Several Pennsylvania Haunted Houses Named ‘Top Haunts’
Several Pennsylvania 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.
Top Haunted Houses
The haunted house has a rich history. 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.”
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.”
As for Pennsylvania, the Haunted Attraction Association names Field of Screams in Lancaster one of the “Top Haunts.” This “Haunted Theme Park” has been operating since 1993 and has four haunted attractions. Another one on the tally is Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, offering “an immersive experience featuring five thrilling haunted houses, plus historic tours, themed bars and lounges, live performances and many more surprises.” Haunted Hollow in Rockwood also made the cut. Also on the tally are the PennHurst Haunted Asylum in Spring City and Hundred Acres Manor in Pittsburgh. So, Pennsylvania has a lot of great options to get scared.
