Aura Haunted House is returning for its fourth anniversary on the grounds of the Old State Hospital. Aura has become a staple attraction for many locals and visitors alike.
I recently braved Aura’s haunted halls on October 4th alongside my fellow thrill enthusiast (and boyfriend), Grant Kocher. Immediately after you purchase your ticket, the scares begin, with monsters popping out of windows and roaming through the lines. At the same time, eerie music plays in the distance, leaving you feeling jumpy before the real thrill even begins. I did miss the unexpected characters leaping out from around corners that I’ve seen in years past, but those that I did interact with during my wait were equal parts charming and creepy. Speaking of the wait, I found the line to be short and quick, but I expect traffic to pick up as we get closer to Halloween.
Once you enter Aura Haunted House, you’re greeted with spooks hiding behind sinister decorations and ducking into corners obscured by fog. The costumes were terrifying in the best way, and I felt that every character played its role to near perfection. If you’re bothered by flashing lights and sudden noises, beware, this might not be the stop for you.
Admittedly, a few of the scares were easy to see coming, but for most of the walk through I was on pins and needles. There’s a certain hair-raising excitement in knowing that you are going to be spooked, but having no clue where it might come from, and Aura takes full advantage. You can be assured that, once you walk through those creaky doors, the rest of the world will fade away, making way for an unforgettable experience that somehow combines fear, thrill, and excitement.
Overall, I would rate Aura Haunted House 4 out of 5 stars.
My partner in crime rated it 5 out of 5 stars, saying, “The haunted house is one of the best in the whole Peoria area. Even though this was one of the opening weekends the lines were still fast. The house had me jumping and screaming the whole time. If you’re looking for a good scare and a good workout I recommend Aura”
Aside from the fabricated frights, Aura has a truly terrifying past that adds an aspect of true fear to the night. According to illinoishauntedhouses.com, “The Peoria State Hospital Historic District, also known as Bartonville State Hospital or Illinois Asylum for the Incurable Insane, was a psychiatric hospital operated by the State of Illinois from 1902 to 1973… During the hospital’s years of operation, hundreds died, and according to stories and eyewitness accounts, their spirits stayed behind to walk the hallways.”
If you wish to experience this terrifying haunt for yourself, Aura will be open every weekend in October through November 1, with tickets priced at $40 per person. It is located at 4500 Enterprise Drive, Bartonville, Illinois.
