2 Michigan Haunted Houses Named ‘Top Haunts’
Two Michigan haunted houses are getting recognized as some of the best in the country by the Haunted Attraction Association. What’s cool is that the Haunted Attraction Association is the only “official association” in the haunt industry, so they know their stuff. They certify haunts across the U.S. as official “Top Haunted Attractions.” To earn that designation, haunts must be a member of HAA and follow 10 criteria that are in line with the association’s mission, which is “to protect customers, promote haunted attractions and educate industry professionals.” One of the most popular activities in the fall, of course, is going to a haunted house. So, if you’re in the mood to get scared, make note of these haunted houses.
America’s Best Haunted Houses
Haunted attractions are a big business. According to the experts at America Haunts, more than 1,200 haunted attractions exist that charge admission fees to their events. “We additionally estimate that there are over 300 amusement facilities producing some sort of Halloween or Haunted House event such as an amusement park or family fun center,” they add. “Lastly there are over 3,000 charity attractions that open for one day on Halloween or one or two weekends in October produced by a local charity group.”
The haunted house has a rich history, too. According to the Smithsonian Magazine, “The origins of the haunted house date back to 19th-century London, when a series of illusions and attractions introduced the public to new forms of gruesome entertainment. In 1802, Marie Tussaud scandalized British audiences with an exhibition of wax sculptures of decapitated French figures, including King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, Marat and Robespierre.” If you’re looking for a simple, basic definition of a haunted house, “A haunted house is a house where supernatural events are believed to take place. Many haunted houses are believed to contain ghosts.”
As for Michigan, the Haunted Attraction Association names Niles Scream Park in Niles one of their “Top Haunts.” They note, “The Niles Scream Park takes you on a trip through the scariest, creepiest, most-blood curdling attractions this side of the continental divide.” Their other pick is Wiard’s Orchards’ Night Terrors in Ypsilanti, which has five over 89 acres. “Guests are also treated to fireworks, roaming monsters, acrobats, fire performers, karaoke and much more,” they note. Of course, Michigan has other great haunted houses, too, including Erebus in Pontiac, which is legendary. So, get into a Halloween-inspired costume, if you want, and enjoy.
