The Darkness
This long running Halloween haunted house attraction celebrated its 13th year in business in 2006 and has been rated the best-haunted house in America several times over the years. The haunt is the creation of Larry Kirchner and Jim Kelly who together run Halloween Productions, Inc. Outside running The Darkness and nearby haunts, Creepyworld (see Creepyworld) and The Lemp Brewery Haunted House, the production outfit helps design props, rides, and similar themed attractions worldwide. However, it was the duo's work at The Darkness that got them the attention and notoriety. The haunted attraction has become so well known that it has attracted the television world as well, being featured in the likes of National Geographic's Halloween Exposed, Travel Channel's America's Scariest Haunted Attractions, and even an episode of Modern Marvels titled Halloween Tech.

The Darkness employs about 70 people who serve as actors, security, box office, and more. An estimated 30,000 people pass through the dark halls of the Halloween haunt each year and the crew makes it a policy to create new scenes each year for returning visitors. For the 2008 season, over $200,000 was invested for upgrades and new scenes, which goes on top of the $2 million already invested in the haunt.

The Attraction
The Darkness is a two-floor haunted attraction that features over 100 sophisticated animated monsters, computer effects, special effects, live actors, and countless sets that are impressive even by Hollywood standards. For the 2008 season, the first floor, dubbed "The City of the Dead," features everything from a 15-foot tall Minotaur to a full-sized T-Rex. The second floor was converted into a simulated old witch's swamp house that rocked back and forth to simulate the swamp water below. There guests have to contend with not only the voodoo of the swamp and cross a rope bridge, but also deal with the countless werewolves and other ghouls they find waiting for them in the cemetery beyond. The attraction also features countless sets and scenes, including a mirror maze, and more.

Information
For more information, including dates and hours of operation and ticket prices, please visit the site below.