Haunted Houses in Des Moines

A deranged clown at the Asylum in Indianola last year. (Credit: file)

Ames Haunted Forest

Find it: Southwest Fourth Street, just east of Jack Trice Stadium, Ames

Why it’s scary: The Ames Haunted Forest has been a scary tradition for 14 years, and this year there are more scares, actors, props and zombies that promise to “shock your soul.” New this year: Mango the zombie — you never know when he’ll pop out of the forest to frighten and terrorize those who enter.

When to visit: 7-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 7 p.m.-midnight Oct. 19-20; 7-10 p.m. Oct. 21; 7 p.m.- midnight Oct. 26-27; 7-10 p.m. Oct. 28-31.

Cost: $12.

More info: ameshauntedforest.com

Asylum Haunted House

Find it: 1301 E. 2nd Ave., Indianola

Why it’s scary: Your scares will do good here — proceeds support Indianola’s youth.

When to visit: 7:30-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights in October.

Cost: $10 per person; not recommended for kids under 12.

More info: icyf23.com

The Haunted Barn

Find it: 3215 S.E. 72nd St., Ankeny

Why it’s scary: The Haunted Barn has been scaring its guests for five years — and boasts a “saw room” that is as scary and gruesome as it sounds.

When to visit: 8 p.m.- midnight Friday and Saturday; 8-10 p.m. Sunday; 8 p.m.-midnight Oct. 19-20; 8-10 p.m. Oct. 21; 8 p.m.-midnight Oct. 26-27; 8-10 p.m. Oct. 28-31.

Cost: $15.

Info: ankenyhauntedbarn.com

Haunted Scream Park

Find it: Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, 4051 Dean Ave.

Why it’s scary: Sleepy Hollow features five separate haunted houses, a 3-D gallery and fog maze, marshmallow roasts, and food vendors. There are also two haunted walks. Purchase a pass to view all attractions and you can also visit the Zombie Shootout, a walk through the woods in which patrons hunt zombies who plod out of the woods in search of brains.

When to visit: Friday and Saturday, Oct. 18-21 and 25-29. Opens at 7 p.m.

Cost: Choose all haunted options for $25, or pick three for $19.

More info: sleepyhollowscreampark.com

Linn's Supermarket

Find it: Inside the basement and other areas of Linn’s Supermarket, 3805 Sixth Ave.

Why it’s scary: Scaring people for 28 years, Linn’s Supermarket is Des Moines’ oldest haunted house. It’s a dark and haunted place — so dark that you can’t see your hand in front of your own face at times, and the only way in is a long, dark crawl space.

When to visit: 7 p.m.-midnight Oct. 19-20; 7-10 p.m. Oct. 21; 7-10 p.m. Oct. 25; 7 p.m.- midnight Oct. 26-27; 7-10 p.m. Oct. 28-31.

Cost: $12.

The Slaughterhouse

Find it: 1300 Metro East Drive, Suite 126, Pleasant Hill

Why it’s scary: Customers get wheeled into a dark hall on a pallet jack, like a bunch of hogs on their way to slaughter before a 20-minute terrifying experience that will make you ride, walk and crawl.

When to visit: 8 p.m.- midnight each Friday and Saturday, and Oct. 31. Closed Sunday through Thursday.

Cost: $12.

More info: theslaughterhousedm.com

Waukee Haunted House

Find it: Centennial Park, 1255 Warrior Lane, Waukee (in the enclosed shelter)

Why it’s scary: Entering its ninth season, Waukee’s haunted house provides a slightly more family-friendly experience (although it’s still not recommended for young children). Experience the fright the last weekend of October only.

When to visit: 7-10 p.m. Oct. 26-27 only.

Cost: $5

Info: waukee.org.


White Water University Haunted House

Find it: 5401 E. University Ave., Pleasant Hill

Why it’s scary: The annual haunted house opens this weekend, so none of your friends can divulge the scares in advance.

When to visit: Friday-Sunday this week, Oct. 19-21, 26-31. Hours are 7 p.m.-midnight Fridays and Saturdays, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. other nights.

Cost: $13.