Aura Haunted House

Aura Haunted House in Bartonville, Illinois, is a premier Halloween attraction set within the historic Pollak Hospital Building, part of the former Peoria State Hospital, a psychiatric facility with a haunting past tied to tuberculosis deaths. This indoor haunt delivers a 30- to 40-minute immersive experience, blending eerie history with high-intensity scares across a series of intricately designed rooms. Visitors navigate through a chilling parlor with a ghostly piano, a foggy bridge shrouded in mist, a creepy nursery featuring a towering man-baby, and a disorienting casket maze, each enhanced by detailed props like beheaded mannequins, a freezer filled with body parts, and a padded room with straight-jacketed characters. The haunt’s atmosphere is amplified by low lighting, thick fog, strobe effects, and jarring soundscapes, including loud booms that punctuate scares, creating a relentless sense of dread. Over 50 professional actors, portraying characters like the unsettling “Scary Gary” and robed figures, deliver unpredictable jump scares and immersive interactions, often using the environment’s tight spaces to heighten tension. The haunt’s scare tactics involve a clever mix of fake props, like hooded mannequins, followed by real actors emerging unexpectedly, keeping guests guessing. A gift shop at the exit offers Halloween-themed souvenirs and photo ops with actors, enhancing the experience. Due to its intense scares, low visibility, and physically demanding layout, Aura is not recommended for children under 10 or those with mobility issues. With its authentic historical setting, creative set design, and dedicated performers, Aura Haunted House offers a heart-pounding, unforgettable horror adventure for thrill-seekers seeking a truly chilling Halloween experience.