Once a humble home haunt, The Thirteenth Hour has evolved into one of the most celebrated haunted attractions in Indianapolis – and the nation. What began as a passion project has evolved into a fully immersive nightmare where history meets horror.
At the heart of this twisted tale is Lady Cartocker, the clockwork mistress of time herself. With every twitch and tick of her malevolent, clock-like movements, she pulls guests into her dark experiments – sending them spiraling through centuries to confront zombies, ghouls, and the other lost souls that wander her fractured timelines.
Each scene unfolds like a fever dream of the macabre, weaving haunting storytelling with stunning design and performance. As Edgar Allan Poe once wrote, “All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.” In The Thirteenth Hour, that dream becomes a nightmare you’ll never forget.
Since our first visit in 2020, we’ve consistently been blown away by the cast at The Thirteenth Hour. The villains they’ve created are remarkably unique – far removed from the typical characters you might encounter at an average haunted house. Each one is crafted with clear intent: to tell a story and pull guests deeper into the mysterious world the creators have imagined. The haunt features several memorable mascots, and depending on who you ask, you’re likely to find a fan favorite among nearly all of them.
Every villain scattered throughout the attraction delivers impactful, story-driven dialogue that reinforces the lore of their respective realms. While much of this lore is available on the haunt’s website – and we highly recommend guests read up beforehand – the cast does an exceptional job of showing rather than telling, fully immersing visitors into their twisted timelines.
We especially appreciate that most of the main characters are equipped with microphones, allowing them to project their voices clearly and maintain the illusion of immense, supernatural power. This attention to detail enhances the storytelling and keeps guests engaged without missing a word. Actor placement this year was also spot-on; it felt as though every performer was exactly where they belonged. While we did notice a few brief “boo scares,” they were fittingly used in the Orphanage, where the actors portrayed children playing an energetic game of hide-and-seek.
Returning fans may notice the absence of a few well-known faces, such as the Spider Queen, from scenes featured in previous years. However, their replacements feel intentional and impactful, building upon an already rich narrative. The Spider Queen remains part of the story through Rift 13, which explores her origin, but spotting her now requires a sharper eye and closer attention to detail.
Standout performances from the night included Lady Cartocker (of course), The Weeping Widow, The Master, and Doctor Chronos, who appears in multiple haunting forms throughout the experience.
The Thirteenth Hour continues to set the standard for captivating storytelling through exceptional costuming and performance. This year’s journey through time proves that their creative team’s imagination is as strong as ever.
Each scene feels newly revived – some familiar, others completely reimagined – and every era is brought to life with costumes that are both authentic and otherworldly. Whether you’re stepping into the Edwardian halls of Cartocker Expeditions or exploring one of this season’s new timelines, the wardrobe grounds you in the story with theatrical precision.
Lady Cartocker remains the crown jewel of the cast. Her layered fabrics, brass clockwork accents, and corseted silhouette weave together a visual story of time itself. Her commanding, clockwork-like movements transform her costume into a living artifact, each gesture reinforcing her control over the time stream.
The supporting cast’s attire is equally impressive. From the mournful figures of Widow’s Revenge Cemetery to the deranged children of the orphanage and the feverish priests of the Cathedral, every group has a distinct visual identity. The new area, Rift 13, features hybrid designs that feel twisted by Lady Cartocker’s experiments – 19th-century tailoring fused with futuristic detail, creating a surreal “time-fractured” effect that lingers long after you leave.
The makeup team also deserves praise for their detailed work, blending realism with precision. Aged skin, ghostly hues, and mechanical seams are all executed flawlessly. Masks are used sparingly and intentionally, enhancing the unease rather than hiding shortcuts.
In short, The Thirteenth Hour isn’t just a haunted attraction – it’s a living museum of nightmares, where every stitch tells a story and every actor truly becomes their character.
From the moment we arrived, The Thirteenth Hour once again proved why it’s one of the most organized and immersive haunts around. Parking attendants were friendly and efficient, guiding us with lit batons and a smile that instantly set the mood for the night. Even before the first scream, their team was already making sure we were taken care of.
Guests should note that the parking lot can get a bit muddy on rainy nights, so wearing proper footwear is recommended. Despite that, the staff manages the area well, keeping everything moving smoothly and safely. A car with 4-wheel drive is also encouraged during rainy evenings.
The check-in and ticket process ran seamlessly, and every staff member seemed genuinely invested in the experience. They didn’t just point or wave you through; they engaged, shared bits of story, and clearly loved what they were part of. When we had a question, they answered with the kind of enthusiasm that makes you feel like you’ve joined the adventure, not just stood in line for it.
The line management was also well handled. Even during the busier times of night, the pacing felt intentional, with enough space between groups to keep things personal. You never felt like you were being herded or rushed. For those looking to beat the crowds, visiting on Fridays or Sundays is a great choice, as Saturdays tend to draw the biggest turnouts.
What stood out most was how consistent the service was from start to finish. Everyone, from the parking crew to the ticket takers to the actors resetting between scenes, carried themselves with that same professionalism and energy. They were attentive, clear, and completely in tune with the haunt’s atmosphere – staying friendly without breaking immersion.
Every year, The Thirteenth Hour seems to fine-tune its operation, and 2025 was no exception. The staff nailed it again, they were welcoming, organized, and full of personality that enhances the show before you even step inside.
A towering cast iron gate greeted us at the entrance, marking the beginning of our descent into darkness. A winding wooded trail, illuminated by warm string lights, guided us toward our destination. Along the path, large signs displayed the names of the attractions awaiting us – each serving as both introduction and warning of the horrors that lay ahead. At the trail’s end stood a massive steampunk-inspired structure, its intricate facade beckoning us toward our impending doom.
Once inside, the scale and craftsmanship of the sets were immediately impressive. The scenery was expansive and intricately detailed, with seamless transitions between scenes that made it difficult to discern when we had moved from indoor environments to outdoor ones. The paths often intertwined, allowing creatures to strike from multiple directions and giving the illusion that the sets were even larger than they appeared. For most of our visit, we were completely immersed in the attraction’s eerie atmosphere.
There were, however, a few moments where this immersion wavered slightly. The graveyard section of Widow’s Revenge Cemetery, for instance, felt somewhat undersized compared to the grandeur of the other environments. Scaling up the tombstones and introducing a few additional scares could heighten the tension and visual impact. Similarly, the opening section of Rift 13 still retains traces of its predecessor, Mine 13, which slightly disrupts the otherwise cohesive theme and aesthetic of the experience.
If you’re searching for elaborate sets, booming audio, and an abundance of visual spectacle, you’ve come to the right place. It’s clear that The Thirteenth Hour has invested heavily in expanding an already impressive production filled with animatronics, cinematic design, and realistic environments. There’s little doubt in our minds that this is the most visually stunning haunt in Indianapolis, and it’s quickly closing in on the caliber of some of the nation’s most renowned attractions.
We especially appreciated the addition of holding bays positioned throughout the experience to help space groups apart. These areas aren’t just practical; they also feature immersive effects, such as intense lighting and booming soundscapes, to maintain the tension between scenes. The Cathedral of Souls continues to be a standout, delivering a visceral experience through its dazzling lighting design and thunderous audio that seemed to reverberate through our entire bodies.
Conversely, the outdoor sections of both Rift 13 and Widow’s Revenge felt somewhat underpowered in comparison, with minimal or low-volume audio that limited their ability to build suspense.
Cartocker Expeditions served as a strong introduction to the overall experience, effectively setting the tone for what was to come. The Rift scene and its interaction with a young Doctor Chronos were particularly impactful and a welcome narrative addition. However, a few design elements within Rift 13 left us momentarily puzzled, most notably, the inclusion of a Buddha statue, which felt slightly out of place given the surrounding Mayan and Aztec-inspired aesthetic.
21. How scary was it? (35% of score): 9
22. How well did they provide scares to everyone in the group? (15% of score): 9.25
23. How predictable were the scares? (25% of score): 9
24. How well did they provide a wide variety (types) of scares? (10% of score): 9
25. How strong was the ending / finale? (15% of score): 9.25
The cast and crew have truly elevated their performance this season, delivering not only a story-driven experience but a genuinely terrifying one as well. We had long hoped to see the level of intensity from our first visit in 2020 make a return in later seasons – something that hadn’t quite been recaptured since their location change. We’re happy to report that The Thirteenth Hour is officially back and better than ever!
This isn’t a haunt that relies on constant, in-your-face chaos. Instead, it builds tension like a suspenseful film, luring you into a false sense of security before striking when you least expect it. That’s the magic of The Thirteenth Hour, and always has been. In previous years, one of our main critiques was the heavy emphasis on extended, dialogue-driven scenes with few jump scares. This season, those moments are tighter and more purposeful, providing the same level of interaction without slowing the pace. Actors were also better concealed, enabling multiple unexpected attacks from both performers and animatronics. We even experienced a few well-timed double scares, which kept us constantly on edge.
Another area that has seen tremendous improvement is the finale. In past seasons, this was one of our biggest criticisms, but this year proves what can happen when a creative team listens to feedback. The Thirteenth Hour now features one of the strongest and most visually striking finales we’ve seen at any haunt. It’s as breathtaking as it is terrifying, a perfect capstone to an already stellar experience. We will note, however, that the Cathedral finale remains stronger than that of Rift 13, and we’d love to see that same level of creativity and intensity extended to the latter in future seasons.
Our journey through The Thirteenth Hour lasted an impressive 36 minutes. With ticket prices starting at just $30, the attraction earns a Minutes Per Dollar (MPD) score of 1.20, which is well above the average for haunts in the tristate area. Considering the scale and quality of the production, this experience is an exceptional value.
We highly recommend upgrading to the Fast Pass for an additional $10, as this attraction draws substantial crowds. For those looking to skip the line entirely, the Front of the Line Pass is available for $55, granting immediate entry into the haunt. Specialty packages and season passes are also available for purchase.
Midway through the experience, guests will arrive at Purgatory, the attraction’s lively midway area. Here, you can enjoy specialty alcoholic beverages, take a break, browse the merchandise, and capture memories at one of several themed photo ops. Please note that the midway operates on a cash-only basis; however, an ATM is conveniently available on-site for a small fee.
At the conclusion of both attractions, guests will find a newly expanded merchandise shop accepting cash or credit (with a $50 minimum on card purchases). The store offers a wider selection of exclusive souvenirs and apparel to commemorate your visit to The Thirteenth Hour.
915 South Shortridge Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46239