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Haunted House Roundup

Tyler Nels, Overflow Editor • October 16, 2023

Spooktober is upon us! Here are some of the scariest places in our neck of the woods.

This month marks the spooky season which means now is the time to get your scare on! Whether you want to drive 5 miles or 20, the Quad Cities offers many petrifying options for haunted experiences full of graveyards, actors in face paint, and yup, clowns. Here are some of the top places to spend your weekends during spooktober.

1. Terror at Skellington Manor

Terror at Skellington Manor is located in Rock Island, Ill. Although it’s usually filled with long lines, this haunted experience is worth the wait. Littered with different scenes and rooms with a plethora of actors, there is no shortage of scare. Be careful when you exit, as there is always something waiting for you when you think it’s over! Tickets are available for general admission and timed entry. Terror at Skellington Manor is open 7 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and open 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays.

2. Factory of Fear

Factory of Fear is located in Moline, Ill. Now featuring two different haunts, Factory of Fear has always been a crowd favorite of the Quad Cities (QC). There are multiple different levels and rooms covered in scenery. Make sure to hold your friends close as you get spooked from all directions. You are able to purchase tickets in advance. Factory of Fear is open 7 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and open 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays and Halloween.

3. The Shock House

The Shock House is located in Rock Island, Ill. Arguably the best dark haunted attraction, the Shock House’s passageways are meant to mess with your senses. The lights and sounds work together to strike fear into your head and heart. Don’t let the actors know you are the petrified one – they will target you. Expect to be followed out the door if your group shows vulnerability. There are general and VIP admission tickets available online and onsite. The Shock House is open 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and open 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the last three Sundays of October.

4. QC Haunted Forest

QC Haunted Forest is located in Port Byron, Ill. The adventure starts off with a spooky hayride that drops you off at the Haunted Forest. Inside the forest, your group will traverse through different sets and terrain, so make sure you wear appropriate footwear. Watch your back as well as actors will trail your group from the shadows. It is recommended that you buy tickets online, but they are also available at the entrance. QC Haunted Forest is open 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

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About the Contributors

Tyler Nels, Overflow Editor

Tyler Nels is a senior at Pleasant Valley and is the Overflow Editor for the Spartan Shield. Tyler looks forward to studying biology in college, going into oncology, and eventually curing people of their cancer. He enjoys various sciences classes like Anatomy and Physiology, AP Physics 2, and Microbiology/Organic Chemistry. A Captain and Varsity member of the Cross Country team, running has become more of a lifestyle instead of just a sport. You can find him anywhere in the Quad Cities taking on a long run! Collector of running shoes and service hours, Tyler enjoys giving back time to his local community. Over the summer he organized a collection drive at The Belmont Mile that repurposed over 110 pairs of running shoes and raised $100+ for the Track Guy Organization. In addition to volunteering, Tyler enjoys playing golf, pickleball, spikeball, and other outdoor activities with his friends. Tyler is ecstatic to write for the Spartan Shield this school year!

Ariana Assadi, Design Editor

Ariana Assadi is a senior at Pleasant Valley High School. During her time at Pleasant Valley, Ariana has participated in many academic and extracurricular activities. Her numerous out-of-school activities include soccer and weightlifting, as well as taking part in the Pleasant Valley ambassador program for the past three years. Her favorite classes include Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, and Medical Terminology and Pharmacology. When she is not doing some sort of school activity, she can be found reading a book, binge watching Criminal Minds, or listening to Matt Maeson or Hozier. Ariana is a three year varsity athlete and plans on continuing to do soccer her senior year. Ariana is the design editor for the spartan shield.