Haunted houses one might have missed this Halloween
1) The ExperienceLearn the legend of Hanna Bagley and what horrific things happened to her in the eerie building on Chambers Road. Listen to her chilling story, and take an adventure through the thrilling complex to see if the legend is true. Location: 747 Chambers Road, near the Ohio State campus.Closed- Fire codes had been violated, and the event was closed for the season.
2) Terror ParkOhio’s largest haunted attraction houses vampires, goblins, ghosts and many other horrific beings. Enter at one of the many gates to test your fears against demonic clowns and beasts who are ready to jump out at any minute.Location: Cooper Stadium, 1155 W. Mound St., Columbus, OH 43223Closed- Open all weekends of October.
3) The Haunted ShipCome aboard the old Santa Maria to see what happens when skin-tingling creatures come up from below. Spiders, rats and other scary things turn the ship into a maze of fear every Halloween.Location: Battelle Riverfront Park, 25 Marconi Blvd.Closed- The ship is open Oct. 25-27.

Every October, students and families look forward to the thrill of being scared at haunted houses. Whether looking for an original performance or an ordinary scare-fest, Columbus offers a variety of houses to fulfill the appetites of fear-seekers.

For next year, plan ahead and look at Web sites such as thescarefactor.com, where professionals rate the houses in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Kentucky based on costumes, effects and the overall level of fear.

Lantern ratings are based on a 1-10 scale, with one being the worst and 10 being the best. Scores are based on effects, costumes and overall scariness of the haunted house.

1) Haunted Hoochie

Take a scary adventure through an old farm house where terror lurks behind every corner. Chain saws and masked men follow guests through every twist and turn. Just when the end seems near, something wicked will surely be waiting.

The costumes and effects produce a dark atmosphere. Overall, the house is scary, with many surprises, including ghoulish beings who follow guests through the parking lot and keep them company while they wait in line.

Lantern rating: 8 screamsLocation: 13861 E. Broad St. SW, Pataskala, OH 43062Cost: Tickets can be purchased on-site or online for $15For more information, visit deadacres.com.

2) Haunted Prison – Haunted X

Take a daring tour of the Mansfield prison where many horrific beings live. Although there are props and special effects, the prison has its own surprises in store. The 45-minute adventure will prove to be a memorable one; guests will witness things darker than any worst nightmare. It is one of the most authentic, thrilling haunted house experiences in the area, for those who dare to test their fear threshold.

Lantern rating: 9.5 screamsLocation: 100 Reformatory Road., Mansfield, Ohio 44905Cost: Tickets are $15. No one under the age of 13 is permitted.For more information, visit hauntedx.com.

3) House of Nightmares

In the basement of an abandoned factory in the Brewery District, many terrible things await. Those who dare to trespass will be chased by demented beings of all forms who wish to catch and slay them before reaching the exit. Overall costumes and effects are a good first Halloween experience, but a more intense haunted house would be found elsewhere.

Lantern rating: 7.5 screamsLocation: 479 S. Ludlow St., Columbus, OH 43215, in the Brewery DistrictCost: $15 For more information, visit thehouseofnightmares.com.

Kelly Oliver-Hornyak can be reached at [email protected].