Haunts 2026

Last Updated:10/30/2026

Merlyn Linn (right), 2023 photo.

SAD NEWS: Linn’s Supermarket Haunted House operator, Merlyn Linn, passed away on September 17, 2026. His family will run the haunted house as Merlyn had intended for this season, but some of us expect that without Merlyn’s energy, this could be the final time you can visit it.

Linn’s Haunted House – $25
14 Nights: Oct 2-3, 9-10, 16-18, 22-25 and 29-31, 2026. Opens at 7pm. [Oct 30-31 open at 8pm]
Linn’s Supermarket, 3805 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
https://www.linnshauntedhouse.com

Here are the haunts that have contacted me and/or submitted information so far. If you would like to be on this list, be sure to send me your information so I can get it “direct from the source.”

Rankings as of 10/29/2026

Ranked by Highest Rating (as of 10/29/2026)

Based on a weighted average of Google, Facebook, Yelp, and Apple scores (details).

  • #1 Zombie Hollow — 4.81 (81 ratings)
  • #2 Future Nightmares — 4.72 (14 ratings)
  • #3 Carlisle Haunted Woods — 4.70 (101 ratings)
  • #4 Slaughterhouse — 4.65 (1,745 ratings)
  • #5 The Docks — 4.64 (113 ratings)
  • #6 Linn’s Haunted House — 4.42 (101 ratings)
  • #7 Sleepy Hollow Sports Park — 3.52 (188 ratings)

Ranked by Most Reviewed (as of 10/29/2026)

  • Slaughterhouse — 1,745 ratings
  • Sleepy Hollow Sports Park — 188 ratings
  • The Docks — 113 ratings
  • Linn’s Haunted House — 101 ratings
  • Carlisle Haunted Woods — 101 ratings
  • Zombie Hollow — 81 ratings
  • Future Nightmares — 14 ratings

Important Information

  • Dates & Hours – Dates can and will change due to weather and other issues. Always check with the haunt’s official site before heading out.
  • Ticket Costs Listed – I have tried to note what you will actually pay (i.e., a $29.99 Phantom Fall Fest with taxes, fees and parking becomes over $59). Some math may be off, or missing. I had an A.I. agent spot check all this data, but who knows if that helped . . .

Multi-Haunt Tour

NEW FOR 2026: This one gets its a new category. Charters on Vine (bus charter service) has special Halloween trolley tour.

  1. Haunted Trolley Tour – $80 ($88.47 with taxes/fees)
    Whiskey River, 1350 SW Vintage Parkway, Ankeny, IA 50023
    10 Nights: Oct 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24 and 29-30, 2026. 6:30pm-11:30pm [Oct 3 cancelled]
    Board their haunted trolley in Ankeny at Whiskey River, then ride to The Slaughterhouse, Monsterama Pubcade, and Haunted Forest with V.I.P. admission to each attraction as part of the trolley ride package.
    https://chartersonvine.com/events/

Haunted Attractions (8)

The Docks (formerly Barnum Circus/Carnival of Freaks) – $25
97 Indiana Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
8 Nights: Oct 9-10, 16-17, 23-24 and 30-31, 2026. 7:30pm-11pm.

Ratings: Google ★4.6 (90) · Facebook 96% (21) · Apple 100% (2)

No details yet, as this is the first year for this theme. Rating would be for previous theme(s) until we get new reviews in for 2026.
https://thedocksdsm.com
Tickets: https://barnumcircusoffreaks.ticketspice.com/barnum-carnival-of-freaks

Future Nightmares (show) – $30-$100
Merle Hay Mall Suite 1251, 3800 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310
6 Nights: Oct 10, 17, 23-24, and 30-31, 2026. 8pm-10pm.

Ratings: Google ★4.7 (13) · Yelp ★5.0 (1)

Sparky Sinn is back with his sci-fi horror shows in Merle Hay Mall. Sparky recently received his YouTube award for achieving over 100,000 subscribers on his music channel. This makes him the only entry on this list with such an award 😉
https://futurenightmares.com
Tickets: https://secure.interactiveticketing.com/1.46/ec5a15

Haunted Hall of Tortured Twisted Terrors – $10
Timberline West RV Campground, 31635 SE Ashworth Rd, Waukee, IA 50263
10 Nights: Oct 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24 and 30-31, 2026. 6pm-9pm
Every Friday and Saturday night in October, the campground you know goes quiet — and the hall opens.
https://timberlineiowa.com
Tickets: https://timberlineiowa.com/timberline-west/haunted-hall/tickets

Haunted Manor – $24.24 gate ($22.24 online with fees)
1136 150th Ave, Indianola, IA 50125
6 Nights: Oct 16-17, 23-24 and 30-31, 2026. 6pm-11pm.
Family friendly haunted house that is part of the “Haunt on the Hill” event in Indianola.
https://www.hauntonthehilliowa.com
Tickets: https://nationalballoonclassic.ticketspice.com/haunt-on-the-hill-

Haunted Woods “The Mare Witch V” – $20 (cash only) Opening night is only $10.00 and funds will go to the Love, Like, Lucy Foundation.
1478 Gateway Dr, Carlisle, IA 50047
20 Nights: Oct 2-4, 8-11, 15-18, 22-25, 28-31 and Nov 1, 2026. 7pm-9pm (Wed/Thu/Sun), 7pm-11pm (Fri/Sat). [15th closed due to rain]

Ratings: Google ★4.7 (100) · Yelp ★5.0 (1)

“Bring an extra pair of shorts.” Outdoor walk through a haunted forest. When we last visited, they had some very unique “distraction scares” that were quite effective. It was quite different from other haunted forest walks we’ve had in the area in the past.
See also: “Haunted Trolley Tour”, which includes a stop at this haunt with VIP access.
https://www.hauntedwoodsdsm.com

Linn’s Haunted House – $25
Linn’s Supermarket, 3805 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
14 Nights: Oct 2-3, 9-10, 16-18, 22-25 and 29-31, 2026. Opens at 7pm. [Oct 30-31 open at 8pm]

Ratings: Google ★4.2 (45) · Facebook 92% (54) · Yelp ★4.0 (1) · Apple 100% (1)

The oldest haunted house in Iowa (established in 1984). UPDATE: Founder Merlyn Linn passed away on September 17, 2026. His family is proceeding with his wishes to operate the haunt this year. Although we have had many close calls in recent years, making us wonder if we would have another haunt season, without Merlyn’s leadership and efforts, this may be the final time to crawl into that basement. We have been very fortunate that the previous issues of fires and leasing conflicts were not the final time, back then.
https://www.linnshauntedhouse.com

Slaughterhouse – $30-$45 ($34.58-$51.47 with taxes/fees)
500 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
18 Nights: Sept 25-26, Oct 2-3, 9-11, 16-18, 22-25, 29-31 and Nov 1, 2026. Timed tickets.

Ratings: Google ★4.6 (729) · Facebook 94% (988) · Yelp ★4.1 (13) · Apple 87% (15)

Check their website for other special event nights (5 listed so far). See also: “Haunted Trolley Tour”, which includes a stop at this haunt with VIP access.
https://slaughterhousedm.com
Tickets: https://app.hauntpay.com/events/theslaughterhouse

Zombie Hollow (family friendly) – $12-$18 ($12.92-$19.13 with fees)
2310 Saint Charles Rd, Winterset, IA 50273
11 Dates: Oct 9-11, 16-18, 23-25 and 30-31, 2026. Timed tickets.

Ratings: Google ★4.9 (43) · Facebook 96% (32) · Yelp ★5.0 (1) · Apple 80% (5)

An immersive walk-through attraction through highly detailed sets featuring special effects (projections, lighting, fog, sounds). This one is great of all ages. Nothing jumps out or chases you.
https://thezombiehollow.com
Tickets: https://thezombiehollow.fearticket.com/book/ticket

Multi-Haunt Attractions (2)

These locations charge a higher admission cost, but give you access to multiple haunted houses included with that ticket.

Adventureland Phantom Fall Fest – $69.99 gate, $39.99-$47.99 online ($45.29-$53.85 with taxes/fees) + $21 parking
3200 Adventureland Dr, Altoona, IA 50009
15 Nights: Sep 26-27, October 3-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25 and 30-31, 2026. Fri 6pm-10pm, Sat 12pm-10pm, Sun 12pm-9pm (haunts and scare zones from 6pm).
Five haunted houses and four scare zones. Admission includes the amusement park (not everything may be operating, I am told) plus access to the haunted houses. If you do not have one of their higher end passes that includes parking and admission, you will pay $21 for parking plus the ticket cost. Online dated tickets run $39.99-$47.99 depending on the night ($45.29-$53.85 with taxes/fees), plus $21 parking. Check the website for current discounts and offerings.
https://adventurelandpark.com/discover-the-park/events/phantom-fall-fest/
Tickets: https://adventurelandpark.com/buy-tickets/

Sleepy Hollow Sports Park – $32-$48 ($38.74-$55.86 with taxes/fees)
4051 Dean Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
10 Nights: Oct 9-10, 16-17, 23-25 and 29-31, 2026. Timed tickets.

Ratings: Google ★3.6 (170) · Yelp ★2.8 (18)

Gates open 7pm; admission stops 11pm Fri/Sat and 9pm Thu/Sun; park closes midnight.
sleepyhollowscreampark.com
Tickets: https://secure.interactiveticketing.com/1.46/05c8ca/

Home Haunts

  1. Haunted Bone Family Funeral Home and Cemetery
    1901 27th St, Des Moines, IA 50310
    1 Night Only: Oct 31, 2026. 6pm-8pm.
    A special trick-or-treat donation event supporting Rescue Rehab Home.
    https://www.facebook.com/BoneHaunts/
  2. Land of the Giants (yard display)
    4908 NW 7th St, Ankeny, IA 50023
    Lights are on until 8:30pm weekdays and 10pm Fri & Sat.
    Scare actors & candy on the weekends.
    https://www.facebook.com/landofthegiantsankenyia/
  3. Nightmare on 90th St (home haunt)
    1616 90th St, West Des Moines, IA 50266
    Oct 31, 2026. 6pm-9pm.
    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582841704051
  4. Return to Hogwarts (walk-through yard display)
    3720 Brook Ridge Court, Des Moines, IA 50317
    FINAL YEAR: Oct 8-11, 15-18, 22-25 and 29-31, 2026. Hours are Thu 5-8, Fri 5-9, Sat 4-9 and Sun 3-8.
    https://www.facebook.com/brookrunport.piratehouse
2026 will be the final year for this cool display.

Haunted Car Washes

  1. Tunnel of Terror (Tommy’s Express WDM) – $25 gate ($21.40 advance online with taxes, per vehicle).
    645 S 60th St, West Des Moines, IA 50266
    4 Nights: Oct 23-24 and 30-31, 2026. 7pm-9pm
    Prepare for a scare at our haunted car wash.
    https://tommys-express.com/locations/ia377/#events
    https://www.facebook.com/TommysExpressWestDesMoines
    Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tunnel-of-terror-tickets-1994688899193
  2. Tunnel of Terror (Oasis Car Wash Altoona) – $35 ($25 for members) with proceeds going to a local charity.
    824 8th St SW, Altoona, IA 50009
    2 Nights: Oct 30-31, 2026. 8pm-11pm.
    Oasis Car Wash transforms into a haunted car wash experience — stay inside your vehicle.
    https://oasiswashiowa.com
    https://www.facebook.com/people/Oasis-Car-Wash-Altoona/61581477073579/

Outside of Des Moines

Submit your haunt anywhere in the state of Iowa (but preferably only if you believe it is good enough to justify someone driving all the way from Des Moines to visit it).

  1. Boone Haunted House – $10-$17
    Boone County Fairgrounds, 1601 Industrial Park Rd, Boone, IA 50036
    8 Nights: Oct 9-10, 16-17, 23-24 and 30-31, 2026. 7pm-11pm
    Admission $17, or $15 with a canned cat or dog food donation. Ages 10 & under $10. Cash only.
    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567332867859
  2. Bouton Haunted Church – $10
    109 South St, Bouton, IA 50039
    7 Nights: Oct 10, 16-17, 23-24 and 30-31, 2026.
    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565172877405
  3. Fonda’s Final Viewing – $10
    509 King St, Fonda, IA 50540
    8 Nights: Oct 9-10, 16-17, 23-24 and 30-31, 2026. 7pm-Mid.
    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61594774716959
  4. The Nightmare – Haunted Hike – $20
    Legacy Ranch, 2532 S Shore Drive, Clear Lake, IA 50428
    10 Nights: Oct 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24 and 30-31, 2026. 7pm-10pm.
    Also offers No Scare Sundays in October, 6:30pm-8:30pm, $10.
    https://www.facebook.com/legacyranchCL/

Family Attractions

  1. Pumpkins After Dark – $20-$30 + $8 parking
    Water Works Park, 2251 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
    11 Nights: Oct 9-11, 15-18, 22-23 and 29-31, 2026. Timed tickets. Last entry 10pm.
    https://pumpkinsafterdark.com/des-moines
  2. Zombie Hollow (listed above in the Haunted Attractions section)

No longer operating…

  • Ames Haunted Forest (Ames) – Defunct
  • Barnum Carnival of Freaks / Barnum Circus of Freaks (Des Moines) – new haunt, The Docks, replacing them.
  • Tormented Souls Haunt (Madrid) – Defunct. The Tormented Souls you may see this year is not this one.
  • Trail of Terror (Baxter) – Defunct.

Other Themed Places