We found ourselves in Central Illinois for a visit, as we typically do at least once a season. Spook Hollow was kind enough to have us out for another great evening of scares and fun. There have been some major changes this season from last, which create a new experience. It always amazes us to think how this is a full volunteer haunt. With a whole community backing it and several generations of families working behind the scenes, Spook Hollow remains a must-see attraction in the 2025 season. This haunt is home to three attractions! MC Manor, Spook Hollow Trail, and MC Nightmare, giving us plenty to talk about!
As mentioned before, the cast and staff are all volunteer workers. Most of the cast consists of middle school to high school students, who, we must say, are very talented. These youngsters worked the trail throughout the rainy night. The weather should be enough reason to underperform, as it could be miserable conditions to be stuck in; however, this did not stop their actors from working their scenes and providing a scary, entertaining time.
Inside the graveyard scene, the actors were committed to their roles and worked them well. The angel statue character provided an awesome moment and even treated us to its effect a second time when asked. Further in the graveyard, we found two characters sitting outside the church. Our interactions with them were fun. After receiving a “thank you” when we praised their church, we asked if we could enter, and they responded, “No, thank you”. Simple but funny within context.
Inside the Manor, we had several different actors approach us. Most of them met us with growls and snarls to add to the room. One person who owned their room was the barkeep. He allowed us a quick interaction and continued to “whip a glass” in typical bartender fashion. It provided some depth to the scene and gave it an overall satisfying feel. In MC Nightmare, the actors here were mostly interactive with their environment and also growled or snarled. There was a memorable actor within the locker room/shower scene who was convinced we were trespassing and suggested we leave immediately.
The variety of characters was appropriate throughout all attractions. Actors did a great job despite the elements working against them. It seems they all stepped up and enjoyed what they were doing for anyone who ventured out in the rain. I feel they would do an equally amazing job, no matter the weather conditions or crowd size.
Spook Hollow has a variety of scenes and themes that are separated by a few sections, like the MC Manor, the MC Nightmare, and the trail. With that variety, different costumes are used to fulfill those roles, and makeup is also used to bring those roles to life. Due to the massive rainstorm and drop in temperature, including the majority of the haunt being the outdoor trail, some costumes were covered with rain ponchos or were layered in with extra clothing. We applaud the staff who decided to stay in their stations and take whatever measures they needed to be comfortable.
With the many lurkers inside the mansion, a lot of them wore dark clothing to blend in to pop up for a good scare. A notable character was in the doll room. An actor dressed like a doll placed herself in a corner, where her makeup made her face look like a ceramic doll mask, which to this day I am not sure if it was just makeup.
Out on the trail, a funeral director in a mortuary attendant was dressed appropriately to serve a funeral for Uncle Larry. He looked like he had done many funeral services in that suit, so there had been no time to change out of his clothes. An angel statue had a very realistic costume that matched the pedestal they were on, and the makeup held up very well with the rain! A new scene, the Burger parlor, was occupied by an actor in a waitress costume that looked appropriate for the scene.
MC Nightmare was filled with actors wearing workwear, such as coveralls and dark clothes that blend in with the industrial scene. Face makeup was highly distressed and helped achieve the nightmare side of this section successfully.
As mentioned, Spook Hollow is purely a volunteer attraction. It is located on the Independence Park Trail and takes over the neighborhood for a few weeks in October. There are plenty of nearby parking spaces, including the lot across the park. When we arrived, we found plenty of volunteer officers, paramedics, and firefighters hanging around in case any issues needed to be addressed. Staff are available to help with any questions. Security is plenty throughout to assure the safety of actors as well as guests. During the night we visited, the weather was mostly rainy. Spook Hollow passed out ponchos for guests to help keep them from the elements.
With 46 years of development, the team here covers all bases. It is a wild idea to think the team here needs to remove the trail within a week after their season is over. Their commitment to entertaining and frightening the community is hard to match.
At the entrance, a coffee truck is stationed conveniently to serve the big crowds that this haunt expects every year. This was a smart move due to the drop in temperature we have seen all over the Midwest. Two big 12-foot skeletons pose on each end of an arch with a huge Spook Hollow logo is the start of the line before getting to the ticket booth. The queue line leads up to the façade of the MC Manor, complete with lightning light effects, which were not needed this night, but it did add to the ambiance.
Inside the manor, the rooms are filled with donated items. A lot of authentic taxidermy mounts covered the majority of the walls. This successful building highlights the staff’s ingenuity in creating rooms as if someone actually lived there. The loud sound effects felt like the rooms were filled with something evil. The bar and the wine cellar were completed with many items that were repurposed, but it was done so well that it felt like we were in someone’s speakeasy.
Out in the trail, the only light illuminating the path is the dimly lit lamps. The wet, muddy path made the walk a bit difficult to maneuver, which ensured we took our time and really took in the quietness of the woods. The effect of the fog in the cemetery/ chapel scene is a beautiful touch to this cold and rainy day. The oversized animatronics on the train made us feel small.
MC Nightmare is themed to be an industrial setting, complete with giant power tools and rust everywhere. With the high ceilings, they made sure to cover the walls and hang rope. The walkthrough was a tight fit, with this area being covered with moving animatronics, props that popped, and actors that got close to our faces. MC Nightmare really lives up to their name.
We were sent back to the trail, which is something new this year. This gave us a sense of suspension since we are normally used to MC Nightmare being the last section. This led us into multiple scenes that were quite terrifying. The Wicked Widow’s Mysterious Midway is always an exciting time, which feels like we stumbled upon a traveling circus that decided to set up camp. The oddities displayed made us feel as if we were walking into a mini museum, and the sideshow performer posters completed the section. At the end, a maze made with dozens of Birch Trees set an unsettling tone. It was so simple, yet effective.
Spook Hollow provides something for everyone with two indoor attractions and the trail. We mentioned the adjustment on the Spook Hollow trail being cut in half and placing MC Nightmare in between. Inside the Manor, we found some great effects throughout. Walking up to the Façade of the manor is an experience all in itself. It looks worn and feels as though it has been there for many decades. Walking into the manor provides some fantastic effects. The inside feels just as old as the outside, as taxidermy on the walls is covered in dusty webs, and all the antiques are very appropriate.
Spook Hollow accepts all sorts of donations, and plenty of them end up in the manor in some fashion. The doors we are to walk through are all designed to creak upon opening, which is super classic haunted house. Going further in, the bar is an amazing touch and feels like it would belong inside some classy folks’ home. Fitted with a semicircle bar design, the barkeep was there washing glasses and recommending drinks.
The wine cellar is also a great look. The amber lighting here (and throughout the manor) gives the ambiance of an old-timey appearance. It is surprising how a simple tone in light can be so effective.
During the Spook Hollow trail, we find a combination of great props as well as hand-built scenes. Between the three attractions, the trail feels the most family-friendly in ways; however, this shouldn’t be taken lightly, as there are still plenty of frightening moments and scenes throughout. The graveyard is very impressive. The graves are of various sizes, and there are plenty of statues around as well. One of the more effective scares here is a great effect. The actor basically is one of the tomb statues and uses a sort of bungee to hang low and reach out for us. It must take some core strength to be able to position themselves stationary again. Walking up to the church is a fun experience. The stained-glass lights up, and organ music plays inside. I wish we could walk inside this, as it is amazing to see. One of my favorite scenes around is the side show. It feels as though a traveling side show from PT Barnum’s time had just set up camp for a week of shows. Walking through, we are treated to all the classic side show acts, such as the Fiji mermaid, fortune teller, sword swallower, and strong man. Another great scene involves radioactive barrels of sludge we must maze out of. The scene is lit under black light, giving a great neon effect that is a favorite for most.
Inside MC Nightmare, we are treated to something completely different than the other two attractions. Everything here feels industrial, and the scenes are huge and powerful. There are plenty of gears and wheels all around that were recycled from old barn parts as well as old factories (this is my understanding). Every gear feels important and is viewed as though it belongs. With these pieces having a rustic look about them, Nightmare gives some amazing effects. Scenes throughout become more intense and use lighting, fog, and environment to provide appropriate scares throughout. Ever have a delivery truck almost back into you? We have during each visit!
Spook Hollow uses its unique position to provide three totally different experiences in each attraction, all for one ticket price!?! It is exciting to see what is new every season, considering the trail has to be disassembled shortly after the end of their season. It gives the team every opportunity to try something new for the next season, and they provide a great time.
21. How scary was it? (35% of score): 8.5
22. How well did they provide scares to everyone in the group? (15% of score): 8.4
23. How predictable were the scares? (25% of score): 8.4
24. How well did they provide a wide variety (types) of scares? (10% of score): 8.25
25. How strong was the ending / finale? (15% of score): 9
Spook Hollow has several levels of scare throughout all three attractions. It really provides visitors with plenty to enjoy, as there is something for everyone. Inside the manor, we are treated to a traditional haunted house setting. Scares here include pop-out scares, props, and the ambiance, which is well provided throughout the mansion. The actors here work well with scenes and provide good scares.
In the trail, scares here are a bit more family-friendly, leveled to accommodate the younger guests. Actors still pop out plenty, and props are out in the open. Inside the graveyard, actors work well.
Our walkthrough time for all three attractions was 35 minutes. With tickets starting at $30, it gives our Minute Per Dollar Value 1.17. This is a great value for a great haunt. The team and community need to feel very proud to be able to put on a production of this quality and give it right back to local organizations. Spook Hollow provides some form of entertainment and scares for everyone among all three attractions. This attraction is only open for the last three Fridays and Saturdays of October, giving a limited time to visit. We must give praise to the team here for remaining open to guests during the night we visited, as it was raining most of the afternoon and evening. Yet guests still ventured out in the crappy weather to visit. I suppose 46 years of entertaining Marquette Heights, IL, will keep the crowds coming no matter what the weather may bring.
613 LaSalle Blvd, Marquette Heights, Illinois 61554