Last year, Fango posted a list of the top 20 haunts across the U.S. With the most wonderful time of the year quickly approaching, here’s a look at those various spooky locales to check out!

At FANGORIA we know Horror, and there is nowhere you can find live movie and video-game style FX laden horror than at the best hometown haunted houses in America! They take you into an experience that you won’t soon forget. We have searched for some of the scariest, most over-the-top haunted houses (not including theme parks) and now we present our list of the Top 20 Hometown Haunted Houses in America! So once you've watched your favorite horror movies and survived a zombie attack in LEFT 4 DEAD 2, go out into the October night to one of these terrifying events…and don’t say we didn’t warn you!

1) Netherworld – Norcross, GA (Atlanta area)

One of the most creative and ingenious Haunted houses ever created; movie quality special effects, elaborate sets,

a powerful acting troupe and remarkably unique scares made Netherworld our #1 Haunted House in 2009!

 

2) House of Shock - New Orleans, LA

The House of Shock is one of the most infamous Haunted Attractions in the world! A full horror pre-show features

pyrotechnics, explosions and even a freak show.

 

3) 13th Gate – Baton Rougue, LA

Louisiana takes 2 of our top 3 spots with 13th Gate coming in at #3 on our list.

Journey through 13 intensely detailed areas where your worst nightmares come true and anything can happen.

 

4) The Darkness - St. Louis, MO

With a total renovation for 2009 you’ll see props and sets beyond your imagination at this fright complex in the

city under the arch.

 

5) Dead Acres – Pataskala, OH (Columbus area)

An all out extreme haunted house on the outskirts of Columbus, OH; Dead Acres is a full on sensory assault

performed every night right before your very eyes!

 

6) The Edge of Hell - Kansas City, MO

This granddaddy of haunted houses is 35 Years old this year and features a 24 foot live Python and a four story Slide!

 

7) Cutting Edge - Fort Worth, Texas

This Texas behemoth was just named the world’s largest walk through haunted house by the Guinness Book of

World Records…what else is there to say.

 

8) Haunted Schoolhouse & Haunted Laboratory – Akron, OH

These huge events span 7 floors of terror in two large buildings and the folks behind them have been scaring the

pants off of patrons since Michael, Freddy and Jason were in diapers

 

9) Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses – Ulster Park, NY

An awesome excuse to visit the scenic Hudson Valley area of upstate New York; with plenty of big time scares for

those brave enough to handle it plus lots of fun stuff for the little monsters to do as well.

 

10) The Bates Motel - Glen Mills, PA (Philadelphia area)

With a 20 minute long haunted wagon ride (packed with monsters, special effects and spine-tingling stunts), a

corn maze and a world class haunted attraction, this event takes Halloween to a whole new level of Horror!

 

11) Erebus - Pontiac MI

A four story monstrosity of a haunted house where you will be eaten and buried alive!

 

12) Thrillvania – Terrell, TX

Highlighted by the classic and long standing Haunted Verdun Manor, Thrillvania features eight different attractions on

over 50 acres! If werewolves are your thing…this is the place!

 

13) House of Torment - Austin TX

Great production value, over the top designs, and intense in your face monsters land House of Torment in the

unlucky #13 spot on our list!

 

14) Scarehouse - Etna, PA (Pittsburgh area)

It takes a full year of design and construction for the ScareHouse team to turn their nightmares into your reality.

Pittsburgh…it’s not just for Zombies anymore!

 

15) Dent School House – Cincinnati OH

Steeped in history and one of the scariest buildings you’ll have the displeasure to step foot in, some say it’s

actually haunted by the buildings eerie past.

 

16) Shocktoberfest – Reading, PA

Complete with multiple haunted houses, a 3-D asylum, a hayride and a haunted midway…this multi-attraction

event is not to be missed.

 

17) Raven's Grin Inn - Mount Carroll, Illinois

Perhaps the most bizarre event on our list…guest are given personal tours through this real life fun house of the

macabre! Part haunted house, part carnival attraction, part folk art project gone terribly awry.

 

18) Haunted Overload - Lee, NH

Originally started as a charity home haunt, Haunted Overload has taken the leap to professional haunt in big way.

The authentic farm location provides the perfect backdrop for hundreds of lighted pumpkins and movie quality

sets.

 

19) Dark Raven Manor - Hamburg, NY

Featuring many custom created effects and specializing in originality; you’ll see things at Dark Raven Manor you

won’t see anywhere else.

 

20) Phobia – Houston, TX

With nine free standing attractions in two locations we suggest you wear your running shoes.

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