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From Haunted Houses to Zombies: The Most Frightening Scary Horror Games

Do you enjoy the adrenaline rush of being scared out of your wits? Are you a fan of horror movies and looking for a new way to experience fear? Look no further. In this article, we will explore some of the most terrifying scary horror games that will leave you trembling with fear. From haunted houses to zombies, these games will push your limits and keep you on the edge of your seat.

Haunted Houses: A Classic Thrill

If you’re a fan of haunted houses, then horror games that feature eerie mansions or abandoned buildings are sure to provide an exhilarating experience. One such game that comes to mind is “Resident Evil 7: Biohazard.” Set in a dilapidated plantation house in rural Louisiana, this game combines atmospheric horror with intense gameplay. As you navigate through dark corridors and solve puzzles, you’ll encounter grotesque creatures and terrifying jump scares that will keep your heart pounding.

Another notable haunted house game is “Amnesia: The Dark Descent.” In this first-person survival horror game, players find themselves trapped inside an ancient castle with no memory of how they got there. With limited resources and a lurking presence that feeds on fear, this game is guaranteed to make even the bravest players feel vulnerable and terrified.

Zombies: A Never-Ending Nightmare

Zombies have been a staple in horror culture for decades, and scary horror games featuring these undead creatures are always popular among thrill-seekers. One standout title in this genre is “The Last of Us.” Set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by infected humans turned into zombies, this action-adventure game blends intense combat with an emotionally gripping storyline. The realistic graphics and immersive gameplay make every encounter with the infected a heart-pounding experience.

For those seeking a more intense zombie experience, “Resident Evil 2” is a must-play. This remake of the classic survival horror game takes players back to Raccoon City, where a zombie outbreak has turned the population into flesh-eating monsters. With its atmospheric setting and relentless undead enemies, this game will keep you on your toes as you fight for survival.

Psychological Horror: A Mind-Bending Challenge

If you prefer horror games that mess with your mind, then psychological horror games are perfect for you. “Silent Hill 2” is often regarded as one of the best examples of this subgenre. As players control James Sunderland through the foggy town of Silent Hill, they unravel a deeply disturbing story filled with symbolism and psychological torment. The game’s haunting atmosphere and psychological twists will leave you questioning reality long after you’ve put down the controller.

Another mind-bending horror experience is “Layers of Fear.” In this first-person exploration game, players step into the shoes of a disturbed painter as they navigate through a constantly changing mansion. Delving into themes of madness and obsession, this game uses clever storytelling and visual trickery to create an unsettling experience that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Survival Horror: Fight or Flight

For those who enjoy intense gameplay and heart-pounding action, survival horror games provide an adrenaline-fueled experience like no other. “Outlast” is a prime example of this genre. Armed only with a camcorder, players must navigate through an abandoned psychiatric hospital filled with deranged inmates. With no means to defend yourself other than hiding or running away, every encounter becomes a tense battle for survival.

Another standout survival horror game is “Alien: Isolation.” Set fifteen years after the events of Ridley Scott’s iconic film “Alien,” players assume the role of Ellen Ripley’s daughter as she tries to survive aboard a space station infested by one relentless xenomorph. The game’s AI-driven alien enemy constantly adapts to the player’s actions, making every encounter a nerve-wracking game of cat-and-mouse.

In conclusion, if you’re a fan of being scared senseless, these scary horror games will provide an unforgettable experience. Whether you prefer haunted houses, zombies, psychological torment, or survival challenges, there is a game out there that will cater to your darkest fears. So grab your controller and prepare for a night of terror as you dive into these spine-chilling virtual worlds.

This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.

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How to Find Out About the History of Your Home

Your home holds many memories, and not all of them may be yours. Or you may question whether your house could be haunted or contain hidden treasure. If you’re wondering about checking the history of your house, get ready to learn how to uncover your home’s past.

Taxpayer Assessor Online Databases

Search online for your town’s taxpayer information. Once there, if your town offers an online database including every property, you might find out a lot about your home.

One tax assessor company, Vision Government Solutions, maintains online databases for states on the East Coast. Click on the state and you’ll see a list of your state’s towns. Some of the towns have accessible databases, and others don’t. Follow prompts to take you to your property’s information, including previous owners.

Hidden on Trulia’s website is a list of U.S. assessor records for every state. Search for Trulia’s property sitemap, and once on the page, you’ll see your state listing. You’ll be taken to a page with your state’s counties. Keep clicking to pinpoint your search.

Some towns host online assessor databases. Once on it, type in the property address or parcel number to visit a page of information about your home.

Realtor Websites With Home Information

Finding your home’s property listing, even when your home is not for sale, also offers some history. In addition to dipping into the websites of the major real estate agencies in your area to find your property, try the following sites:

• Realtor.com

Also try the Multiple Listing Service site directly. Head to MLS.com and you’ll see a map of the United States. You might find the history of your neighborhood or a home next door that may be for sale or in foreclosure, which could give you some hints about your own home.

Finding Out About Your Home’s Hauntings

Head to DiedInHouse.com, a website that keeps a database of people who have died in properties. The site may be able to tell you if someone actually died in your home. There’s a nominal fee to see the information.

Dig Up Land Records and Historical Maps

If you’re a genealogy enthusiast, you know the value of historical maps and land records. If you’re new to this type of search, start at the National Archives (archives.gov) to initiate a search into your property. You’ll find land transactions and even what the average cost was to build your house.

You can search for, download and enlarge historical maps of your town or neighborhood. Or go to your town hall and local library for copies.

Find Your Local Historians

Do some footwork to find the history of your home, neighborhood and town. Try the following:

• Historical societies: Your town’s local historical society can target your home’s history. Head to PreservationDirectory.com to find a database of local historic organizations.
• Real estate agents: Try calling a real estate agency to help you locate information on your home’s history.
• Neighbors: Pick the brain of a long-time neighbor. You may be surprised with juicy details.
• Physical evidence: Consult with an architectural historian, according to ThisOldHouse.com. Researching layers of paint or wallpaper helps identify what year your house was built.

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Phenomenal!! This was so much fun... I'd go again over and over. 13th floor really puts on a great show.

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Always a blast and already looking forward to the next event! 12 out of 10, would recommend!

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I enjoyed every minute..my daughter and I had so much fun. I was very impressed by everything. Cant wait for next year😊

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ENJOY SPOOKY LIBATIONS

• THEMED COCKTAILS
• drinks and snacks

Concessions will be available at our on-site bar. Our 21+ patrons can enjoy spooky libations at the Shriekeasy before or after experiencing the haunted house! IDs will be checked on site.

The Sacred Skull: A Tiki Tarot Experience

Tiki tarot reading.

• SPOOKY LIBATIONS

Around the corner tucked away inside the Shriekeasy you will find the Secret Skull where the mighty tiki totem will ask you questions to reveal your special tiki cocktail.

No Name's Clown Chaos

Don't become a shideshow snack.

• ENTER IF YOU DARE

Everyone’s favorite clown has returned to 13th floor, and in big fashion. Come visit no name in his Curtain chaos attraction. Do you know how to get out? Do you know what may be lurking around the corner? Follow the music to find a special concert being played. No name is full of surprises. Which of you will come out of his curtain of chaos? Join us and see which of your friends will survive.

ADD TO YOUR AXEPERIENCE

• COMPETE WITH FRIENDS

Become intimate with a 1.5lb piece of whirling wood and metal as you learn, practice, and then finally square off toe to toe at Class Axe Throwing!

The Piggy Bank Shot Spot

Horror themed bar.

• COCKTAIL CONCOTIONS

In a dark corner of the 13th Floor, you will be lured into a secret bar, where you can cool off with a refreshing shot straight out of a nightmare fairy tale. The only spot within the haunted house where you can   take a picture with our big bad wolf.

PRIVATE VIP EXPERIENCE

• PRIVATE CABANA
• terrifying surprises

Private indoor, heated space for up to 8 people. Free bucket of 6 beers or spiked seltzer’s of your choosing (soft drinks can be substituted). Enjoy activities like jumbo jenga and Hook & Ring game. 10 free axe throws. A visit from an Icon character with guaranteed selfies. $13 off merch. Does not include tickets to the Haunted House attraction.

The Graveyard Shift: A Zombie Shooting Range

• LIVE ZOMBIE ACTORS
• GELLYBALL SHOOTERS

Welcome to 13th Floor Denver’s newest attraction, the Graveyard Shift! Here you will enter a shooting range guarded by death, where you will enter coffins and pick up a jelly ball gun. It is your mission on your shift to seek out and destroy all things that go bump in the night. Who amongst your friends will become the victor? Join us and find out.

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Colorado’s Best Haunted Houses near Denver

October 9, 2023 By //  by  Shawn Reeser

What better way to celebrate fall than getting spooked with your friends and family at some of the scariest haunted houses in Denver?! The Mile High City boasts some of the best array of haunted houses and Halloween-themed fun.

Haunted houses in Colorado range from family-friendly, open to the kids, to more adult-oriented, maybe pee-your-pants terror. Parents usually can make their own judgment, as age recommendations are merely that. Below, we’ll let you know what ages are suggested by those running it.

Most Halloween venues are only open on weekends at sundown, and of course, on Halloween Night, though days and times vary so please always check with the official website. The dates listed below are ranges and do not include closed weekdays or even closed weekend days.

Remember to show up earlier in the evening if you hate waiting because these places may have long lines. Some haunted houses in Denver sell tickets online in advance and others even offer a fast pass or line skip for a fee. Ghouls, goblins, and ghosts lurk around every dark corner of these haunted houses.

Experience the supernatural this season with your closest friends. Who will be the first to scream?

The Halloween season kicks off in autumn when the nights get colder, darker, and longer. Most haunted houses are open select nights from late September through October 31st, and some up to the weekend or two after that into November. Dress casually, no need to visit a Denver Halloween costume store just for the occasion.

Here are the 2023’s top haunted houses around Denver, CO , in no particular order:

The Frightmare Compound — Westminster

The oldest and longest-running haunted house in Denver, celebrating its 40 anniversary, The Frightmare Compound has been scaring the socks off Front Range residents. There are two haunted experiences featured here, both located in Westminster.

• Freightmare Compound – Founded in 1983 by Brad Holder, this Westminster haunted house was the first. He painstakingly crafted the compound for 16 years before falling ill. They say his body is buried deep within the haunted house, making this one of the most authentic.
• Lights Out – Hosted on special nights, you and your friends are alone in the compound, lost in absolute darkness!

Select days: September 15 – November 4, 2023 | 108th & Old Wadsworth, Westminster ( Map )

13th Floor — Denver

The 13th Floor boasts over 15 years of scaring Denver and has a good reputation as one of Denver’s scariest. It’s open for two weekends after Halloween and is recommended for children over 11. This year’s attractions include The Deadlands, Repossessed, FairyTale Nightmare.

Choose from the aforementioned three attractions, and also enjoy Class Axe Throwing, Blitz Bowl, a Shriekeasy Bar with food and adult beverages, and mini escape games on the property. This year they are offering private cabanas to rent if you’re coming with a group.

Select days: September 15 – November 5, 2023 | 3400 East 52nd Avenue, Denver ( Map )

Haunted Field of Screams—Thornton

This huge corn maze is home to one of Colorado’s largest Halloween scream parks, the Haunted Field of Screams . All children under 13 must be chaperoned by an adult. It’s located just north of the Mile High City in Thornton .

This year boasts the largest single haunt experience ever. Instead of multiple options, all guests will take a ride to the Riverdale Gates of Hell. This infamous 11-mile stretch of road is well known for its scary sights and sounds.

Witness the walking dead as strange, violent mysteries unravel around you. A hayride will transport you to where a woman in white awaits her revenge on her husband who burned down her house…or anybody else passing by.

Select days: September 29-October 31, 2023 | 10451 McKay Rd, Thornton ( Map )

HellScream Haunted House — Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs boasts the bone-chilling HellScream Haunted House . It starts Saturday, September 23rd, and runs on various dates through November 5th, 2022. Another Springs’ Halloween staple is the Haunted Mines , located inside of the larger Fear Complex. It starts on September 30th and runs until November 5th. They boast it as bigger, darker, and more terrifying than ever!

Select days: September 22-November 4, 2023 | 3021 N Hancock Ave, Colorado Springs ( Map )

Aftermath — Cañon City

For those that live south of Denver, you have a few options for Halloween festivities. Cañon City’s Aftermath Haunted House features one of Colorado’s best-haunted houses. Year-after-year this Fremont County venue, located about an hour southwest of Colorado Springs delivers top notch entertainment on fall Saturday nights. It’s complete with zombie laser tag.

Saturdays: October 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2023 | 575 Ash St, Cañon City  ( Map )

Cancelled for 2023 | Fright Acres — Parker

Although it’s been cancelled for the 2o23 season , keep this spooky spot on your radar for 2024, as it says it’s returning. With 3 completely separate attractions, Reaper’s Hollow at Fright Acres is sure to satisfy your Halloween fix. Home of Fright Acres, it’s the largest outdoor haunted attraction venue in Colorado.

It’s located southeast of Denver in the secluded, but fast growing suburb of Parker.

Cancelled for 2023—Returning in 2024 | 11321 Dransfeldt Rd, Parker ( Map )

Thanks for checking out our list of top haunted houses around the Mile High City. If you’re still looking for more, you can visit the Pikes Peak Region, as it has its fair share of terror-themed festivities. You can also uncover Colorado’s most haunted places any time of year.

About Shawn Reeser

Shawn is a front range local who loves to share about Colorado. He's usually off on an adventure somewhere mysterious.

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Top 10 Haunted Places in Denver

Denver is the capital city and the largest city in the state of Colorado. It has well over 700,000 and sits about a mile high above sea level. But here in the Mile High City might be something that can be as cold as the Rocky Mountains on a winter night. It might be the presence of a spirit that might be haunting a popular landmark in the city. But which places are worth visiting for the adventurous ghost enthusiast. This top ten list below unveils the names of all the places that are considered to be haunted and the stories of how these spirits seem to hang around for many years or even decades. With that said, here we go:

10. Denver International Airport

Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/45/Denver_International_Airport.jpg

Imagine landing at the airport and disembarking off your flight (assuming you’re traveling from outside of Denver). And all of a sudden, you are in one of the haunted places of the city just like that. Denver International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the country. With so many people coming and going every year, it remains to be seen how many know what was here before the airport was even built in 1995.

It is said that the grounds were once a sacred burial ground for Native Americans. So it would make sense as to why it might be haunted. After all, if something is built on the grounds where human remains are buried below it might cause quite a few stirs. By stirs, we mean spiritual activity. This might have been the case when airport personnel would always deal with various technical malfunctions. Other than that, passengers have often felt presences and uneasy feelings when they set foot in the terminal. Could it be the altitude? Probably. But you can bet that no matter how high you are off the ground, a specter is bound to loom around the corner somewhere.

9. Molly Brown House Museum

Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/42/Molly_Brown_House.JPG

This was the home of a woman named Molly Brown and her husband J.J. Brown. Molly Brown was famously known as “Unsinkable” because of her heroic deeds of looking for survivors of the Titanic. Brown was a passenger and managed to escape the disaster in April of 1912. At the time, the Browns lived here. It had since been converted into a museum in honor of the Browns and their efforts.

However, employees of the museum have reported several instances of paranormal occurrences. J.J. Brown was known to be a heavy cigar smoker when he resided here. So it was no surprise when most people reported smelling cigar smoke at random places throughout the home. Also reported was the sound of the piano being played without anyone touching the keys. With every house that has paranormal activity, it would not be one without the sighting of shadowy figures moving throughout the halls and rooms of the house itself.

8. Brown Palace Hotel

Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a5/Brown_Palace_Hotel_Denver_CO.jpg

Though the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown stayed here the week after the Titanic disaster, her name bears no relation to the name of the hotel. The Brown Palace Hotel also played host to a wide variety of US Presidents, heads of state, and celebrities. Among the notable guests were the Beatles, Queen Marie of Romania, and six US presidents (the last being Bill Clinton).

This was also the sight of the murder of a gangster. Tony von Puhl was shot to death by a man named John Henwood. The murder was part of a competition between the two over a wealthy socialite by the name of Isabel Springer.

Aside from a sordid incident in the past, this hotel has received reports and recollections from past guests regarding some strange paranormal activities. There have been many spirits that have walked the halls (like one belonging to a train conductor). Other strange sounds have included a baby crying in the hotel basement, the unusual movement of the service elevator. The service elevator was said to be operated by the specter of a waiter.

7. The Denver Children’s Home

Source: https://live.staticflickr.com/3659/3685334722_623da4d454_b.jpg

This place was at one point the city’s orphanage. One night in 1888, a fire broke out on the building’s third floor. Many children were killed as a result. The Denver Orphan’s Home was renamed the Denver Children’s Home after the rebuild. At night, the sounds of the cries and whimpers of children can be heard. There have been stories of a specter that belonged to a young bride that is said to descend from the stairs at times. Some have said that the bride can also be seen somewhere in the hallway on the building’s second floor.

For a place that was the site for one of the grimmest tragedies in the city’s history, you can bet that this place would be haunted in some way or another. As for the story of the ghost bride, the connection is yet to be known.

6. Patterson Inn

Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b4/Croke-Patterson-Campbell_Mansion.JPG

This is best known as the Patterson-Croke-Campbell mansion. It was owned by Thomas Croke when he initially built it for himself in 1890. After the place was completed, he set foot in it. It was said that he only stayed here once and never returned after that. Croke himself had said that he had some uneasy feeling about the place once he was inside. At that point, he sold it to Thomas Patterson.

Throughout the near 130 year history of this house, some strange occurrences have happened. One of the incidents was the death of two Doberman Pinscher dogs that plunged out of a third-story window. There was no explanation as to how it happened or why. The specters of Patterson and his wife are said to haunt the halls of this mansion. Also appearing was a child that could be seen playing in the hallway.

It is unclear what might have been here before the home was ever built. But whatever it might have been, it must have awakened a spirit that might have taken residence nearby the home before construction.

5. Cheesman Park

Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5d/Cheesman_Park_Pavilion%2C_Denver_Colorado.jpg/800px-Cheesman_Park_Pavilion%2C_Denver_Colorado.jpg

Cheesman Park is one of the most popular outdoor parks in the city. It’s a place where people can walk their dogs, have picnics, and have all kinds of fun. But what a lot of people don’t realize is that this park was built on an old burial ground . Like the airport, anything built on a burial ground is sure to awaken some spirits from their slumber. The cemetery was designed to be for the residents of Denver. However, the dead that were laid to rest were said to be “undesirable”. The dead were various outlaws, people who died from infectious disease, and the city’s poor citizens.

Before the construction of this park, nearly 2,000 people were already interred here on the land that is now Cheesman Park. To this day, the remains of the dead are still underground. Those who live near the park or visit it during the night time hours were said to hear some strange moaning and groaning noises among a host of other paranormal noises. Some have even sighted specters that appeared to have been lost, confused, and not sure what they were doing out and about.

4. Capitol Hill

Source: https://live.staticflickr.com/3111/2856351830_d63547c7e9_z.jpg

Don’t confuse this with the Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. (although that place might be haunted as well). This is a neighborhood where you’ll find the Colorado State House. This was an affluent neighborhood that was home to many of the city’s wealthiest people. While the city began to take shape, some of the mansions of ages past stayed on the ground while the other buildings began to be built around them.

The residents of ages past often let the new residents know that they’re still around . The spirits of many of the neighborhood’s past residents tend to lurk around in various buildings within the area. The most notable location was inside the Colorado State House itself. Most of the sprits and shadowy figure sightings have also been recounted as seen on the streets and the side of many buildings including the Governor’s Mansion (which happens to be close by to the State House itself).

3. Buckhorn Exchange

Source: https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2444/3579176251_e8a76a3f18_b.jpg

Haunted places to fly into. Haunted places to stay at. Haunted places to eat at ? The Buckhorn Exchange as the sign above says is Denver’s Original Steakhouse. It opened its doors way back in 1893. Other than the place being an eatery for many of the city’s patrons, it also did business as a trading post as well. Your usual people in the Wild West would often find themselves spending time here. Miners, cowboys, railroad workers, and even then-President Teddy Roosevelt. The 26th President of the United States once made an appearance here during his term in office in 1905.

With a place that is full of mounted animals on the wall, it could give someone the creeps. Yet, it’s the paranormal activity that seems to outdo it all. Patrons and employees have told stories of mysterious movements of tables, noises of silverware clanging, footsteps and voices were heard frequently.

2. The Oxford Hotel

Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c3/Oxford_Hotel_Denver.JPG

The Oxford Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in the city. It was built and founded in 1891 by Frank Edbrooke. It underwent renovations in the 1930s despite the rest of the country feeling the grip of the Great Depression. And much of the nation’s heartland was in the grip of a series of dust storms that have destroyed crops and damaged property. Yet the project moved forward without any issue and adorned an Art Deco style by the time renovations were finished. The hotel still serves travelers the world over to this day.

Some of the visitors would often recount of some spiritual activity happening in either the halls or their rooms. One such visitor reported seeing a woman standing in a room. Some have seen faint visions of a woman’s face off in the distance or mirror reflections. Legend has it that the woman that haunts these halls was said to have been murdered by her husband here at this hotel.

Another ghostly presence might even be felt inside the hotel’s bar. One night around Christmas, a postman appeared at a bar and ordered a beer from a bartender. It was said that he sat there and drank a beer. By the time he was finished, the bartender was ready to take the empty beer bottle only to find it disappearing along with the postal worker himself.

1. Byers-Evans House Museum

Source: https://live.staticflickr.com/3252/2855530385_445ec9b919_z.jpg

The Byers-Evans House was once home to two of the most prominent families in Denver, the Byers and Evans families. It was originally owned by William Byers, a newspaper founder. Byers later then sold the residence to Williams Gray Evans, once a territorial governor before Colorado entered the Union. The home has long since been restored as a museum.

Given the number of exhibits inside, there is something else that might be worth checking out . The sound of doors opening and closing with no one behind them is a common occurrence. Other paranormal happenings have included but are not limited to phantom voices and apparitions showing up at random in some of the rooms and the main hallway.

• https://www.denverpost.com/2010/09/03/of-mosques-mount-rushmore-and-dia/
• https://ghost.hauntedhouses.com/colorado_denver_molly_brown_house
• https://www.cpr.org/2017/08/11/beatles-presidents-and-a-double-murder-the-brown-palace-hotel-turns-125/
• https://www.9news.com/article/life/style/colorado-guide/the-denver-neighborhood-that-nearly-17000-orphans-once-called-home/447239952
• https://www.westword.com/arts/ten-spooky-stories-from-denvers-own-croke-patterson-mansion-5784702
• https://www.legendsofamerica.com/co-cheesemanpark/
• https://history.denverlibrary.org/capitol-hill-neighborhood-history
• https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/colorado/haunted-buckhorn-exchange/
• https://www.hauntedrooms.com/5-haunted-hotels-in-denver-co
• https://amyscrypt.com/haunted-denver-colorado/

Read Our Blog For More Haunted History!

The stanley hotel, cripple creek fire and police department, colorado grande casino and hotel.

Things To Do | A guide to Denver’s biggest haunted houses and…

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Things to do | a guide to denver’s biggest haunted houses and outdoor frights, bury yourself in a coffin, and other immersive halloween scares for 2022.

Halloween attractions continue to hold a power position in Denver’s rapidly mutating, nationally renowned immersive-art and entertainment scene. Namely: They were here first.

Whether or not you like them, haunted houses, corn mazes and their carnival equivalent (funhouses) already cornered the market on interactive, 360-degree entertainment decades before the immersive trend began. Is it not artistic to be plunged into dark corridors populated by jump-scare zombies? To lose your wits on a bumpy hayride? Maybe not. But it’s fun.

In honor of Halloween, here are five of the biggest metro-area haunted houses and attractions that will make you forget about the world outside, however traumatically. The selection of larger names is a bit thinner this year, following the absence of mainstays such as Parker’s Fright Acres, Henderson’s City of the Dead, and Denver’s Undead: Abominations.

What remains, at least, is suitably demented. (Coffin Simulator Ride, anyone?). And don’t forget about other family operations, such as Littleton’s historic Reinke Brothers ( reinkebrothers.com , open now) or Fritzler’s Scream Acres ( fritzlerscreamacres.com , opening Friday, Sept. 23).

See more fall and Halloween events at denverpost.com/things-to-do .

The Frightmare Compound

Westminster’s Frightmare Compound is one of the region’s largest and oldest haunted houses, having debuted more than 38 years ago. Despite advertising “something for the whole family,” Frightmare warns that kids 12 and under may find it too scary. That’s not hard to believe, given the attendant Monster Museum, mini-escape rooms and Coffin Simulator Ride, the last of which allows customers to experience what it would be like to get buried alive, according to the website.

“Imagine hearing the whimpers of your loved ones as they tell their last goodbyes at your funeral in Denver. Envision piles of dirt falling on your coffin surrounding your body with no escape. With our coffin simulator, you no longer have to imagine,” they write. Now that’s entertainment! Open now through Oct. 31 at 10798 Yukon St. in Westminster. Tickets: $30-$60. 303-467-2273 or thefrightmarecompound.com

The 13th Floor Haunted House

This year’s bloody bumper crop looks a little more immersive than past events. The thrills include Primal Fear (sasquatch/Bigfoot-themed), Midnight Mania (college slasher) and All Hallows Eve (supernatural/ghostly horrors); drinks at its on-site Shriekeasy patio bar; axe-throwing at Class Axe; mini-escape games; the Sensory Overload experience (which takes place in complete blackness); and VIP amenities. Phew. Open now through Nov. 12 at 3400 E. 52nd Ave. Tickets: $20-$35. 13thfloorhauntedhouse.com

Haunted Field of Screams

Cabin fever is fine for snowed-in caretakers at haunted Colorado hotels (such as The Stanley in Estes Park , which inspired a little book called “The Shining”). But here on the Front Range, we also like our wide-open spaces. A feeling of exploration and choice is part of the appeal at Haunted Field of Screams, where wide-open terrors lurk behind every cornstalk.

This year’s theme is “A Ride to the Riverdale Gates of Hell,” which is based on a real, 11-mile stretch of Colorado’s Riverdale Road said to be the site of gruesome crimes and accidents. And, of course, that’s where the 40-acre Haunted Field of Screams happens to be located. Open Sept. 30-Oct. 30 at 10451 McKay Road in Thornton. Tickets: $30-$40. hauntedfieldofscreams.com

Terror in the Corn

This Erie attraction also uses an open field as its entry point, situated inside the 10-acre Anderson Farms’ larger Fall Festival and activities. Those are decidedly family-friendly and run all day with games, food, rides and more. Terror in the Corn is billed as a haunted hayride and ghost town experience, so it’s not recommended for little kids. It’s also a surprisingly long and elaborate experience, according to recent reviews, so dress accordingly. Open Sept. 23-Oct. 31 at 6728 County Line Road 3 1/4. Tickets: $35-$39. 303-828-5210 or terrorinthecorn.com

Fright Fest at Elitch Gardens

Don’t fear, young visitors to Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park: You’ll be catered to from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays in October with admission-included free candy on Trick or Treat Trail, and Halloween-themed interactive challenges. The darkness brings back Elitch’s Fright Fest, however, which starts at 6 p.m. on weekends, Oct. 1-30. This year’s haunted attractions are billed as “multi-sensory experiences” in a prison controlled by deranged inmates and a carnival graveyard, among others.

With names like Lock Up: No Escape, Big Top Freaks and Séance, what could go wrong? Haunted houses are part of general admission, which is $50 per adult (kids 2 and under are free). 2000 Elitch Circle in Denver. 303-595-4386 or elitchgardens.com/fright-fest

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City Stories

Mile High ghosts: five haunted places to visit in Denver

What makes a building scary? Is it the creaky attic or the eerie stairwell that leads to a dark, cold basement, or is it the eroding aesthetics and mysterious nooks and crannies? 

According to Amir Ameri, PhD, a professor in CU Denver’s College of Architecture, all of the above. The term “haunted house” was introduced with the revival of medieval architecture in the 18th century. Think tall spires, turrets, stained-glass windows, brick and stone, rounded staircases, narrow hallways with sharp corners.

“They tend to be more asymmetrical, more fragmented, more vertical,” Ameri said. “It’s this fragmentation that makes you wonder if something is hiding.” 

Denver is home to its fair share of spooky settings, particularly in older neighborhoods like Capitol Hill. Below are five haunted spaces to visit—if you dare—this October.

Croke-Patterson Mansion, 420 East 11th Ave.

Built in 1890 by Thomas B. Croke, the stately mansion on Capitol Hill is now a bed and breakfast. Legend has it that two dogs leapt to their death from the third story during a renovation, objects have gone missing, and otherworldly voices have been heard. Some even say they’ve spotted Thomas Patterson, a former owner of the home, in the courtyard between the mansion and the carriage house.  

Peabody-Whitehead Mansion, 1128 Grant St.

Located along what was once known as “Millionaires Row” near the Colorado Capitol Building, this mansion was built by William Riddick Whitehead and later occupied by Colorado Governor James Peabody. Whitehead, who served as a battlefield surgeon during the Russian Crimean War and the American Civil War, is said to have died of an illness on the property. According to local news outlet The Know, after the mansion was converted into a restaurant and nightclub in 1955, there were reports of breaking glasses and mysterious forces moving forks and knives around the kitchen. 

Molly Brown House Museum, 1340 Pennsylvania St. 

This beautiful Victorian was once the home of Denver socialites J.J. and Molly Brown (the Titanic survivor) and now serves as a well-known museum, showcasing Brown’s mementos and memorabilia. But that’s not all: Tour guides, museum workers, and tourists say they’ve spotted the spirits of what appear to be the former owners and their family members, and sometimes, they’ll even catch a whiff of J.J.’s pipe smoke or notice furniture rearranged.

Brown Palace Hotel, 321 17th St.

A lot can happen in more than 100 years, which is why this historic hotel is said to have visits from the spirits of past guests, employees, even musicians. Legend has it that a Denver socialite lived in room 904 from 1940 to 1955. When the hotel included her story of heartbreak in its tours, the switchboard began to receive calls from the room, even though it was empty and undergoing renovation. 

Cheeseman Park, 1900 E 11th Ave.

This may be the most haunted place in Denver to spend Halloween. That’s because it was a cemetery until it became one of Denver’s most popular parks in the early 1900s. The undertaker at the time, E. P. McGovern, was ordered to move 5,000 graves, but due to allegations of dismembering the corpses so they could be placed in child-sized coffins to make more money, he was dismissed before all of the graves could be relocated. A couple thousand bodies are expected to remain.

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PSST… These Are the 10 Most Haunted Places in Denver

While we like telling ghost stories all year long, there’s something special about swapping bone-chilling tales on a cold fall evening. If you’re on the hunt for some new spooky reads, you’re in luck! Denver is home to a plethora of terrifying stories that will keep you up all night long. 

From hotels offering ghastly pasts to a park built right on top of an old graveyard, our city is filled with historical hauntings. We rounded up a few of the most (supposedly) haunted places in Denver, all with a creepy story of their own. Read on, but don’t blame us if you have a hard time getting to sleep tonight.

The Oxford Hotel

1600 17th Street, Denver

Located in LoDo, The Oxford Hotel is Denver’s oldest boutique hotel. It was founded in 1891 and has seen Denver through the Art Deco stylings of the 1930s, the tourism boom in the 1950s and major renovations to the city in the 1980s. But tales of mysterious flickering lights, faucets running on their own, and guests locking themselves into their rooms have started to give this historic hotel a pretty spooky reputation. 

The most iconic ghost story from The Oxford originated in 1898, when a woman named Florence Montague shot and killed her lover before taking her own life in room 320. Since then, many single male guests who stay in Room 320 report having their covers violently tugged away in the middle of the night. 

Cheesman Park

North Downing Street to York Street, Denver

If you live in Denver or have ever spent time exploring everything The Mile High City has to offer, it’s likely that you’ve strolled through Cheesman Park at least once. While this historic park feels anything but creepy, it was actually built over the top of an old cemetery in 1898. Yes, you read that right! That lush green space, packed full of flowers where you’ve walked your dog or enjoyed a picnic was developed on top of a packed cemetery. It isn’t uncommon to hear of remains being unearthed in the park—even as late as 2008, road workers doing routine maintenance discovered human bones during their repairs. 

Legend has it that more than 2,000 ghosts still roam the park, angry that their graves were never moved during the park’s development. Many people say they unexpectedly experienced overwhelming sadness while in the area. But other reports are more specific, often including the sounds of whispering voices and moans, as well as seeing ghostly apparitions while visiting the area at night. Children playing; a woman singing to herself; strange shadows wandering through the park in confusion—the stories of hauntings in Cheesman Park are endless.

The Patterson Inn

420 East 11th Avenue, Denver

Constructed in 1891, the Croke-Patterson Mansion (now known as the Patterson Historic Inn) has often been deemed the most haunted house in Denver. From dog suicides to reports of a former caretaker’s ghost roaming the grounds, the mansion has such a long list of reported hauntings that it actually has a book and a documentary dedicated to it. It was even featured on an episode of Portals to Hell , just in case you were wondering exactly how haunted this historic spot actually is.  

The house itself is located in Capitol Hill and while it was once the home of Thomas B. Croke, it has since been turned into a quaint, albeit slightly creepy, bed and breakfast. It’s made of red sandstone and consists of 14,000 square feet of elegant beauty. While the majority of the haunting stories come from when the home was actually being remodeled, many still report seeing the spirit of a little girl who is buried deep in the basement floor. 

The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa

321 17th Street, Denver

For Denver residents, The Brown Palace has become a place for fun weekend staycations, quaint afternoon tea services and luxurious spa days. But there are some sinister stories under all the opulence, which has caused many to believe this downtown spot is haunted.

The hotel opened its doors on August 12, 1892 and has played host to a slew of presidents, prime ministers and celebrities ever since. The Brown Palace Club, which is a gentlemen’s club that once served as the campaign headquarters for Dwitght D. Eisenhower, is the biggest source of bone-chilling stories. Many report lights that turn on and off by themselves and a carpet that crawls under your feet like something is alive. Others claim that they have seen a man in a railroad conductor uniform wandering the club. When approached, he allegedly retreats to the ground floor and into the corner wall of the hotel—which was once the Rock Island Railroad ticket office. 

The Colorado State Capitol Building

200 East Colfax Avenue, Denver

While politics are plenty scary on their own, there’s another reason you should be wary of visiting the Colorado State Capitol Building: it could be crawling with ghosts.

Disembodied floating heads, the sounds of ghostly horses, restless spirits wandering the top floor have all been reported by curious Capitol visitors. One of the most common sightings is a white vapor that rises from the Senate and forms itself into a Victorian lady. Many believe she’s the ghost of a jealous senator’s wife. Others report seeing a phantom nicknamed “Henry” who wanders the Capitol, guarding a secret stash of cash that is reportedly hidden in the tunnels beneath the building. 

Buckhorn Exchange

1000 Osage Street, Denver

Buckhorn Exchange, a Denver destination for unique meats—including their famed Rocky Mountain Oysters—is more than just meets the eye. It’s the oldest steakhouse in the state, having been in operation since 1893. It was also one of the very first fur trading posts in the area. And with a rich past like that, it’s bound to have a few ghost stories. 

Visitors have reported everything from disembodied voices to phantom footsteps sounding through the building. The waitstaff has also witnessed chairs sliding away from tables on their own, as if a ghostly diner has finished their meal and is standing up. 

The Yak & Yeti Restaurant and Brewpub

7803 Ralston Road, Arvada

Speaking of old, haunted restaurants, we can’t forget one of Arvada’s favorite dining spots: The Yak & Yeti! While today this brewpub is known for its delicious Nepalese cuisine, it also has a bit of a creepy past. Long before it became the dining establishment we know today, it was a house built by a man named Eli Allen in 1864. Allen was the Arvada postmaster at the time and operated the post office from his home. When he died, the home passed to his son, who sold it to Elias and Cora VanVoorhis—who would later become The Yak & Yeti’s most iconic ghost. In the 1940’s, Cora died from injuries suffered in a fall down the stairs, which are still used in the restaurant today. 

While Cora’s body may have been removed from the historic building, her spirit reportedly remains and can be seen wandering the restaurant. There have been other reports of ghostly activity in the building, so many in fact, that a team of ghost hunters was called in to investigate. You can see the results of their investigation (during which they got videos of chairs moving on their own and recordings of disembodied voices) here . 

Hotel Teatro

1100 14th Street, Denver

Hotel Teatro, located in downtown Denver is surrounded by culinary hotspots and one of Denver’s most popular high-end shopping destinations. While this luxurious hotel looks anything but haunted from the outside, guests have long been reporting strange occurrences during their stay.

The hotel itself wasn’t always a place for rest and relaxation. It was originally built to be an office tower for the Denver Tramway Company. It wasn’t until 1994, when new owners purchased the building, that it finally came to be the hotel we know and love. But it was during the remodeling that stuff really started to get freaky. During construction, crews began to hear strange voices coming from empty rooms—and it didn’t stop there. Today, guests report sightings of “the tool man”, a former mechanic who once worked on railcars in the building’s basement. Since his tragic death during a work-related accident, he’s been spotted carrying tools and wandering the halls of the building.

The Molly Brown House Museum

1340 Pennsylvania Street, Denver

If you asked us who our favorite character is in James Cameron’s Titanic, we would probably have to say Molly Brown, a sassy, helpful Denverite played by Kathy Bates who was constantly rooting for Jack to succeed. While Jack and Rose never existed (sorry hopeless romantics), Molly Brown did! She was independent, out-spoken and known for constantly challenging societal norms. After surviving the Titanic’s sinking, she became a bit of a celebrity. Years after her death, her Denver home was restored and opened to the public as a museum.

According to rumors, she and her husband are just as stubborn in death as they were in life, and are still hanging out at their old home. Many report having seen Molly and her husband wandering the museum. Some even say they’ve smelled phantom cigar smoke emanating from Mr. Brown’s room. 

Riverside Cemetery

Brighton Boulevard, Denver

It’s probably not a shock to you that one of the spookiest spots on this list is an actual cemetery. While Riverside Cemetery on Brighton Boulevard hasn’t sold new plots for almost a decade, it is still one of the most-visited graveyards in Denver—mostly, because people say it’s haunted. 

This massive cemetery is the oldest operating graveyard in Denver and is the final resting place for over 67,000 people, including many of the area’s most fascinating citizens. Silas Soule, Jack the Strangler victim Kiku Oyama, Civil War veterans, Medal of Honor recipients, and hundreds of other notable Denverites have been laid to rest here, many of which you can supposedly see walking through the grounds at night. The cemetery has played into its haunted reputation, even offering guided ghost tours throughout the area. While you might not see an actual ghost during the tour, you’ll probably find yourself face-to-face with hired actors dressed like iconic Denver figures who will have a ghostly tale to tell you. 

Are you scared yet? 

Dever is packed full of haunted destinations! Did we miss your favorite? Tell us all about it in the comments below!