Some of central Ohio’s most terrifying haunted houses, forests, and prisons to visit
With Halloween quickly approaching and fall weather (finally) making an appearance, here are five haunted house attractions within the surrounding Columbus area that are sure to ignite your holiday scares.
Pataskala Haunted Forest, Oct. 18 – Oct. 19
Self–named “Central Ohio’s Longest Running Haunted Attraction”, this haunted forest has been striking fear into the hearts of guests since 1989. The haunt follows the story – and sometimes murderous intentions – of “The Murdock Family, and while the family’s tale may be fictional, the paranormal activities within the site are not so easily explained. Ticketing for the events weekend attractions can be bought online prior to attending.
Fear Columbus, Now – Oct. 20
Fear Columbus is one of the most well known haunted houses in the area, and this year they’re returning with their new theme, “Fright Fest at Fearwood High”. The event will also feature new experiences such as the “Oddballs: Feast of Freaks” and “Dearly Departed”. Tickets can be purchased online and will allow guests to experience the haunted house, a retail store, photo ops, fair food and drinks and more.
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Jail of Terror, Now – Nov. 2
Originally opening for use in 1899, the Licking County Historic Jail has since been transformed into a haunted experience featuring scares, paranormal activities and a historical background that brings many of the haunts to life. Located in Newark, the haunted jail will be open to the public on select weekends throughout the month. Tickets, which can be purchased online, are required for entry.
Blood Prison, Now – Nov. 2
The Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield is known for many things – being the filming location for “The Shawshank Redemption”, being believed to be one of the most haunted places in the state and for its terrifying Blood Prison experience. Open Fridays, Saturday and Sundays at 6:45 p.m., this haunted prison takes guests through the basement, cell blocks and main floors where prisoners once lived. Additionally, the reformatory also offers tours, ghost hunting hours and escape rooms.
Carnage Haunted House, Now – Nov. 2
Double the trouble, double the scare. The Carnage Haunted House features two haunted scenes for guests to enjoy – “The Bayou”, with the ancient story of a voodoo priestess, and “The Entity”, with a walk through an abandoned hospital. Located along 3770 Refugee Rd., the event features online ticketing with group rates and military discounts available.
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