Elysburg Haunted House — 2025 Review
- Chandler Clouser
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Elysburg Haunted House — 2025 Review
Location: Elysburg, PA
Date: October 24, 2025
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
For 50 years, Elysburg Haunted House has been delivering Halloween chills with an old-school spirit that never goes out of style. This isn’t “just a fire company haunt”—seasoned haunt goers will be pleasantly surprised by the ingenuity, handcrafted design, and relentless cast that make Elysburg stand out as one of Pennsylvania’s hidden gems. Every scene feels personal, every scare feels clever, and every detail shows the love poured into it. With more than 20 scene upgrades this season, the 2025 edition was easily our favorite visit to date. For just $20 (all benefiting the local fire departments), Elysburg delivers one of the most authentic, heart-filled haunted house experiences you’ll find anywhere.
Entertainment Value: 8.5/10
Elysburg shines not only in scares but in how much sheer fun it packs into the night. Several roaming characters added flavor to the evening—like the Annabelle doll chasing people around on a remote-control car! Food vendors kept the midway lively, while giant tombstones in line educated guests on the 50-year legacy of the haunt. Inside, moments like a popcorn-tossing actor, the chaotic clown room (complete with a unicyclist and a clown on stilts), and a clever moving-wall sequence ensured there was never a dull second. The unpredictability is what makes Elysburg so entertaining—you’re never quite sure whether you’ll be laughing, startled, or just marveling at the creativity of it all.
Costume & Makeup: 8/10
The look of Elysburg’s characters fits the vibe of the haunt perfectly—simple, effective, and classic. A mix of makeup and masks brings each role to life, from the hulking Devil to the sharp-dressed drill sergeants, with standouts like Art the Clown, Michael Myers, and the pint-sized terror “Mini Jason.” While the costumes aren’t elaborate, they’re practical for the chaos and action these actors deliver. Their authenticity matches the hand-built aesthetic of the haunt, and it works beautifully.
Cast & Crew: 9/10
If Elysburg has a crown jewel, it’s their cast. These volunteers bring a level of energy, passion, and personality that rivals any professional haunt. Highlights included the intense army men who barked orders with terrifying conviction, the Devil who shook hands and stole souls, Michael Myers nailing a perfectly timed scare, and the roaming fisherman in his yellow jumpsuit. The Pinocchio-nosed creeper was unsettling, the clowns were high-energy chaos, and “Mini Jason” proved size doesn’t matter when it comes to delivering scares. This cast never phones it in—they’re interactive, relentless, and clearly having as much fun as the guests are.
Set Design & Special Effects: 8.5/10
Elysburg’s sets are handmade masterpieces of ingenuity, each one brimming with creativity. Some highlights this season included:
Jaws theme with seagulls, a shark tank, and a submarine descent into chaos.
Rainforest-esque area with a slithery snake and a hand-puppet creature manipulated by an actor.
Squid attacks dropping suddenly from above for one of the most clever startles of the night.
“666” Hell scene with large, statue-like demons that suddenly burst to life.
US Army Detention Center with drill sergeants, a crashed helicopter, and a water bomb detonation.
Carnival blackout scene exploding into chaos with stilt clowns, a unicyclist, and wild improv.
Moving wall sequence that splits groups apart and traps them briefly in secluded sections.
The Witch Hut with its beautifully crafted interior and whimsical atmosphere—an iconic Elysburg staple that shows off the haunt’s artistry as much as its scares.
Every corner reflects hours of craftsmanship and imagination—no store-bought shortcuts here, just pure passion.
Fright/Thrill Factor: 8.25/10
The unpredictability of Elysburg is its greatest strength. You’ll face jump scares from walls that aren’t walls, chaotic circus clowns bursting from the dark, and eerie statue-like figures that suddenly lunge forward. The balance between humor and horror keeps guests guessing—sometimes you’re laughing, sometimes you’re screaming, and often it’s both at once. While a few scares favored the front of the group more than the back, overall, this haunt keeps energy and adrenaline flowing from start to finish.
Sharpening the Scare:
Expand the Merch Booth: Fans want to take home more than memories—shirts, mugs, and hats would sell.
More Photo-Ops: The exit photo spot was well-loved—scatter more throughout the experience.
Engage the Whole Group: Make sure scares hit every corner of each group, front to back.
Add Live Entertainment: A band or performer on packed nights would add to the fun while waiting.
Fright Night MVP:
The Elysburg Witches & their kitty Eden!
The witch hut is a true showpiece, with beautiful craftsmanship and lively witches whose banter provides a perfect mid-haunt breather. Eden, the endlessly pettable cat, might just be the most iconic “actor” of the night, calm as ever while surrounded by adoring guests. The hut is equal parts whimsical, eerie, and charming—a scene that sums up Elysburg’s ability to deliver scares and smiles in equal measure.
Recap the Screams:
Elysburg Haunted House is the definition of an old-school haunt done right. With clever scenes you won’t find anywhere else, a cast bursting with passion, and a handcrafted charm that oozes authenticity, this fundraiser-for-a-cause is a Halloween must. Don’t be fooled by its roots—this is far more than “just a fire company haunt.” Seasoned haunt enthusiasts will be amazed by the quality, creativity, and energy on display. From submarines and squid attacks to a witch hut, devil’s lair, and blackout clown chaos, every turn packs something new and unexpected. For their 50th anniversary season, Elysburg outdid themselves—and at just $20 a ticket, it’s one of the best haunt bargains in Pennsylvania. Support a great cause, eat from the food trucks, meet Eden the witch’s cat, and prepare for a night that’s equal parts spooky, creative, and unforgettable.