There are many great haunted houses, spooky trails, haunted hayrides, and more in the state of Illinois. But which ones should you focus on visiting this season? We’ve created a creepy list of Halloween haunted house attractions that we’ve reviewed, visited ourselves, filmed, or are popular amongst many haunt visitors! Remember, this is not a “best of” list – this is a list of haunts we feel that you need to add to your visit list this season for various reasons. Now… let’s get to this list of spooky shenanigans!
#13. Evil Intentions Haunted House at Forsaken Hollow – Maple Park, Illinois
Evil Intentions now features a brand new location on a 70-acre farm known as Forsaken Hollow. While this is a total rebuild for them, we’re sure it won’t be long before this heavy hitter is back to all of its glory! We got a peek at the current build and scares, and we think you’ll love what you see! Plus, the Monster Purge attraction shares the same location!
#12. Killdare Haunted City – Bridgeview, Illinois
“Killdare prides itself on being Chicago’s largest old-school attraction” with both indoor and outdoor areas. For their fifth seson, they’ll bringing more FEAR!
11. Aura Haunted House – Bartonville, Illinois
“Within the Peoria area lies a great attraction that continues to impress year after year. 2025 will be the fourth season of Aura Haunted House. Located in the Historic Pollak Hospital, Aura provides a great deal of frights throughout its actual haunted location. The old Pollak Hospital was used to treat Tuberculosis patients throughout its time between 1949 and 1973. It leaves a rather interesting feeling entering the front doors where many patients entered, and some never left due to the bacterium that claimed their lives.” The doors to this old hospital will open on September 26th, 2025.
#10. Necrosis Haunted House -Rantoul, Illinois
“Step into the world of the wicked” at Necrosis Haunted House. This haunt is a powerhouse in the area and continues to impress each season! Located in an old army base, the scenes seem large and loaded with tons of detail! Necrosis returns Sept 27th for their 7th season of fear!
#9. Twisted Crypt Haunted House – Rockford, Illinois
Twisted Crypt Haunted House will be opening for the 2025 Season on Friday, September 19th! Known as “Rockford’s #1 haunted house.” They have been haunting the area for 10+ years, and it is a unique experience. What’s great about this attraction is that there are no conga lines due to the way the haunt runs, which provides guests with a very personal experience.
#8. Basement of the Dead – Aurora, Illinois
The Basement of the Dead is continuously a must-see haunted house near Chicago, Illinois. They set the stage by amping everyone up before they even go outside with their upbeat party atmosphere. If you hear “Shots,” get ready to catch some swag! They will be opening in September for the 2025 season.
#7. Spook Hollow – Marquette Heights, Illinois
Spook Hollow has been around for nearly 50 years and has evolved to become one of the most detailed locations we have seen in the central Illinois area. It’s always interesting to remember that something of this caliber is purely volunteer-based for a men’s Jaycees. It’s incredible what a group of people, with a passion so strong for Halloween, and their community can come up with.
#6. The Old Joliet Haunted Prison – Joliet, Illinois
With such a fascinating history, including housing prolific figures at some point or another, The Old Joliet Haunted Prison is the textbook definition of ‘if these walls could talk.’ The haunted prison continues to impress. As one of the younger attractions we have in the Chicago area, it has become rather impressive how they have developed in such a short time.
#5. Disturbia Haunted Attraction – Downers Grove, Illinois
Disturbia goes over the top with many props and mechanics inside, some of which tower over the scenes. The scenes here are creative and include many newly developed sections each time we visit! The screaming begins on September 13th for the 2025 haunting season.
#4. Realm of Terror – Round Lake Beach, Illinois
Realm of Terror consistently impresses us with heavily detailed sets and energetic characters. The realm of Terror Haunted House will be open on select nights beginning on October 3rd! Oh, and ROT is the setting for the new featured film, Haunt Season!
#3. Midnight Terror Haunted House – Oak Lawn, Illinois
Midnight Terror in Oak Lawn has always been a great story-driven show that has developed well over the years. We’re excited to see what their storyline will unveil this season. This year, they will be featuring multiple attractions and scare zones. Included are Black Oak Grove Hallows Eve, Shadowtek Corporation, Laugh & Slash Carnival, Rotten Hollow, the Sinister Sideshow Midway, and Artist Alley. The hauntings will begin on September 26th.
#2. Massacre Haunted House – Montgomery, Illinois
Massacre has been around for many seasons now, yet somehow continues to develop in ways that need to be seen in person to be appreciated properly. This was one of the most impressive shows we walked through last year and is an absolute must-see! Opening night is September 26th, 2025!
#1. Hellsgate Haunted House – Lockport, Illinois
Consistently coming in at the top of lists, Hellsgate is not just a haunted house – it’s an adventure! For many, this is one of the most anticipated attractions each season! Not only does it have one of the most impressive collective scenes, but it also tells a great story that’s easy to follow, with plenty of great actors and even a plethora of signature characters with a significant following. The level of talent behind this attraction is always mind-blowing, and it is easy to see why guests come from other states, even countries, to visit. You too can witness the darkness beginning September 26th, 2025.
There are many other must-see haunts! To see a full list of all 116 Illinois haunted houses that we have listed, please click HERE.
As Halloween 2025 approaches, TheScareFactor.com wants to make sure you know before you go when it comes to haunted houses! Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you can be notified of all new haunt walkthrough videos, behind-the-scenes takes, and more!