Something wicked this way comes: Richardson Adventure Farms' American Nightmare Scream Park

The heart-pounding thrill of Chicago-area haunted attractions meets a cornfield nightmare in the American Nightmare Scream Park, an exciting new immersive experience at Richardson Adventure Farm in Spring Grove, Illinois. From the moment you enter, the energy hits with live DJs spinning a mix of house beats and spooky Halloween tunes. Guests can test their nerve at four lanes of axe throwing, refuel from food trucks and two bars and explore a merchandise shop, all while snapping photos and mingling with truly unsettling characters lurking at every turn.

Venturing beyond the beat and neon, the real dread unfolds in the walking attraction: a chilling 25-minute trek through acres upon acres of towering corn, where every rustle suggests something sinister just beyond sight. The journey plunges visitors into themed nightmares like “Death Rows,” “Bloody Acres Estates,” “Camp Blood,” “Circus of Insanity 3D,” and “Nightmare 31,” each promising unique frights and providing a vivid narrative to the darkness. On select weekends, freak show performers add another layer of eerie allure. 

Conveniently located at 909 English Prairie Road, the venue offers ample free parking, though on busier nights, a short stroll from your car is part of the experience, so comfy shoes are a wise choice.

Admission is final, no refunds offered. General admission comes in at $40, while the Fast Pass option at $55 offers a quicker route inside. For those seeking the ultimate fright experience, the VIP package at $75 includes early access to the midway, a custom VIP lanyard and badge, ten complimentary axe throws, a free drink and instant entry to the haunted attraction, though this exclusive pass is capped at 200 guests per hour and disappears fast.

American Nightmare Scream Park is open Thursday through Sunday from September 19 through November 1, with the final week of October seeing nightly operations. The doors open in the evening, 6:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays when the energy peaks, and 6:00 pm on other nights, wrapping things up at 11:00 pm on weekends and 10:00 pm on all other dates. (For tickets and more info, click here)

You may also like these Chicago Star articles: 

• Chicago River Swim gets green light for historic comeback

• Crack, sip, soar: Lobster Fest meets Air Show at Navy Pier

• LondonHouse Wooftop Pawty to benefit PAWS Chicago