real haunted house in columbus ohio

• Awards Season
• Big Stories
• Pop Culture
• Video Games
• Celebrities

Luxurious Hotel Accommodations for Your Next Visit to Columbus, Ohio

If you’re planning a trip to Columbus, Ohio, finding the perfect hotel is crucial to ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming trying to narrow down your choices. That’s where we come in – we’ve done the research for you and found some of the most luxurious hotels in Columbus that offer top-notch amenities and unbeatable service.

Location is Key

When searching for hotels in Columbus, it’s important to consider location. Do you want to be close to downtown attractions or prefer a more secluded location? One option that offers the best of both worlds is The Joseph, located in the Short North Arts District. This boutique hotel features contemporary art throughout its public spaces and guest rooms, along with a rooftop pool and lounge area offering stunning views of the city. It’s also just steps away from some of Columbus’ best restaurants and shops.

Amenities Galore

If amenities are what you’re after, The Westin Great Southern Columbus has plenty to offer. This historic hotel boasts an indoor pool and fitness center, as well as an on-site restaurant serving up delicious American cuisine. Guests can also take advantage of its prime downtown location near popular attractions like Nationwide Arena and the Ohio Statehouse.

Luxury at Its Finest

For those looking for ultimate luxury during their stay in Columbus, The Hilton Downtown Columbus won’t disappoint. This sleek hotel features spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the city skyline. Guests can also enjoy access to its rooftop bar featuring craft cocktails and small bites, or indulge in a treatment at its on-site spa.

Friendly Options

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing quality accommodations – there are plenty of affordable options available in Columbus as well. The Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Columbus Downtown-Convention Center offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities like flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. It’s also conveniently located just a few blocks from the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

In conclusion, no matter what your budget or preferences, there are plenty of luxurious hotel options available for your next visit to Columbus, Ohio. From prime locations to top-notch amenities and unbeatable service, these hotels are sure to make your stay in the city a memorable one.

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

MORE FROM ASK.COM

Photos: Haunted places in Columbus

Advertisement

Ohio Real Haunted Houses - Houses That are Truly Haunted

Categories: Real Haunted Houses

Categories: Real Haunted Houses | Real Haunted Museums

Categories: Real Haunted Houses | Real Haunted Places

Categories: Real Haunted Houses | Real Haunted Hotels & Lodging | Real Haunted Army Posts / Battle Grounds

Know of a Real Haunt that we don't already have listed? Please Let Us know

• Ghost Hunt Gift Cards
• Ohio’s Haunted Hotels
• Cincinnati’s Haunted Hotels
• Haunted Columbus, OH
• Haunted Dayton, OH
• Search for:

No products in the cart.

The 10 Most Haunted Places in Columbus, OH

Columbus Ohio is a town which is full of haunted locations that can provide you with all of the bone-chilling entertainment that you could ever ask for! It is more or less littered with ghosts, spirits and strange paranormal activity.

Let’s take a look at the 10 most haunted places in Columbus, Ohio.

1. Thurber House

You actually get a two-for-one deal when you visit Thurber House because there are two separate buildings, both of which are said to be haunted!

Thurber House is a nonprofit literary center which once served as the home of author and cartoonist James Thurber. Mr Thurber himself said that he experienced paranormal activity in the house while he lived there and today visitors are also experiencing phantom footsteps and other activity.

Some guests have had books thrown at them and they have seen an indistinct figure moving as well. It is a similar story at the Thurber Museum, suggesting that the same entities are moving between both buildings.

The general consensus is that the source of the hauntings is that several people died in a fire at a mental institution that once stood very close to where Thurber House now sits.

See also: Ohio’s Haunted Hotels

2. Old Governor’s Mansion

Without a doubt one of the most haunted places in Ohio is Old Governor’s Mansion. The spirit haunting the Old Governor’s Mansion is described as an African American woman wearing a blue dress from the 1900s.

She has been seen in many different rooms throughout the house and during the renovation of the house she actually appeared to the workers and spoke directly to them.

She apparently wanted to tell them how happy she was about the remodelling work that they were planning.

She is also said to be responsible for moving paintings around inside the mansion during the night!

3. Mirror Lake

One of the most haunted locations in Columbus Ohio is Mirror Lake which is located at the Ohio State University. There are a couple of different ghosts that are linked to the location including a student of the university who drowned in the lake during the sixties.

Visitors to the lake say that they have heard frantic splashing and even muffled screaming as though the drowning is being replayed over and over.

The other spirit is said to be that of a jogger who was killed close to the lake. He is often said to create a cool rush of air as he runs past the visitors to the lake and some say that they have seen his apparition and say that he looks back over his shoulder as he runs. Is he looking back at his killer?

4. Red Brick Tavern

The Red Brick Tavern was built in 1836 and since then it has served a variety of purposes over the years including a tavern, an inn, a school and even a private residence.

These days it is home to a restaurant where the signature dish is a steak dinner that is named after the 6 presidents known to have visited – John Quincy Adams, Martin Van Buren, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor and Warren G. Harding.

In terms of the building’s haunted aspect, there is said to be a female ghost in the upstairs area of the restaurant.

She’s often seen looking out of the upstairs windows and customers have heard her footsteps walking above them while they are eating downstairs.

t is believed that she is someone who lived in the house at one time and committed suicide after being betrayed by her lover.

Rumor has it that she actually created an embroidery sampler before her death that read ‘Remember Me’. Her spirit has certainly made sure that those words ring true!

5. Watkins Road Bridge

Watkins Road Bridge is also known locally as Headless Hattie Bridge and it is apparently haunted by a woman and her baby who died in a car accident here. It is said that if you stop on the bridge and flash your lights twelve times, then the woman will appear and you will hear the screaming of her dying baby.

However, she is not the only spectre here. There is another ghost story that dates back to before this one, back when the bridge was a covered one.

The story is that a young couple had stopped to carve their initials into the inside of the bridge. The boy was struck by a passing car and died instantly.

Now it is said that the girl can be seen sitting in the same spot sobbing over her lost love.

6. Blind Lady Tavern

UPDATE: Closed as of March 22, 2023

Some say that the Blind Lady Tavern has been plagued by bad omens right from the very start! This all stems from the fact that it was built on top of a Hopewell Indian burial mound back in the 1930s!

Anyone who has ever seen a horror movie already knows that this is just about the worst idea ever! The tavern was originally built in order to offer accommodation to those attending court cases in town.

It has always been a tavern, but at some points during its history some sections have been put to other uses such as a brief stint as a brothel.

It was during this time as a brothel that a prostitute found herself accused of manslaughter after killing a drunk who attempted to kick down her door. He is thought to be at least one of the spirits that is haunting the Blind Lady Tavern!

Female employees and customers have been pushed by unseen hands and some have even seen the tall shadowy figure in the tavern. Staff also say that the burners of the stove have been turned on or off by an unseen force!

7. The Elevator

Over the years, The Elevator has gone by many different names, but with each rebranding there is one thing that always stays the same – the clock that is stuck at 10:05!

It is said that a colonel who was a well known womanizer died at exactly 10:05 pm when he was stabbed outside the bar by a disgruntled ex-lover! The only evidence in the crime was bare footprints in the snow!

These days the brewery taproom is said to be haunted and customers have seen the Colonel’s ghost in the building.

Others say that mysterious footprints appear outside the restaurant whenever there is a fresh snowfall!

8. Green Lawn Cemetery

Green Lawn Cemetery is the second largest cemetery in all of Ohio and it is one of the most haunted locations in Columbus.

The paranormal activity here seems to be more or less centred on the main mausoleum and the Hayden mausoleum.

It is something of a rite of passage for local teenagers to walk up to the door of the Hayden mausoleum and knock.

More often than not, there is someone or perhaps something that will knock back in reply!

9. Children’s Hospital

There are a number of rooms in Columbus’ Children’s Hospital which are said to be haunted. There are some corridors where nurses refuse to go by themselves at night time!

The park right next to the hospital is also said to be haunted by ‘The Pink Lady’ and children staying in the hospital often report seeing her from their rooms.

It is thought that the park and possibly part of the hospital was actually built on top of an old Confederate cemetery which could certainly explain why the building is haunted.

See also: Haunted Places in Ohio

10. Old Ohio Penitentiary

The old Ohio Penitentiary stood in Columbus from 1834 until 1998, starting off life as a log built prison which later evolved to stone cell houses constructed by the inmates themselves.

Around 1900, the prison saw its heyday with Warden E.G. Coffin being considered something of an expert in penology. This prison was seen as the model for an efficient prison and became something of a tourist attraction!

However, the reality of life inside of Ohio Penitentiary was much different from the image that was publicized. It was over crowded and by 1955 it housed 5235 inmates – more than three times its official capacity of 1500.

Aside from the overcrowding and poor conditions, the prison also saw fires, riots, beatings, suicides and of course executions so it is not at all surprising that the building was said to be haunted by the spirits of its former inmates.

The prison closed in 1979 and was demolished in 1998, but the site where it once stood is still said to be a hotspot for paranormal activity.

Strange sounds and apparitions are reported with some degree of regularity here, especially echoes of the terrible prison fire of the 1930s which is said to be one of the worst prison fires in history.

Username or email address  *

Password  *

Remember me Log in

Lost your password?

I spent a night alone in one of the most haunted homes in Columbus; Here’s what happened

Believe it or not, Columbus, I survived a night alone inside Thurber House.

And I have a lot to share with you.

As we included an in-depth story about the haunted history of Thurber House and the nearby Thurber Center in our October issue of (614) Magazine , actually going to the house and reporting on it seemed like a natural–if terrifying–next step. And our friends at the historical home were willing to have me.

For those who don’t know, Thurber House was the former home of legendary American humor writer and cartoonist James Thurber. Today, the house–located at 77 Jefferson Ave.–is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and operates as a unique museum dedicated to Thurber and his work.

The land Thurber House was built on served as an early mental health hospital, although this burned to the ground in 1868, killing multiple people. In the early 1900s, before Thurber and his family moved into the house, the previous homeowner accidentally shot and killed himself after handling a gun he did not believe was loaded.

These two incidents, many believe, contribute to Thurber House’s paranormal reputation. In fact, Thurber himself claimed to have an impactful supernatural experience in the home.

First Impressions (7 p.m.)

I arrived to Thurber House just as the sun was setting. The first thing, I think, anyone will notice about the home is the strangeness of its location. Thurber House and Thurber Center (which is next door at 91 Jefferson Ave.) sit at the northern end of Thurber Park. And while it’s located directly off Broad Street in the Discovery District, the House–and even the Park–feel totally insulated. 

Yes, the sound of traffic from Broad Street and nearby Long Street filter in regularly, but you feel like you’re in a forgotten pocket of the city, which leads to a truly unique atmosphere, and also added to my fear.

After receiving a quick tour of the home and museum, and storing a few things I’d brought up to the third floor apartment where I would sleep, the first thing about the interior that struck me was its size.

Yes, the house is three floors, but it’s also longer than it is tall. It essentially occupies the entire plot of land between Jefferson Avenue and North 11th Street.

Exploring Thurber House (7:30 p.m.)

As I mentioned earlier, Thurber House is a museum. The majority of its rooms on the first two floors are preserved to appear as they would have while James Thurber was living there. 

This means you run into some really, really creepy stuff (especially when you’re in a house by yourself), like an old, out of tune piano, a headless mannequin donning an antique dress and many, many old photos and drawings. 

While there are photos of Thurber’s life and work throughout the House, there are even more photos of authors who have donated a signed portrait, and visiting writers (The Thurber House operates an artist in residency program). These line the hallways, the staircases and almost all of what was the house’s street-facing guest bedroom. And it was nerve-wracking: You pass hundreds of eyes on a quick pass through the house, and you’re just waiting for each one to start following you.

It Gets Weird (9:30 p.m.)

After exploring for a while, I spent most of the night on the third floor (in the apartment, where visiting writers also stay during their residencies).

I did hear a few strange one-off noises from the first floor, but these could have been any number of things, especially since I was unfamiliar with the normal moans and groans of the House.

Shortly after this, though, is when the only really unexplainable part of my stay took place.

The third floor consists of a long, narrow hallway that opens up into a living space and kitchen with adjoining bedrooms. I began hearing these faint creaking noises that seemed to be coming from both the hallway and the kitchen (I was on the couch in the living area, next to the kitchen). But they would alternate. I would hear it from the kitchen, and then the hallway, and then the kitchen again. And always from the same spots in each respective area.

I know many of you are probably thinking “GHOST FOOTSTEPS” right about now, but something about the cadence of the creaks–they were a little more extended and soft–didn’t sound exactly like footsteps.

I was starting to get scared at this point. I mean, come on. And then the noises began increasing in frequency, sometimes seeming to come from both the hallway and kitchen at the same time. After about 30 minutes of them occurring every 10-20 seconds, I was actually less afraid. I figured something this prolonged had to be just another quirk in an old home.

And then the noise stopped.

Ironically, this was the peak of my fear. Just as I was beginning to write off the creaking sounds, the fact that they stopped made me feel like they weren’t just some static occurrence that happens as the floorboards expand, or whatever floorboards do.

And I’m not going to lie, I was pretty afraid. Am I ready to attribute the sounds to a ghost? Definitely not. Do I have an explanation for them, though? Also, definitely not.

Thinking back on my mindset, I do think it’s possible that my expectations played a big part of this fear, though. In a new home, I don’t know if I would’ve given the sounds I heard much thought at all. But staying in a historically haunted home, totally alone and around Halloween, I was READY to be haunted.

And that’s all, really. I was able to fall asleep relatively easily a few hours later, and nothing of note happened after that, except I did end up noticing this super creepy portrait.

Stay spooky, Columbus.

Want to read more? Check out our print publication, (614) Magazine. Learn where you can find a free copy of our new October issue  here !

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Foodie Favorites: 614feast’s top 5 picks for Burger and Beer Week

Pickup pizza kitchen attempting to open permanent location on South Side

Do you agree with ‘Foursquare’s’ list of ‘15 Best Places for Pizza in Columbus’?

‘Modern prohibition-inspired’ eatery & jazz bar opens next weekend

• Terms of Service

© 2020 614 Media Group. All Rights Reserved.

Thanks for stopping by but it looks like the contest you tried to enter is over. Keep an eye on your email for a chance at the next one!

Congratulations, ! You earned one entry into our Big Perk of . You now have entries

Be sure to open tomorrow's email and click the giveaway link for another entry!

Enter your information below to earn an entry into our

• Dates & Times

Columbus' Most Immersive Haunted House

Columbus' scariest haunted house, welcome to carnage haunted house.

Immerse yourself in highly-detailed sets that create a fully realistic horror experience.

Rated as one of the Top 5 Haunted Attractions in Ohio in 2022 Rated #5 in the country in 2019

Featuring Two Terrifying Haunted Houses

You dare to enter? There is a tale of an ancient voodoo priestess that plagued the swamp full of cursed creatures lurking in the dark to steal your soul.

As you travel into an abandoned hospital, wrecked with CARNAGE and darkness, you begin to see the dark entity as it spreads through the building and those that occupy it.

Free Parking

Indoor Waiting

ADA Accessible

17 and under must be accompanied by 21+ Adult with valid ID

Friends of Carnage

3770 Refugee Road, Columbus, OH, 43232

[email protected]

• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy

© Copyright Carnage Haunted House  2023 . All rights reserved. Powered by FearWorm

• Login or Register

The Best Haunted Houses Around Columbus

People are afraid of a lot of different things.

From clowns to dolls to chainsaw men, Haunted Houses pick out those fears and maximize them. Personally, I am afraid of basically everything that goes into a haunted house. I don’t like small spaces, I don’t like people chasing me, and I definitely don’t like clowns. My imagination runs away with the slightest notion of fear.

As a kid, I was so terrified of an episode of Boy Meets World that I hid, huddled with my cousin on the stairs of his home, clutching a bible and praying that the episode would end and Mr. Feeny would go back to being a nice, old man.

To be fair, I’m not the only child who was traumatized by that work of 90’s television. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve made friends who for some reason, do enjoy being frightened.

Which is how I found myself a few years ago laughing/crying my way through a haunted house all while being filmed. I know that it seems like I was having fun on the surface, but deep down, trust me, I was terrified.

If for some insane reason, you’re interested in having a terrifying experience, we’ve got some great haunts. Here are the best in the area, guaranteed to give you jumps and scares.

Brimstone Haunt

What: Brimstone Haunt is always one of the most anticipated haunts of the season. Brimstone will include a haunted hayride, an outdoor wooded haunted house, a high-intensity indoor haunted house, a paintball experience, and even a zombie simulator bus. The hayride is a family-friendly attraction, while the rest of the experiences are much scarier. Ticket prices vary by experience and you can save $5 by purchasing them ahead of time online. When: Open 7 p.m. until Midnight, Friday and Saturday nights until October 28 Where: 472 Brimstone Rd, Wilmington, OH 45177 Website: Brimstone Haunt

Fear Columbus

ZOMBIEzi Bay

What: Ready to explore a fiendish world of four haunted houses, two scare zones, and six amusement rides? Zoombezi Bay has been taken over by zombies and it’s never been spookier. Unlike Boo at the Zoo, this spooky experience is not suitable for young children. So be sure to get a babysitter. Tickets start at $29.99 (for non-members) and can be purchased here. Where: Zoombezi Bay, 4850 Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065 Website: ZOMBIEziBay.com

Carnage Haunted House

What: This 30 room, indoor haunt uses detailed sets, lighting, and massive special effects to create a one-of-a-kind haunted house experience. Carnage is also ADA accessible. Grab some food at a food truck or watch an outdoor movie as you wait for your chance at this terrifying experience. When: Open weekends through October 21 and Thursday-Sunday until October 29. Tickets start at $25 and are available for purchase here. Parking is limited. Where: 3770 Refugee Rd, Columbus, OH 43232

Escape from Blood Prison at Ohio State Reformatory

Chelsea Wiley

Chelsea Wiley, first of her name, Queen of the Seven Andals... wait. That's not right. Joking aside, Chelsea is a writer and photographer born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. She is an avid reader and a lover of animals.

Privacy Overview

Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts.

Please enter a valid zipcode.

Here are some of Ohio's bone-chilling haunted houses to visit this Halloween

OHIO — Ghouls, skeletons, zombies and more — Ohio has tons of haunted houses ready to give thrill seekers a fright. 

According to   thescarefactor.com , there are more than 130 haunted house entries for the state of Ohio.

Whether you want to go to a scream park or a giant prison, there's plenty to choose from this Halloween. 

And of course, there are more to visit that may not be on this list. To check what's in your area,  click here.

Southern Ohio

Brimstone haunt.

This year, Brimstone Haunt is offering six experiences for guests. Each attraction is rated from one to five skulls depending on its attraction intensity.

Let's start with the scariest attraction: Psychosis, ranked a whopping five out of five skulls. Brimstone Haunt said guests will experience "disturbing scenes of horror."

The second is Forgotten Forest, ranked four out of five skulls. Guests take a walk through the woods, and Brimstone Haunt warns they may not be the same once they escape the forest. 

The third is Zombie Assault, ranked three out of five skulls. As the name suggests, it's an apocalypse with a disease spreading all over the globe. 

The fourth is Haunted Hayride, ranked two out of five skulls. Visitors will take a ride in the fields where "many horrors have been reported."

The last two are both ranked one out of five skulls: Dead Shot Paintball, which allows guests to take their aim at zombies, and Cranium Crusher, in which guests have to use hammers to crush brains back into the zombies. 

Tickets : (They are $5 cheaper when purchased online)

Haunted Hayride: $20 (online)

Forgotten Forest: $18 (online)

Psychosis!: $11 (online)

Dead Shot Paintball: $11

Zombie Assault: $7

Cranium Crusher: $5

Combo Ticket for Haunted Hayride, Forgotten Forest and Psychosis: $32

Fast pass combo: $52

Location: 525 Brimstone Rd. Wilmington, Ohio

Days of operation: It will open starting Sept. 15, and will be open every Friday and Saturday throughout September and October.

Land of Illusion Scream Park

Land of Illusion offers six different attractions for guests to fulfill their adrenaline rush: Phobia, Temple of Terror, Killer Klowns, Dr. Psycho's Haunted Estate, Middletown Haunted Trail and Dysphoria. There's also a slew of live shows and events Land of Illusion will be hosting throughout the fall, including Ghost Busters Live! on Sept. 30.

Friday or Saturday general admission: $50

General admission plus the fast pass: $75

Friday or Saturday pass for one attraction: $20

Days of operation:  Friday and Saturday nights starting Sept. 8.

Location: 8762 Thomas Rd., Middletown, Ohio

Mt. Healthy Haunted Hall

This attraction has been around since 1990 and has added more attractions ever since. This year, the haunt is offering 20 scenes that will include never-before-seen attractions, but will also include the classics, such as Dracula and Hellavator. 

Tickets : $12 per guest, but a $2 discount is applied if a canned good is donated. Fast passes are available for $18. Cash only. Guests can also get $4 off on Sept. 29 and Sept. 30, or they can get $6 by bringing a canned good. 

Days of operation : Opens Sept. 29 and runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 28.

Location : 7700 Steward Ave., Mt. Healthy, Ohio

The Dent School House

This isn't your average school house. The Dent School House is known for its local legend, garnering national attention by guests far and wide. It has also been featured in publications like USA Today and the Travel Channel, being named one of the most haunted attractions in the nation.

The building was once Dent Public School, and lore says it closed after many children went missing between 1942 and 1955. The story says parents stormed the building in anger, and found the children dead in the basement. The janitor was to blame. While there are no records to back this up, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported the school, along with one another, closed in 1949 and the students were moved to another school. 

Tickets : There are several different ticket options for each attraction and show it offers. Click here for more information and availability.

Days of operation: Opens Sept. 15 and runs on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. It'll also be open Monday, Oct. 30 and Tuesday, Oct. 31. It offers ghost tours on Wednesdays.

Location: 5963 Harrison Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio

Central Ohio

The ohio state reformatory.

This haunted attraction has quite the backstory. The Ohio State Reformatory was in operation from 1896 to 1990, when it was ordered to close down stemming from prisoners’ class action lawsuit, stating the prison was overcrowded and inmates were housed in inhumane conditions. The prison has witnessed hundreds of deaths, and a riot that involved the death of two prison guards. 

It's also been an attraction for Hollywood, having once been a backdrop for movies like Shawshank Redemption. When it's not offering tours or putting on an event in honor of Shawshank, it transforms into a haunted house filled with zombies, witches and a screaming queen.

Tickets : General Admission is $35 and the Ultra Lightning Pass is $75. 

Days of operation : Sept. 29 through Oct. 29 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights

Location : 100 Reformatory Rd., Mansfield, Ohio

Carnage Haunted House

This immersive attraction uses lighting and special effects to make monsters come to life. It features two haunted houses — The Bayou, which features an ancient voodoo priestess that plagues a swamp full of cursed creatures, and the other is The Entity, an abandoned hospital wrecked with carnage. 

Tickets : $25 for general admission. Fast passes are $35. They're also offering Immediate Access Admission, which costs $65.

Days of operation: Fridays and Saturdays starting Sept. 15. It'll also be open Thursday, Oct. 26 and Sunday, Oct. 29.

Location: 3770 Refugee Rd., Columbus, Ohio

Dead Acres (Haunted Hoochie)

Dead Acres has been spreading fear for two decades in Columbus. However, the history of the place goes back 50 years, when it once offered hayrides. 

This attraction is not for the easily frightened. Using sensory-overload and monsters that are beyond the mind's imagination, this place is where nightmares thrive.

Tickets : $30 for general admission, $50 for a speed pass. 

Days of operation: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays starting Sept. 14. 

Location: 13861 Broad St., Pataskala, Ohio

Fear Columbus Haunted House

Previously dubbed the 13th Floor Columbus, it offers multiple attractions for guests to experience. There are two main attractions: The Summoning Animal Instinct and Aftermath: The Final Stand. 

Tickets : There are no door sales this year.

General Admission Presale: $19

Fast Pass Presale: $29.99

Immediate Access Presale: $39.99.

Ticket prices are subject to change. 

Days of operation: Open starting Sept. 15 on every Friday and Saturday night until Nov. 4. There will also be additional days, including Oct. 12, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 30 and 31. 

Location: 2605 Northland Plaza Dr., Columbus, Ohio

Dayton Scream Park

This year, the park turns 21, and it's going all out. The haunt said it'll have all new scenes, props, monsters and a new compound. To be put simply, "it ain't no walk in the park," organizers said. 

Tickets:  $20 on Fridays and $25 on Saturdays. VIP options will be available. 

Days of operation: Will be open on Fridays and Saturdays starting Sept. 8. 

Location:  4040 Wright Way Rd. Dayton, Ohio 45424

Northern Ohio

Haunted schoolhouse & laboratory.

This year marks 50 seasons of fear for the Haunted Schoolhouse & Laboratory. The two haunted houses are at the same location, giving double the scare factor. Guests will face Ms. Alvah, a not-so-average librarian, who manages to turn students into the terrifying tales within the books on the shelves. They will also meet Dr. Guggenheim, a deranged doctor who knows how to manipulate genes. 

Online general admission: $30

Online Fastpass is $42

For "peak nights," listed on the schedule, GA tickets are $35 and the online Fastpass is $47.

For those who are purchasing tickets on the day of the event, $2 will be added. 

Days of operation : Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting Sept. 23. The haunted attraction won't be open on Sept. 24, but it will be open for Halloween. 

Location : 1300 Triplett Blvd., Akron, Ohio

Fear Forest Haunted House & Hayride

This haunted hayride and house offers four attractions: Insane-a-tarium, Psycho Path, Haunted Hayride and the Forbidden Cornfield. Guests will have their choice of going through a one-mile long hayride full of nightmares, a mental institution with bizarre treatments, a house full of guts and gore, or a walk where guests may come face-to-face with "the crazies."

Tickets : $12 for the hayride only, and $30 for all attractions. Fast passes are also available. 

Days of operation : Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting Friday, Sept. 22 through Oct. 29. 

Location : 6878 Tod Ave., Lordstown, Ohio

Factory of Terror

This haunted house is among the largest in the world, as documented by the Guinness World Records three times. It has over five attractions: 1,300 Lost Souls, Industrial Nightmare, Lafayette 13, Massacre on Mahoning and The Abyss. 

Fridays and Saturdays are $32 on site and $30 online.

Peak nights (identified by its calendar) are $37 on site and $35 online.

Sundays are $27 on site and $25 online.

There are also passes for kids and fast passes available. 

Days of operation : Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting Sept. 23. It won't be open on Sept. 24. 

Location : 4125 Mahoning Rd., Canton, Ohio

Carnival of Horrors at Blossom Music Center

For those who are deathly afraid of clowns, this may or may not be the haunted attraction for you. This attraction offers guests four options: an abandoned fun house, a trail of terror, the insane asylum and a “freakshow,” a 3-D experience sure to give guests a fright.

Tickets : General admission at the door is $25. It’s $24 if purchased online. There’s also a fast pass and group pass options. 

Days of operation : Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting Sept. 29 through Oct. 29. 

Location : 1145 West Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

LATEST NEWS

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to secondary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• About and Contact
• Submit your event or deal

Columbus on the Cheap

Good, Cheap, Fun

Haunted Woods, Haunted Houses, and more around Columbus

Are you ready to be scared?  Halloween is almost here – are you brave enough for these Haunted Woods, Haunted Farms, and Haunted Houses around Columbus .

Check the links for additional details and don’t be a scared-y cat!  Haunts are listed in order of distance from Downtown Columbus. 

Note: some photos from attractions have been included below. If you are not into the scares of haunted houses, we recommend that you do not continue to scroll the page. However, nothing more gruesome than a scary Halloween costume is included.

Haunted Woods and Haunted Houses around Columbus

Fear columbus haunted house.

2605 Northland Plaza Dr, Columbus (located 13 miles from downtown Columbus)  Fridays and Sa turdays Sept 15 through November 4, 2023; Sundays in October; and select mid-week days in October . 

“Fear Columbus is one of the largest and most elaborate haunted house productions in Ohio. Featuring multiple immersive attractions under one roof, photo ops, a retail store, endless scares, dozens of highly trained actors, elaborate costumes and makeup, a state of the art sound system, professionally designed lighting, movie quality set design and the best customer service possible!”

Opening weekend flash sale: $19.99; limited quantity available! 

Tickets are $19.99-$49.99 per person . There are 3 types of admission; general, fast pass, and immediate admission. Dates WILL sell out, so schedule in advance

The website also lists a haunted Christmas experiences, Krampus, in December . Tickets sell out for this limited experience very quickly, so join the waitlist now . 

Haunted Hoochie at Dead Acres

13861 E. Broad St., Pataskala. Located 17 miles from downtown Columbus. (740-927-3568) Opens at 7:30.p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, September 14 through October 29, 2023 . 

$30 plus fees for admission to 2 haunts (Haunted Hoochie and Bad Trip in 3D), or $50 for VIP tickets. Not recommended for young children. 

ZOMBIEzi Bay at Zoombezi Bay

4850 Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065 20 miles from downtown Columbus. Fridays and Saturdays, September 12-October 29, 2023, plus select Thursdays and Sundays. 

The ZOMBIEzi Bay haunted attraction, presented by Mtn Dew, features a wicked new world with four haunted houses, two scare zones, rides and plenty of sinister surprises.

There’s the Brews and Bites: Craft Beer & Food Festival to enjoy some spooky themed food and drink samples. Admission starts at $279; Zoombezi Bay Season Pass Holders and Gold Members get a $14.99 discount.

Zoombezi Bay turns into Haunted Attraction ZOMBIEzi Bay

Pataskala Haunted Forest

8838 Refugee Rd. S.W., Pataskala. 23 miles from Downtown Columbus. (740-975-7812) Open 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays starting September 29, 2023 . 

Trek through the woods will last about 45 minutes, and you may encounter mud and water, so dress appropriately.  Each group can have 12 people only; call for larger groups. Pre-packaged snacks available for purchase.

Tickets must be purchased online only , beginning Sept 25 for opening weekend. Tickets for each weekend are released on the prior Monday. $20.00 per ticket (plus transaction fee). Ticket sales are final; no refunds.

Admission is $20.  All tickets will be sold online this year for a specific date and time. Parking is free. Proceeds benefit Pataskala Lions Club. 

Haunted Farm

5450 Old Millersport Rd., Pleasantville. (740-205-7460) 30 miles from Columbus. Haunted barn and haunted corn maze. Live Entertainment on select nights. Starting September 29 through November 4, 2023 . 

Admission starts at $15 . Parents should make the determination whether kids are ready for this type of experience.

photo via The Haunted Farm

Field of Fright at Little Darby Creek

8657 Axe Handle Rd., Milford Center. Located 34 miles from downtown Columbus. Field of Fright Haunted Path is open on Friday and Saturdays, October 6-28, 2023 after dark.

Base admission & Field of Fright (Does not include Hayride, Corn Cannons, Pie Pumpkin, Pumpkin Blaster or Paintball Pandemonium). Ages 59 & under: $20.00  (on the farm $24.00)

The Works Combo Admission & Field of Fright (Includes 5 Shots at the Corn Cannon, Pie Pumpkin OR 1 Shot at the Pumpkin Blaster & 20 Shots at Paintball Pandemonium) Ages 59 & under: $24.00 (on the farm $28.00)

Fast pass is available for an additional fee.

Terror Maze

6988 Springfield Jamestown Rd. (937-215-2905) 49 miles from Downtown Columbus. Open 8 p.m. to midnight, Fridays and Saturdays, September 22 through October 31, 2023.

Admission is $17 per haunt. Zombo Combo is $27, which is a ticket, tshirt, and glow bracelet.

Nightmare in Nashport

7200 Frazeysburg Rd, Nashport, OH 43830 62 miles from downtown Columbus. Open every Friday and Saturday in October 2023 from Dark until Midnight.

The Nightmare in Nashport “Trail of Terror” is not your typical Haunted House. Our night of Evil is staged along a one half mile trail through an actual woods, not a zig-zag through a field with scares over lapping or stuffed into an over-crowded structure. Admission is $20.

Ohio State Reformatory Escape from Blood Prison

100 Reformatory Rd., Mansfield – Haunted Prison. (419-360-5689) 75 miles from Downtown Columbus. Fridays-Sundays, September 29-October 29, 2023 . Starts at 7:00 p.m. Escape From Blood Prison offers the only haunted hellscape in a real prison at The Ohio State Reformatory. 

$35 all dates; $75 ultra lighting pass . All patrons must be at least 10.* If your child appears to be younger than 10, please be prepared to show proof of age with a birth certificate or student ID. 

Halloween Haunt Kings Island

6300 Kings Island Dr., Mason. (513-754-5700) 84 miles from Downtown Columbus. Mazes, rides and shows, not recommended for children younger than 13; September 22- October 23, 2023 (park opens at 11 a.m. on Saturdays, Halloween Haunt activities start at 6 pm).

Tickets are $44.99-$59.99 online for Friday or Saturday nights (Haunt only). Fright Lane tickets $80 in advance.

Jail of Terror , Old Licking County Jail

46 S. Third St. Newark – Haunted Jail; (740-345-5245) 40 miles from Downtown Columbus. Opens Fridays and Saturdays, Sept 23 – October 28; and Sunday October 29, 2023 .

The Licking County Historic Jail has had far more than its fair share of horror since opening its doors in 1889. Including the untimely deaths of at least 3 sheriffs and 19 inmates. This location has even housed some of the most infamous inmates and murderers of their time. General admission is $25; fast passes are available for $40-$60.

Do you know of any other Haunted woods or Haunted Houses around Columbus?  Please leave a comment or email [email protected]

More Spooks…

12+ Spooky Ghost Tours around Columbus

Looking for more Halloween fun? Click here to find pumpkin patches, scary movies, food festivals, Halloween parties, trick-or-treat activities, events for kids, and events for adults! 

Posts will be updated soon! Trick or Treat, or Beggar’s Night, is scheduled for most communities around Central Ohio; check out the Trick or Treat schedule here. 

If you don’t know what to dress up as for all of these Halloween events, check out these 100 Cheap and Easy DIY Halloween Costumes .

100+ events celebrating Fall and Halloween in Columbus

Fun things to do in October in Columbus

Columbus Pumpkin Patches, Farm Activities, Corn Mazes

U-pick: Best places to pick apples and peaches in Columbus

Big List of the Best Fall Date Ideas in Columbus

Over 100 events celebrating Fall and Halloween in Columbus

Best hikes and scenic drives for Fall Color in Ohio

2022 Trick or Treat Schedule Around Columbus

The haunted woods at shawnee hills .

(Cancelled for 2023)

6000 Harriott Rd Powell, OH 43065. 21 miles from Downtown Columbus. Cancelled for 2023 . 

The spooks take place on forested trails on the property of Adaptive Sports Connection on almost 1 mile of spooky trails that wind through the woods. Come see what lives in the woods if you dare. All customers welcome; accessibility accommodations may be available to schedule in advance.

More from my site

Share this:

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

Reader Interactions

[…] Do you want to be really scared? Check out this list of 11 Haunted Houses, Jails, and Woods around Columbus. […]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Living on the Cheap

• Back to Top
• Columbus Attractions
• Entertainment
• Half Price Tickets
• Privacy Policy

NOW OPEN : This Friday - Sunday

OPEN THIS WEEKEND

Friday 10/6 - Sunday 10/8

Friday & saturdays - extended hours, tickets available online only, "ohio's ultimate halloween event", - bloodydisgusting.com, watch trailer, what is fear columbus, largest and scariest haunted house in columbus.

Fear Columbus is one of the largest and most elaborate haunted house productions in Ohio.  Featuring multiple immersive attractions under one roof, photo ops, a retail store, endless scares, dozens of highly trained actors, elaborate costumes and makeup, a state of the art sound system, professionally designed lighting, movie quality set design and the best customer service possible!  Fear Columbus is locally owned and operated. Come experience Columbus Ohio’s premier Halloween destination.

Featured On

Columbus Haunted House ATTRACTIONS

All new 2023 attractions.

New for 2023: ‘Devil’s Night’ takes you to Fearwood High School, overtaken by students who unwittingly unleash an unspeakable force on the eve of Halloween. Navigate unknown parts of Fearwood town, now under the control of a dark entity. Experience our biggest upgrades ever, with next-level sets, lighting, and scares. Who will survive ‘Devil’s Night’? Step in and find out.”

In 2023, brace yourself for ‘The Summoning: Darkest Depths’. Traverse the shadowy passageways where the cult’s dark ambitions intensify, beckoning mysterious entities from the void. Stand face-to-face with the zealous cult members and the enigmatic forces they’ve conjured. Delve deeper into unknown realms, reaching the very heart of the abyss. This year reveals masterfully crafted sets, more scares than ever before, and an ensemble of chillingly enigmatic characters.

More Than Just a Haunted House

The most exciting way to celebrate halloween.

Horror Retail Store

• Horror Themed Items
• Fear Columbus Merch
• Drinks and Snacks

The Fear Gear Store is our full retail area at our facility featuring not only Fear Columbus merchandise but also plenty of snacks, drinks, and Halloween themed items from several partnered vendors. We also offer printed souvenir group photos that you will take when you enter the first attraction!

Halloween Souvenir Photo

• Halloween Themed Photo Op
• Printed Photo Option
• Digital Copies Available
• Selfie Stations

Your group will get a professional group photo in our themed photo op before entering the haunted house! You will have the option to purchase a printed souvenir photo or digital download at the Fear Gear Store! In addition, we have a few selfie stations around the facility where you can take your own photos.

Fright bites

Food, drinks and desserts.

• Halloween Themed Menu
• Custom Desserts
• Hot & Cold Cider
• Food Vendor
• Drinks & Snacks

Enjoy several different seasonal food and drink options. We have a dedicated food vendor on site featuring Halloween-themed menu items and even hot and cold apple cider. Looking for something sweet? Enjoy one of our custom Fear Columbus cheesecake desserts in the Fear Gear store. 

Ticketing Information

Tickets must be purchased online.

Tickets can not be purchased at the door. We have removed our box office and transitioned completely to online timed ticketing only.

NIGHTS SELL OUT IN ADVANCE

We control ticket capacity to ensure the best experience possible with the shortest possible wait times. Because of this tickets sell out in advance. Don’t wait to buy!

Prices are dynamic and vary based on the date and demand. Check the calendar for current pricing and availability.

Scream Past the Line

View our premium ticket options to reduce or eliminate your wait.

5 Star Google Reviews

Check out what customers and media outlets are saying about Fear Columbus Haunted House at the link below!

Fear Columbus Haunted house

2605 northland plaza drive, columbus, ohio 43231, free parking.

We have plenty of FREE parking in front of our building in our well-lit paved parking lot.