Visit the top haunted house in Michigan here in Macomb County

Did you know Macomb County is home to the Top Haunted House in Michigan?

Since 2006, Scarefest Scream Parkin Lenox Township has provided terror and entertainment to customers across Southeast Michigan - and it's back again for 2024! Keep reading to learn all you need to know to plan your trip to this spooky attraction; including helpful tips on how to navigate lines and parking, what attractions you can expect and more!

The basics

This year, the park is open from now until October 27, every Friday through Sunday.

Starting at 7 p.m., attendees can arrive with the option of visiting four different attractions:

• Hayride of Doom (family friendly)
• Castle of the Dead (most intense)
• Forest of Darkness (mildly scary)
• Terror Zone Maze (mildly scary)

Tickets

You can purchase your tickets online here. Single Ticket purchases are the most common - with three needed to experience all four attractions. This is because the Forest of Darkness and Terror Zone Maze are combo attractions this year, so you will only need one ticket for both.

Four attractions is quite a lot to get through in one night! But don't worry, if you can't make it to every attraction you can still return during the season and use that same ticket another time. Just make sure not to lose it! (This is applicable to Single Tickets only).

What to expect from each attraction

The first attraction people see upon entry is the Hayride of Doom. This chilling hayride is a mile long presentation of zombies, infected souls and other ravaging creatures that can't wait to cause some jumpscares and cackle the alphabet evilly at you while performing a number of cartwheels and wielding fake weapons with the threat of harm (or strangely, friendship). A popular attraction to be sure, this hayride has been deemed the most suitable for younger audiences. But don't let its 'Family Friendly' ranking fool you - this experience is definitely worth a scream or two.

Another popular attraction is the Castle of the Dead. Ranked 'Most Intense', this haunted house is less 'haunted' and more downright insane. With plenty of jumpscares, creepy creatures and mad scientists to go around, you won't last more than a minute without leaping a bit in the air. Be forewarned, however, that there is a strobe-light warning on this experience. Those who have photosensitive epilepsy should tread with caution or maybe skip the castle entirely.

In the Forest of Darknessexpect - well, darkness. But also - ominous figures lurking behind every corner that will have you wondering: Are those statues or real people? Are they just going to stand there, or will they chase after me with a revved up chainsaw? (Don't worry, the chains on the saw are removed).

And finally, in the Terror Zone Maze, beware of fog as you traverse the complicated pathway of sharp turns and edges. This attraction is best experienced with a group, as getting through the maze is not always easy. So keep close and stay alert or you'll become lost in the blink of an eye. Don't let the maze residents hear you scream for your friends, though - they remember names.

Both the Forest of Darkness and Terror Zone Maze are ranked at 'Mid-Scare'.

Best way to navigate the park

Before you go to Scarefest Scream Park, make sure you and your friends know exactly what day you can go and how early or late you'll get there. This determines how many attractions you can experience at the park. To help you plan your trip, visit scarefestscreampark.comand scroll to the center of the page for a calendar of general attendance traffic.

Once you arrive, head to the ticket booth where you'll receive your physical ticket(s). These physical tickets will have a QR code for park attendees to virtually enter attraction lines. Only one person from each party at a time needs to enter a virtual queue; just make sure to include the number of people with you.

You should get in line for the next attraction as soon as you exit your last one. That way, the wait between attractions won't feel as long!

For additional tips on how to avoid lines, visit their website.

Additional fun while you wait

Even with a good line-avoiding strategy, you may have time to waste while waiting in the virtual queue for your next attraction. But that's okay; the park has plenty of fun activities to keep you occupied! Scattered around the park are games to play, hot chocolate stations and concession stands. There is also a beer tent for those aged 21 and older, as well as a movie screen that will play classic horror films throughout the night. Fire pits litter the compound for those seeking warmth.

Parking tips

On busy nights, the line to get in can end up along the adjacent street (Gratiot Avenue). Please drive carefully so that there are no accidents. Parking is a five dollar donation and the Scarefest staff will be sure to direct you on where you need to go.

On muddy days, be extra careful where and how you park; you may want to have disposable towels for when you return to your vehicle. This way, any muddy shoes won't ruin the carpet.

Every year, Scarefest Scream Park is located at 34111 28 Mile Road in Lenox Township. If you are looking for any more information, please visit the official park website: https://scarefestscreampark.com/

Rachel Dearing is a Communications Specialist for Macomb County Planning and Economic Development.