If you’re from anywhere near the Pittsburgh area, “yinz” have most likely heard of Scarehouse. Located in Etna, Pennsylvania, this haunted house has been named one of the “scariest haunted houses in America” according to ABC News.
Although the props, themes, actors, and scenes change every year, there has to be something about Scarehouse that makes it so popular and well-rated. The haunted attraction has been mentioned by organizations such as Buzzfeed and has been featured on television shows like Good Morning America. Even famous actor Elijah Wood has recommended Scarehouse.The attraction has a haunted house portion and what is know as The Basement. You are not allowed to use a cell phone once entering The Basement or the haunted house. For my visit, I only attended the haunted house portion.
The Basement requires participants to be over the age of eighteen. This portion is especially scary because actors can touch participants. There is a warning that you may be blindfolded, restrained and in complete darkness. They also warn you that there may be profanity, sexual content and water.
I have always wanted to go to Scarehouse, and I finally got my opportunity to go with my Brothers from Phi Sigma Pi. I bought my ticket online for $19.99 with a discount code (thank you, Groupon!) that brought my ticket to $16.99, making it cheaper to order online versus buying a ticket at the door. I do not recommend spending more than $20—$25 on a haunted house, and even $25 is pushing it. Scarehouse prices aren’t bad.
We had to park at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, then take shuttle busses to the actual house. Apparently, the actual house was first constructed as a First National Bank building.
The props and actors were so realistic, creative and fascinating. Sometimes, it was hard to tell a prop from an actual person. Each room had a different theme. At times, your group needed to go through mazes and obstacles, such as rooms of fake mirrors that you had to navigate through. There were certain rooms that are in complete darkness, and you’ll wish you could pull out your phone for a flashlight. I can confidentially say that you will get startled at least once throughout your tour, and that the actors really put their heart into their job. If you doubt me, you should know that the man pictured below really looked like that in person, .
One major downfall was that it didn’t feel like it took long to get through the attraction. As a die-hard horror movie lover, I was definitely excited to finally experience this Scarehouse that is always talked about. While it was entertaining, it was ultimately like any other normal haunted house attraction. I think that in order to have fun, you need to surround yourself with the right group of friends.
So, is Scarehouse rated high on my haunted house list? I’d say so. Do I recommend you to go? Yes, especially because I never suggest turning down a scary attraction opportunity. But, is it “the scariest haunted house in America?” Well, I think that’s for you to decide.