Statesville Haunted Prison & City of the Dead

Crest Hill, IL
Reviewed on: Saturday, October 11, 2014
Have you ever heard about the Winchester Mystery House? For those that don’t know, it is the former residence of Sarah Winchester (of the firearm fame) in San Jose, CA. It is best known for being the house that never stops being built, and is said to be directed by ghostly influences. Since 1884, the building has been deemed as under construction and is said to be always changing by the spirits. Today, it is said there are nearly 160 rooms.

While I am sure there is a website that will gladly take your money in exchange for the next flight out to San Jose, Statesville Haunted Prison is very much the equivalent of this in the Chicagoland haunted house community. Never settling, never accepting, and never becoming complacent, the incredibly gifted team behind this masterpiece operates a successful season, gets a good All Souls’ Day sleep, and then gets right back up and starts making plans for the changes and upgrades for the following season.

We hear statements all too often such as, “Well, I went there a few years ago and it was good!” Followed by the question, “Is it worth going back?” Haunt fans, if you haven’t been here in the last couple of years, you won’t even recognize the place! The team here doesn’t sit idle in the offseason, and doesn’t allow some very high accolades to give them the excuse to rest. No, no, not here. Rather, they never stop working; and it shows.

From the moment you drive onto the property, the experience begins. The music rings out across the parking lot, and the faded screams of the nearly departed seem to blend perfectly with the October chill in the air. The entire time you are awaiting your entrance to the prison, there is always something going on. Whether it is an actor tormenting another guest, a carny juggling fire, or the roar of a 50-caliber gun being fired, there is no safe area here and zoning out isn’t an option. Simply put: Statesville has perfected the art of waiting to be entertained.

But, you didn’t pay your hard-earned money to stand in line, did you? Well, keep your eyes open and enter the Beast!

Inside, the theme of constant activity, and non-stop entertainment continue. Each room seems to have actors and actresses attack from nearly every nook and cranny. With patience that goes above and beyond, these actors put themselves through so much each and every night of operation.

In addition to Statesville Haunted Prison, guests are in for a treat when they exit and are headed off to City of the Dead, the 2nd attraction offered. The same goes for City of the Dead, as it is always changing. With a newly re-designed concept and live animals (don’t believe us, ask our one review team member about that!), this show has definitely stepped up its game and shows that it can run on the same grounds as the beast known as Statesville.

The Bottom Line: Statesville has once again set the bar as one of the attractions to beat this year. With their incredible team of tireless actors, builders, visionaries, and management, the product they bring to the table is a feast unlike anything being served elsewhere. This is absolutely a “must-see” for your haunting adventures!
2014 Scores:
Entertainment: 19.5 out of 20
Scare Factor & Fright: 9 out of 10
Acting: 10 out of 10
Sets & Room Detail: 10 out of 10
Costumes: 5 out of 5
Make Up: 5 out of 5
Sound: 5 out of 5
Lights: 5 out of 5
Props & Special Effects: 9.5 out of 10
Originality & Story Concept: 10 out of 10
Management & Owner Presentation: 5 out of 5
Website: 5 out of 5

Total: 98 points out of 100 points possible

– Official Haunted House Chicago Review Team Review