Welcome, brave souls! 🍂👻
As we step into October, the air turns crisp, and the leaves light up in fiery shades. There’s no denying it—spooky season is here!
Whether you’re a seasoned thrill-seeker or a Halloween enthusiast looking for a good scare, we’ve gathered the best haunted houses near Milwaukee (all within a 40-minute drive) guaranteed to send shivers down your spine.
Caution: Some of these haunts are not for the faint of heart. Many are recommended for ages 13+, so proceed with caution!
Looking for something less intense? Check out our guide to the Best Kid-Friendly Haunted Houses in Milwaukee for spooky fun that’s perfect for little ones. You may also be interested it our list of the Best Halloween Displays around Milwaukee.
Novak Manor (All ages)
📍 9730 W Montana Ave, West Allis, WI 53227
Located minutes from Milwaukee, Novak Manor offers a unique haunted house experience right at the Novak family residence. Every October, this 7,000-square-foot property transforms into a fully immersive haunt with live actors.
For younger kids or those seeking milder scares, they offer a “scare-free” version, perfect for families.
Not only does this haunt draw thousands of visitors, but it also gives back to the community by donating proceeds to local charities like Bikers Advocating Child Safety (BACS).
Nine Below’s Haunted Mini Golf (10 & up)
For a unique Halloween experience, head to Nine Below on Milwaukee’s East Side for a round of haunted mini golf.
Kids 10 and up will love navigating the 13 creatively creepy holes, each themed for the season—from eerie carnivals to haunted campsites.
On certain nights, live actors dressed as zombies and creepy clowns pop out for extra scares, but there are also “non-scare” days for a more relaxed experience.
The Hill Has Eyes (Ages 13+)
📍 7005 S Ballpark Dr, Franklin, WI 53132
Set on a massive 45-acre property, The Hill Has Eyes promises 60 minutes of pure terror! With four distinct haunted attractions—ranging from a carnival freak show to cannibalistic mutants—this haunt is not for the faint-hearted. If you’re a horror lover, you’re in for an unforgettable night.
It is recommended for ages 13+.
They also offer a separate experience for younger kids, making it a versatile option for families with different scare levels in mind.
The Wisconsin Feargrounds (Ages 13+)
📍 1000 Northview Rd, Waukesha, WI 53188
Famous for its twisted labyrinth, Wisconsin Feargrounds features “The Compound”—a chilling maze filled with supernatural horrors. At its core lies “Sketchy’s Chambers,” where you’ll meet Sketchy, a clown who now haunts the eerie grounds after a devastating fire in the 1970s.
It’s an intense, immersive experience that will have you looking over your shoulder!
The Haunt (Ages 11+)
📍 Ozaukee County Fairgrounds, W67 N866 Washington Ave, Cedarburg, WI 53012
With over a decade of scaring visitors, The Haunt at the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds offers a terrifying 20-25 minute experience. It’s perfect for smaller groups, and concessions are available on-site. This haunt is wheelchair-accessible and accommodating, ensuring that everyone can join in on the spooky fun.
While suitable for ages 11+, kids under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
The attraction is wheelchair-accessible and accommodating to those with disabilities, ensuring an inclusive and terrifying experience for all.
The Abandoned Haunted House Complex (Ages 13+)
📍 2825 SE Frontage Rd, Mt. Pleasant, WI 53177
Just 35 minutes from Milwaukee, The Abandoned Haunted House Complex offers three distinct haunted attractions. “Ambush” will keep you on edge with loud scares and unexpected actors, while “Hysteria” brings a mix of visual illusions and actor interactions.
For a thrill-seeking adventure, “Stalker” provides an outdoor scare experience, with creepy characters lurking in every shadow.
Terror on Rural Street (Ages 10+)
📍 147 N Rural St, Hartford, WI 53027
Operating out of an old canning factory that is rumored to be haunted by real spirits, Terror on Rural Street is a fright-filled experience with over 20 minutes of terror.
They take pride in creating a community-driven haunt while raising funds for local causes. Although recommended for kids 10+, those 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
In case a child becomes frightened, arrangements can be made with the staff for assistance.
The waiting area offers heating and a concession area for visitors’ comfort. Actors will not touch visitors, and visitors are asked to refrain from touching them as well.
Buffalo Bill’s Haunted Trail
9612 W. Oakwood Rd., Franklin, WI 53132
Brace yourself for a terrifying trek through 65 acres of haunted woods at Buffalo Bill’s Haunted Trail. As you venture deeper into the eerie darkness, every shadow and sound will send shivers down your spine. With scares lurking around every corner, this haunted trail is not for the faint of heart.
Open Fridays and Saturdays in October, this outdoor experience is recommended for ages 16 and up. Get your tickets online to skip the line!
More Info: Buffalo Bill’s Haunted Trail
Burial Chamber Haunted House Complex (Ages 16+)
📍 9612 W Oakwood Rd, Franklin, WI 53132
Looking for an extra thrilling experience? Burial Chamber offers over 65 acres of spine-chilling terror. The haunted trail winds through deep, dark woods where live actors and sinister surprises await.
If you dare, enter this 65-acre nightmare—just don’t expect mercy from the shadows. Due to the intense nature, anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Old Falls Village Park – Little Park of Horrors
📍 Old Falls Village Park, Menomonee Falls
Recommended for ages 8+
Experience a spooky adventure at Old Falls Village Park’s Little Park of Horrors, the park’s first Halloween event for an older audience. Recommended for kids ages 8 and up, this guided walk through the dark, uneven forest trails and historical buildings features ghoulish characters and spooky decor, giving a hint of scare without the nightmares. Children must be accompanied by an adult chaperone (21+), and strollers are not recommended.
Start your walk at 6 p.m. to get the full eerie effect after sunset, and enjoy food and beverages available from 5 p.m. Tickets are $10, supporting the Friends of Old Falls Village Park.
Up for a drive?
Here are some haunted houses that get great reviews, but are a bit of a drive:
- Dan Patch Stables Haunted Hayrides (Lake Geneva, WI)
- Dungeon of Doom (Zion, IL)
- Fright Fest at Great America (Gurnee, IL)
- Dominion of Terror (Sheboygan)
- Realm of Terror (Round Lake, IL)
- Burial Chamber Haunted House Complex (Neenah, WI)
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Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.