News

NILES SCREAM PARK RAISES MORE THAN $147,000 FOR LOCAL GROUPS

NILES, Mich. (December 3, 2024) – The Niles Scream Park, one of Michiana’s most popular autumn attractions, recently completed another successful season at its always changing 44-acre site on Mayflower Road between Niles and Buchanan.

This year, the 51st consecutive year for running the project, the Scream Park raised over $147,000 for more than 50 area children’s organizations, civic groups and other charities. Proceeds benefited local schools and service organizations including groups such as the Scouts BSA Troop 541 of Buchanan, Haunters Against Hate, Lake Shore High School Stage Crew, Cass County Fair Association and the LaPorte Little Theatre. The funds raised also will be used for six different college scholarships for local high school seniors. Since 1996, the Scream Park has donated over $2,700,000!!

In addition to the cash donations, the Niles Scream Park supported many local causes, auctions and benefits with ticket donations totaling more than $4,900. Additionally, they awarded $5,000 in college scholarships in 2024.

The project included seven haunted attractions and provided volunteer opportunities both in construction and operation of the Scream Park. Plans are underway for even more frightening additions in the coming year. Over 22,000 hours were volunteered by over 450 different people before and during its 22 nights of operation to prepare and operate the seasonal attraction.

The year also marked a visit from Park interior visitor number 2,700,000. Amber Smith of Kalamazoo, Michigan was the special milestone visitor. She received a gift pack when she visited the Scream Park on Sunday, October 27th, 2024 with her friend Dustin Schnooberger.

The Scream Park is recognized nationally in the haunted house industry. It was listed at #11 on the Haunted House Chicago Official 2024 Top 13 list. The Scream Park was also listed as the #1 “Most Hair-Raising” Attraction by America Haunts!

Until next year, stay safe and keep the spooky spirit alive!

– Niles Haunted House Board of Directors

View the Full 2024 Donation List Here —-> HH 2024 DONATIONS

 

Dark TERROR-tory Haunted Hayride CLOSES

Dear Niles Scream Park Enthusiasts,
 
It is with a heavy heart that we are writing to inform you of a significant decision regarding the Dark TERROR-tory Haunted Hayride. After careful consideration and evaluation of various factors, we regret to announce the closure of the Dark TERROR-tory Haunted Hayride effective immediately.
 
The decision to close the Dark TERROR-tory Haunted Hayride was not made lightly. Since 1998, we have cherished the opportunity to serve our community and visitors alike, providing memorable experiences and fostering connections through a unique attraction. However, changes in the economic landscape, evolving consumer preferences and unforeseen challenges have necessitated this difficult decision.
 
We felt it was necessary to provide transparency behind this very difficult decision as well as provide encouragement for your continued support and hope for its possible return in a different capacity in the future.
 
1. It is the most expensive attraction to operate safely. The cost of fuel, maintenance to the wagons and tractors and incredible amounts of time to complete the decoration of 50 sets that far exceeded every other attraction.
2. It is not a secret that the Hayride exists because of one family who has worked with the Park for 20+ years. Unfortunately, their future and the time commitment that is required to operate this attraction is uncertain at this time.
3. Our patrons expect more than safety allows us to do each year in comparison to the performance of the other attractions. The expectations of how other haunted hayrides operate is not compatible with ours given the circumstances of time commitments to everything else the Scream Park has to offe
 
We extend our deepest gratitude to our loyal patrons, dedicated staff members, and all loyal enthusiasts who have supported this attraction throughout the years. Your unwavering commitment and enthusiasm have been instrumental in shaping the Dark TERROR-tory Haunted Hayride into what it is today. We are profoundly grateful for the memories shared, friendships (or relationships) forged and the invaluable support received.
 
While this heart-breaking attraction closure marks the end of a chapter, it provides a beginning to many new opportunities. As we embark on this transition, we remain dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Dark TERROR-tory Haunted Hayride and exploring avenues for its hopeful return in a different capacity in the future.
 
For now, an all-new attraction will take its place and mark the beginning of this new era.
 
Opening in the Fall of 2024, here is a small taste of what is in store with this all new attraction:
 
Shrouded in mystery and darkness, a secluded society dwells amidst the dense foliage and towering trees ruled by a tyrannical force of power with no bounds. The fragile balance of power is disturbed by those who enter from modern civilization and threatens to unleash unspeakable horrors upon the world. Those who enter must confront the darkness that lurks and the evil residing in the hearts of the inhabitants. Easily lost and condemned to wander forever, welcome to the Wicked Woods!
 
The opening of this attraction is one of several phases that will commence over the next several years. This new era will welcome opportunities to expand our Midway to accommodate our growth and provide additional memorable experiences at the Park.
 
We remain committed to providing transparency and upholding our business model to provide you with never-ending change so that you have something new to look forward to year-after-year during your annual venture to the Niles Scream Park.
 
Once again, we express our sincerest appreciation for your support and understanding during this challenging decision. We look forward to maintaining our connections and exploring new possibilities for you to experience in the future.
 
As always, Happy Hauntings!
 
 

NILES SCREAM PARK RAISES MORE THAN $153,000 FOR LOCAL GROUPS

NILES, Mich. (November 30, 2023) – The Niles Scream Park, one of Michiana’s most popular autumn attractions, recently completed another successful season at its always changing 44 acre site on Mayflower Road between Niles and Buchanan.

This year, the 50th consecutive year for running the project, the Scream Park raised over $153,000 for more than 77 area children’s organizations, civic groups and other charities. Proceeds benefited local schools and service organizations including groups such as the Boy Scouts, Pet Refuge, the Cass County Fair Association, the Humane Society of Elkhart County and the Lake Shore High School Stage Crew. The funds raised will also be used for six different college scholarships for local high school seniors.  Since 1996, the Scream Park has donated over $2,500,000!!

In addition to the cash donations, the Niles Scream Park supported many local causes, auctions and benefits with ticket donations totaling more than $3,500. Additionally, they awarded $8,500 in college scholarships in 2023.

The project included seven haunted attractions and provided volunteer opportunities both in construction and operation of the Scream Park. Plans are underway for even more frightening additions in the coming year. Over 24,000 hours were volunteered by over 450 different people before and during its 22 nights of operation to prepare and operate the seasonal attraction.

The year also marked a visit from Park interior visitor number 2,600,000.  Harper Benjamin of Valparaiso Indiana was the special milestone visitor. She received a gift pack when she visited the Scream Park on Sunday, October 15th, 2023 with her friend Ryan Newbold.

The Scream Park is recognized nationally in the haunted house industry.  It was listed at #11 on the Haunted House Chicago Official 2023 Top 13 list.

View the Full 2023 Donation List Here —-> HH 2023 DONATIONS