Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Madd Hatters Haunt
The story of the Madd Hatters Haunt originates from the 18th century when mercury salts were used to make felt for fancy hats. The process required copious amounts of the element, a substance then not understood to be as dangerous as we now know it to be. Day after day the hat makers who handled the mercury-soaked poisoned fabric were stricken by a condition that affects the nervous systems. Those so exposed would in time develop uncontrollable twitches and trembles, making them appear demented. Knowing the hat company would soon be closing its doors, the owner possessed by greed, quickly shifted gears and began to build walls around the newly insane. Each season of the haunt brings a new twisted story based on history. There is nothing more scary than something based off of truth! What turn will the haunt take this year, watch for clues on our FB page starting in September.
When is the best day to attend
Madd Hatters Haunt opens the second Friday in October, check the schedule page for details.
- The shortest lines will be the first week we run in October.
- Early in the week are definitely the best night to avoid lines.
- Attending earlier in the evening also minimizes your wait
When are you open? where are you located?
Our operating times vary, but usually we are open from 6:00pm to 8:30 pm, Sunday through Thursday and 6:00 pm to 10:00pm, Friday and Saturday. Please see our schedule page for an exact calendar!
Can i bring my children to the Madd hatter Haunt?
Madd Hatters Haunt is an intensely scary experience and is generally not recommended for small children. We are scary entertainment. We are not a gore house but it is scary. Use your own discretion if you choose to allow your children to enter. If you want to bring younger children to Madd Hatters Haunt, be sure your child knows the difference between fantasy and reality. All children (and adults!) have different “scare” tolerances, and you know your child best. If your child keeps you up all night with nightmares – we warned you. Keep in mind, we are SCARY entertainment! Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. WE DON’T GIVE REFUNDS BECAUSE THEY ARE TOO SCARED TO ENTER. We do offer family day on Sundays 3-5 for a behind the scenes tour with lights on. If they think they can handle it after that its free for same night entry.
How Long will it take me to Experience Madd Hatters Haunt?
Will you be running or walking? Most people plan to spend an average of 1-2 hours to enjoy the happenings at Madd Hatters Haunt, including waits in line on busy nights. The time you spend may vary depending on crowds, the size of your group, and waiting times. On Saturdays, our busiest nights, plan on spending more time on your visit. Your time will vary, eat some grubs, or play some games.
TIP: To minimize your wait, visit early in the month and come during the week!
IS it Wheelchair Accessible?
Will you be running or walking? Most people plan to spend an average of 1-2 hours to enjoy the happenings at Madd Hatters Haunt, including waits in line on busy nights. The time you spend may vary depending on crowds, the size of your group, and waiting times. On Saturdays, our busiest nights, plan on spending more time on your visit. Your time will vary, eat some grubs, or play some games.
TIP: To minimize your wait, visit early in the month and come during the week!
Where Do i Park?
Most of the buildings we acquire for the season have lots of parking but on busy nights it will be packed so carpooling is suggested.
Can I take pictures or videos inside?
Sorry, but photography or video is not allowed inside Madd Hatters Haunt. The spirits inside do not react well to bright lights…It not only hurts their eyes, but ruins the experience for others, and can cause safety problems. Also, if you’re distracted by your camera, you won’t be able to enjoy all the scary fun! Cameras may be left at the souvenir booth (with driver’s license as proof of ownership) for safe-keeping, or you can leave your camera in the car while you tour Madd Hatters Haunt. Once back outside the event, get your camera and feel free to be a shutter-bug. If you are inside the event taking photos or video, you will be ejected. Madd Hatters Haunt is not responsible for items that are left in your car. We do take pictures with characters free of charge and post them on our FB page, they are uploaded weekly so check our page to print your pictures. If you are using your phone during the haunt and lose it you will need to file a report with the staff at the exit. You will not be allowed back in to look for it. Leave everything of importance to you in a secured location!
Ok, I could not make it through… Do I get my money back?
Our policy is no refunds. If you did not make it in the door, then your ticket will still be good for a pass on another night when you are ready for the experience or gift it to someone. However, each situation is unique, and will be looked into with all attempts in your behalf.
What’s the waiting time like… I’ve drove past before, and there was a long line…
You only need to walk 5 feet from the ticket booth to enter the Madd Hatters Haunt experience. We have added an extended entry area that you may not want to leave! Watch a scary movie in the holding area, get some popcorn, be entertained by drop in ghouls and iconic macabre.
How can I avoid the lines?
There’s several ways to avoid the lines:
- Attend the haunt early in the season (the first week) when the lines are shortest.
- Later in the season, arrive early in the night, or arrive very early on a Saturday night.
- VIP Tickets are available for Friday and Saturday night at a cost of $18. The bearer of these tickets will be redirected to a front of the line area. You may also purchase tickets online to avoid the ticket booth line altogether.
I read a sign about not entering if you have health problems (i.e. heart, asthma, etc), pregnancy, on medication or have been drinking/using drugs… Is this a gimmick?
No, we are serious. We may use artificial fog that may cause a reaction to asthmatics that are sensitive to their environment. The scares inside will raise your heart rate and blood pressure, and we use electronic equipment. Strobe lights may trigger an epileptic response to those prone to seizure. Loud noises are everywhere. Walk carefully; there may be uneven ground under your feet.
We warn our guests so they can inform us so we can take extra precautions with their group.
NOTE: If you are impaired by drinking heavily or drug use, we will not allow you to enter for your own safety and ours.
If we feel you are under the influence of drugs, we may not allow you to enter. However, your pass will be good for another time when you are sober. And if you feel the need to challenge that decision, police officers are on staff to help… And yes, they are real police officers.
What should I wear?
Madd Hatters Haunt is an indoor haunt but there may be a slight wait before entering the building. Once inside, there is a large holding area with plenty of opportunity to stay warm. You may be running on uneven ground inside the haunt, wear the appropriate shoes for such an occasion.
If you are planning on wearing a costume note that we do not allow masked guests in our haunt. We also do not allow real or pretend weapons, if you would like to discuss this with the on hand police officers that can also be arranged.
Where are there other haunted events?
We will maintain an on-line listing of other haunt entertainment in the region as we learn about them. At Madd Hatters Haunt, we display posters and flyers for other area events. We encourage you to tell us about other attractions so we can let everyone know where they can go for scary fun! If you know about a haunted trail, hayride, haunted house, festival, or other Halloween activity, please let us know at the souvenir/Concession booth when you visit, send us an email, or stop by and leave a poster, flyers or coupons. We’ll be happy to spread the word. It’s more scary fun for everyone!
I noticed that your haunt supports a variety of local non-profits/charitable groups? How does a group get involved?
- Non-profit/charitable companies can simply contact our owner, Barb Petrea 509-930-0432 or email to discuss their involvement.
- Non-profits and groups can provide volunteers to help at the haunt.
- Each volunteer keeps a time card.
- Their volunteer hours are tallied and their group receives a donation at the end of the season for their hours based on the success of the season.
- You can also pre-purchase tickets from any of these groups. They receive 30-50% of additional donations when you purchase from them before the haunt starts. Tickets are good any day.
Are Community Service hours available?
- This is a great opportunity for high school students looking to complete 10 of the 15 hours of community service hours required for graduation.
- We offer a variety of positions at the haunted house to suit every personality.
- Set up
- Design
- Costume
- Make up
- Concession
- Souvenirs
- Maintenance
- Tour Guides
- Actors
- Haunters
- Security
- Support Staff
- Tech Crew
- Management
- For those that go above and beyond and display excellent employee qualities, letters of recommendation are supplied.
- Please call Barb Petrea 509-930-0432
OUR MOTTO: We Scare Because We Care !
Keep checking our website for the latest information.
