Haunted houses evoke fear, curiosity, and awe in equal measures. From wandering the twisting corridors of an old asylum to braving its depths as you traverse an unsettling forest trail – haunted houses make an indelible mark on one’s psyche!
Brighton Asylum serves as a shocking reminder of our nation’s past battle with mental illness, while simultaneously prompting further exploration into human emotions and resilience.
1. 13th Hour Haunted House
New Jersey haunted houses offer plenty of thrills this Halloween season, from creepy mansions with restless spirits to spine-chilling asylums – leaving visitors screaming for more!
13th Hour Haunted House in Wharton is one of the scariest attractions around, offering world-class operation and custom set designs that set them apart from their competition. Their dedication to world-class operation gives them an edge, along with two attractions; House of Nightmares and Attic (also offering escape rooms).
13th Hour’s goal is to be known for providing an engaging and extreme haunted house/escape rooms experience across America. Over time, Bailey has delivered on this promise by constantly improving and expanding 13th Hour. Each year brings new surprises as some parts of it evolve to offer visitors something entirely unique from previous experiences.
2. The Mental Asylum
New Jersey stands out as an incredible destination for haunted houses, featuring elaborate sets, professional actors, and spine-chilling special effects that provide an adrenaline rush like none other. These frightening attractions provide an experience unlike any other!
Brighton Asylum in Passaic, formerly a psychiatric hospital, is said to be haunted by restless spirits of former patients. The property has been featured on shows such as Today Show and Cake Boss as well as being visited by James Franco himself! According to Weird NJ visitors have reported hearing squealing pigs and cows as well as ghostly footsteps and voices; all reported phenomena said by visitors.
Fear can be amplified when its back story is real; like watching a horror film based on true events. That’s what makes this haunted house especially terrifying–it was once used as an actual psychiatric asylum and used to experiment on patients after hours!
3. Proprietary House
History surrounding this haunted house is filled with mysteries. Once home to William Franklin, son of Benjamin Franklin. Additionally used as a hospital and believed to be haunted by ghostly patients who lost their minds during treatment; visitors have reported seeing shadowy figures race past them while hearing unknowable voices echo through hallways.
Brighton Asylum in Passaic is widely considered to be one of New Jersey’s scariest haunted houses, boasting an intriguing past as an asylum, military barracks and psychiatric hospital. Rumor has it that its haunting corridors may contain restless spirits such as Captain Emilio Carranza who died when his plane crashed at this property in 1928.
This year, ghosts from our state’s past are set to return in droves. From haunted mental asylum halls to zombie-infested hayrides, there are numerous spine-chilling experiences waiting to be experienced by those brave enough to venture forth and seek them out.
4. Ringwood Manor
Ringwood Manor stands as an important old house on the rolling Passaic County landscape, filled with layers of history and legend. Legendary storytellers Elbertus Prol and Annie Callan-Darling lead guided tours through this important old residence with tours that focus on its historic inhabitants as well as ghostly presences that wander its halls.
There is some uncertainty as to who lives within the Manor’s mysterious shadows, yet all agree there is some sort of presence present. Some speculate it could be Hewitts themselves while others have reported seeing Miss Nell.
No matter your reason for visiting New Jersey haunted houses, whether it be thrill seeking or exploring its history; each haunted house provides something different for visitors of all kinds. From adrenaline junkies looking for an adrenaline rush or curious history buffs wishing to learn more, these spooky sites will leave a lasting impression and will give you greater understanding into human psychology and spirit.
