If you happen to live in or visit Iowa during the month of October, take a trip to Bloomsbury Farm’s Scream Acres Haunted Park in Atkins. Whether you go with your friends or family, you’re guaranteed to have an eventful night filled with scares. Scream Acres includes a series of four haunted attractions: the Slaughterhouse, 3D Sinister Silo, Cell Block Z and the Haunted Cornfield.
When you arrive at the park, you are greeted by staff dressed up in makeup and costumes ranging from clowns and zombies to anything else the scare actors chose to create. Each actor interacts with you differently and allows you to take pictures with them.
In order to ensure the night goes smoothly, all small parties are placed into larger groups when they arrive. When you hear your specific group number called, it is time to line up for the first attraction, the Slaughterhouse.
The dreaded red buzzer standing by the door to the Slaughterhouse turns green and you know it’s your turn to enter. The Slaughterhouse gives a traditional haunted house feel that tells the story of a butcher who kills anyone who comes inside, leaving their spirits trapped and haunting the house. It contains secret passageways you must navigate through in order to escape.
After the Slaughterhouse, you arrive at the 3D Sinister Silo. This attraction mimics the look of a circus carnival and is filled with clowns of all sorts. Before you go in, you’re given a pair of 3D glasses that you must keep on while in the Silo to complete the experience.
Next up is Cell Block Z, which is laid out like an abandoned prison. The cell block is infested with zombies who will pop out from any corner. The flashing lights complement the jumpscares to create a more frightening atmosphere.
Finally, you arrive at the fan favorite of the hauntings—the Haunted Corn Maze. As you travel through the corn, you are greeted by creatures hiding amongst the stalks. The maze also includes extra attractions like a haunted school bus for those looking for an additional thrill.
Besides the scares, Scream Acres also offers a gift shop where you can find fall-themed decorations, snacks, apple cider and popcorn. If you are over 21, there is an outdoor courtyard where you can sit or play yard games with your friends while enjoying an alcoholic beverage of your choice.
This weekend, Oct. 27-28, is the last weekend you can attend Scream Acres before it closes for the season. Interested parties can purchase tickets at the gate or online for a discounted price. They are $45.95 at the gate and $39.95 when bought online. The park opens an hour after Bloomsbury Farm closes at 5:30 p.m. with the first group being admitted into the park at 6:30 p.m. Happy haunting!
