didn’t quite maintain the same level of vocal engagement. As we made our way through the haunt, it became clear that a majority of the characters relied more on grunts, groans, and nonverbal sounds rather than spoken lines. This shift in communication style made some scenes feel less immersive and a bit repetitive. Additionally, we observed certain actors repeating similar movements and gestures throughout our walkthrough, which sometimes diminished the overall impact of their performances. While these physical actions added atmosphere, the lack of varied dialogue and behavior in many areas created moments that felt less lively compared to the more interactive standout characters. With a bit more variety in both dialogue and movement across the cast, the haunt could elevate the overall experience and maintain consistent engagement from start to finish.
On our visit, we came across a very wide variety of characters from freaky clowns, killer butchers, and even Samara from “The Ring”. We bring this up as a few of the queue actors seemed to portray a few popular scary movie icons. From Samara to even LeatherFace, we thought this was a bit odd and out of place for the attraction. Upon finishing the haunt, we did not find any iconic horror characters inside, but only prior to entering, which felt off and out of place. However, the cast did well in the costuming and makeup for the respective roles.
In the haunt, we came across a good amount of masks and makeup for the cast. For the makeup we came across, it seemed done well overall, but we noticed some scare actors had more detailed makeup than others. The masks we saw looked of higher quality and helped tie into the costumes that accompanied them. Using masks helps enhance the guest experience, as makeup can only do so much for a character’s role if not done right.
The haunt did well in having characters fit the location they were placed in. This helped the haunt make the areas more believable to guests coming across them. The most dialogue we came across was from the killer kitchen lady and the evil butcher man. Both of these cast members excelled in being very active and loud, making our group feel truly a part of the haunt. These two cast members really went above and beyond in their respective scenes that we did not find in many other areas.
This haunt is tucked away in the middle of farm fields, but thankfully, it wasn’t too hard to find. While the sign at the driveway wasn’t very visible from the road, the property itself was well-lit and stood out once you got close. We’d suggest adding some lighting along the driveway or a more noticeable sign to help guests spot the entrance more easily. When we arrived, parking was pretty straightforward. The grass and gravel lot was easy to navigate, especially near the main buildings, where there was plenty of lighting. That said, adding a few signs to clearly mark parking areas and signs guiding visitors toward the ticket booth would make arrival even smoother. Once you’re on the property, everything is nicely spaced out, giving the area a relaxed and open feel. The only thing we really noticed was a lack of clear signage around the grounds. It wasn’t always obvious where to go or what was available, especially as a first-time visitor. A few directional signs or maps around the property would go a long way in helping guests make the most of everything the farm has to offer.
As far as safety goes, we didn’t come across any major hazards during our visit, which was great. That said, we did notice a few minor concerns worth mentioning. A few of the stairs inside the haunt felt a little loose, and a few of the ramps were pretty steep, making them a bit tricky to navigate, especially in the dark. The fog room, while cool and immersive, was a bit too foggy at times, which made it hard to see where we were going. These weren’t deal breakers by any means, but they’re good things to be aware of. We definitely recommend wearing comfortable, sturdy shoes since the trail includes uneven terrain and a fair amount of walking.
Before entering the haunt, guests are shown a safety video that goes over the rules and the do’s and don’ts while inside. It’s a helpful way to make sure everyone knows what to expect and how to stay safe while navigating the attraction. This is something we don’t see often at other attractions and was a nice touch to ensure the safety of the customers.
Before heading to the haunt, we purchased our tickets online, so we didn’t have much interaction with the staff aside from the team at the haunt line entrance. However, the staff members we did meet were friendly and welcoming, even during our brief exchange. Their positive attitude helped set a great tone right from the start.
Before our visit, we checked out the website, and the homepage provided a great overview of everything we needed to know. Right off the bat, we were greeted with a promo video that gave us a feel for the haunt, along with helpful details like the live music schedule, a quick link to purchase tickets, a list of what’s offered on the property, and the address clearly listed at the bottom of the page. It made planning our night a lot easier.
Beyond the homepage, the site is organized with helpful tabs. The Tickets section breaks down time slots, group ticket options, and includes important info about restrictions and the required waiver. There’s also a detailed FAQ page that answers common questions you might have before arriving, which we found really useful. If you have more specific inquiries, the Contact page is available, along with a built-in map and address to help you navigate your way there. Overall, the website is easy to use and does a solid job of preparing visitors before they even arrive.
When we arrived at the farm, we were immediately welcomed by a warm, cozy atmosphere layered with just the right amount of spooky charm. The blend of rustic country vibes and Halloween touches set the perfect tone for the evening ahead. Before the main haunt began, there was plenty to keep us entertained in the pre-haunt area. SHF offers a variety of activities to enjoy while you wait. A crackling bonfire invites guests to gather around and warm up, creating a great spot to relax, chat, and wait for your time slot to be called. If you get there early enough, you can catch a live band playing in the barn. There’s also a quaint little shop and bakery where you can browse handmade goods, pick up some fall treats, or sip on a cup of hot chocolate. For those looking for something a bit more adventurous, try your hand at the paintball shooting area, there’s a nighttime corn maze to explore, and a bar “food truck” for anyone wanting to enjoy a seasonal drink.
Once we got inside the attraction, we were pulled right into the action. The characters and scenes kept us fully locked in the whole time; there was always something going on to grab your attention or keep you on edge. The way the scares were spaced out was really well done. You never felt like you were just walking through empty halls waiting for the next thing to happen. Between the jump scares, there was a ton of detail in the sets that helped keep the tension high. Creepy props, eerie lighting, and little background effects kept your mind busy and made it easy to forget that another scare could be waiting just around the corner.
After the haunt wraps up and the hayride brings you back through the dark, winding path to the main farm, the experience doesn’t have to end there. Once you hop off the ride, you’re dropped right back into the cozy heart of the farm, where there’s still plenty to do if you’re not quite ready to call it a night. You can head over to the warm, glowing bonfire, perfect for relaxing, sharing a few laughs, or swapping scare stories with friends. The small farm shop is also worth checking out. It’s full of locally made goods and seasonal treats, from fresh-baked items to handcrafted products you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re in the mood for a drink, the bar is open and serving a stiff drink in the chilly air, which definitely adds to the laid-back vibe. If you’re up for more adventure, there is a paintball shooting area and the nighttime corn maze, if it is still open. It’s a great way to keep the night going, whether you’re up for more spooky fun or just want to wander under the stars. Overall, SHF makes it easy to turn the haunt into a full evening of fall fun, with a little something for everyone to enjoy even after the main event is over.
When talking about special effects, SHF did alright with using sound effects. We noticed a few eerie sounds among our treacherous walk through the woods, but noticed the haunt could benefit from some more background sound. The non-use of sound in some areas of the woods also gives it’s own eerie ambience. In addition to that, a few more sound effects among the cast would elevate the performance, such as loud music or crashing noises found inside the kitchen scene, or even loud carnival music around the clown section.
Being our first time at this haunt, we were surprised by the amount of detail in an outdoor haunt. There was a good amount of wood sections and building sections that mixed very well. The interior areas we came across were hit or miss on detail. A few areas were done well, fitting the respective scene, while other areas felt neglected and could benefit from more decor and detail. SHF did overall well, being a large outdoor haunt in the woods, which gives its own unsettling vibe and is much more well done than other outdoor haunts in the woods we have visited, but could be stepped up.
When exploring the haunt, we did not come across many animatronics. This area would be a benefit to include more within the attraction, whether big or small, as they can enhance the overall visit for guests. There were still a few we came across from the screaming man that pops out by the barn in the queue area. Our favorite prop/effect was the large Windego puppet. This was large, overlooking our group, and had some of the best movements we have seen. However, the team at SHF could have covered the large speaker next to it along the path to keep the full immersion rather than sticking out.
Another tactic that was used was fog; there were a few good sections of fog, but some areas could use it, along with some areas being too much fog and almost borderline dangerous for being cramped with other guests climbing steps.
One of our team’s favorite categories is the use of special effects. When we visited, we came across a vortex tunnel, an inflatable tunnel, a laser swamp, and a few more unique effects. We also came across a few areas with a different type of squishy floors, which is always neat to see, to help get guests off balance and out of the moment. During our walk, we also noticed a handful of unique smells that fit the areas we came across, which were very noticeable and a good touch.
21. How scary was it? (35% of score): 6.78
22. How well did they provide scares to everyone in the group? (15% of score): 6.2
23. How predictable were the scares? (25% of score): 6.85
24. How well did they provide a wide variety (types) of scares? (10% of score): 5.71
25. How strong was the ending / finale? (15% of score): 5.5
According to their website, SHF is a “PG-13” haunt, making it a solid choice for those who enjoy a thrill without going too extreme. If jump scares are your thing, you’re in for a spook, as they’re the primary scare tactic used throughout. While the majority of the frights rely on quick shocks, there are a few other scare elements sprinkled in to keep things interesting. Overall, we’d rate this haunt as slightly more intense than family-friendly, but still far from nightmare-inducing.
During our walkthrough, we observed that most of the scares were aimed at the front of the group. While there were occasional moments where other sections were targeted, the majority of the attention seemed focused on those leading the way. For a more balanced and immersive experience, we recommend diversifying the scare placement to engage all group members equally throughout the attraction.
Due to most of the actors focusing their scares on the front of the group, we often saw the scares coming before we reached them. This reduced the overall impact, as the surprise element was lost by the time we passed the scare point. While there were a few well-timed moments that caught us off guard, the consistent front-loading of scares made the haunt feel less intense than it had the potential to be.
As we reached the finale of the haunt, we expected the usual chainsaws, puppets, or some final high-energy scare to send us running. But SHF took a different approach, one we’ve never experienced before. Rather than ending with a traditional fright, SHF wraps things up with live music to entertain guests while they wait for the hayride back. It’s not a scary finale, but it’s a unique and creative twist that sets SHF apart from other haunts. However, right before the musician, there is a minehaft section with little to no actors that did not deliver any grand final scare.
Being our first time at this haunt, our team was impressed by what it was for the main attraction and other goodies the haunt offers. It took our team 25 minutes to complete the haunt start to finish. Time can always vary based on group sizes and how fast/slow you tremble through the woods. This gives SHF a $0.81 minute per dollar rating. Ideally, we want to at least see a $1 minute per dollar rating to get that bang for your buck. Overall, the ticket price was still a good value considering the rating.
When taking tickets, it is $31 to enter the attraction. This price is something fairly reasonable compared to most other haunts in the area and in the state. This price point is pretty similar you will find at other attractions. We did notice that SHF does NOT offer any fast pass options. Most other attractions have this add-on feature for quests that do not enjoy waiting in lines, but this location does not. If the scares are not your thing, there is a Nighttime Corn Maze attraction that is a bit less scary than the main attraction. This experience is $11 and is an experience most haunts do not have the luxury to offer. The Nighttime Corn Maze is a tough challenge by day, but even harder by night, and could help entertain those who are not brave enough for the haunted attraction.
SHF does offer a good amount of other entertainment. A few of these extras are free, while others do cost extra money. A new addition this year is the Paintball Gallery, where guest can test their aim at themed targets. This extra starts at just over $5 and can go up. If shooting is not your style, be sure to visit the live band playing inside the barn if you visit on one of the days they have it, or warm up by the fire they have going. SHF also has a mobile concession stand along with a permanent one. Definitely be sure to grab some drinks before or after the haunt, along with utilizing a few free photo spots on the property. Other than what is mentioned, there is not a lot of extra entertainment that SHF offers that you may find at other attractions, such as axe-throwing, Escape rooms, to more.
Overall, SHF is good in many ways, shapes, and forms. This haunt can definitely improve among some categories, but has a solid base for improving to something much larger in the future. The haunt has been around for many years, and it is clear to see why, with passion put in by the team to make this a must-try haunt if you are in the area!
1326 US 12, Deerfield, Wisconsin 53531
