Let the screams begin. One of the Twin Cities’ largest haunted attractions, Scream Town, opened September 30 for its 2011 season. Run by Benilde-St. Margaret’s alumnus Matt Dunn, Scream Town began its fifth year at its Chaska location after undergoing major expansions over the summer.
Dunn began Scream Town as a small trail through Dunn’s backyard. “I began doing a haunted attraction at my parents’ years ago as a yard haunt. It then moved out to an apple orchard for two years and then moved once more. It has now been called Scream Town for five years and is truly unbelievable,” said Dunn.
Much more than a haunted house, Scream Town features five different attractions spanning over 362,000 square feet. The Oak Blood Forest (a one-of-a-kind attraction in the Cities), Terror in the Corn (the largest haunted corn maze in the area), Hillbilly Motel, and Rabid Alley all received significant expansions over the summer.
Dunn is especially proud of the Oak Blood Forest. “My favorite [attraction] is the Oak Blood Forest. It is so naturally creepy that people really freak out there. One of our actors called me other night and said that five raccoons where staring at her from a tree. There are all kinds of freaky things in this forest,” said Dunn.
Scream Town also features one completely new haunt this year: Circus Asylum. Circus Asylum features the clowns from the popular Klown House attraction, which was torn down to build the new attraction. “It is over 7,500 square feet and is one of the largest haunts in Minnesota. People are already saying they love it,” said Dunn.
Dunn expects it to be a busy season at Scream Town but has advice for how to get the most out of your night. “The best tip I can give is to try and come on an off night like a Friday or the Thursday of MEA weekend. Dress warmly and wear good shoes,” said Dunn.
Guests are allowed to go through all the attractions as many times as they’d like while the park is open. All haunts are self-guided: there are no tour guides or wagons, and no flashlights allowed.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for kids ages 13 and under. “Fast Passes” that allow you to skip to the front of the line are available for $10 more than standard admission. Scream Town is open Fridays and Saturdays in October and over MEA break. Discounts are available at Spirit Halloween stores.
