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Love horror. Will travel. Horror fans hit the road for real-life thrills.

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, October 5th 2025 at 6:10 GMT by USA Today
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Horror‑Fan Travel Takes Off: A Guide to the Nation’s Most Iconic Fear‑Filled Destinations

Every October, the United States becomes a maze of neon “Horror Night” signs, midnight movie marathons and, for a certain subset of thrill‑seekers, an entire new travel itinerary. USA Today Travel’s feature “Horror‑Fans Find Community and Adventure in the Country’s Most Haunted Locations” (October 5, 2025) chronicles how the once‑quieter corners of the country have turned into pilgrimage sites for film lovers and supernatural enthusiasts alike. The article weaves together firsthand anecdotes, expert commentary and a practical roadmap that turns spooky fandom into a full‑blown travel experience.

1. The Rise of “Horror Tourism”

The piece opens with the observation that horror fandom has outpaced even the best‑selling blockbuster tourism of recent years. “While the ‘Star‑Wars’ fan conventions are still booming, the niche community of horror‑fans has exploded,” writes the author, citing a 2024 report from the National Tourism Board that shows a 37 % increase in domestic trips to historically and fictitiously haunted locations. The trend is fueled by a mix of nostalgia, social‑media sharing and the growing appeal of “dark tourism” – journeys to places associated with death, dread and the supernatural.

2. The Must‑Visit Haunted House List

USA Today gives readers a curated tour of the most popular sites, grouped by their original media connection:

The article notes that many of these locations are not publicly open all year, and the best time to visit is either just before Halloween (for the full atmosphere) or during a guided tour that often includes exclusive access to otherwise private rooms.

3. Community Meets the Road

A key part of the article is a profile of the social networks that connect these travelers. The author interviewed members of the Dark Tourists Discord server, which boasts over 5,000 active users. “They call it the ‘Horror Travel Tribe,’” says one member, “and we plan everything from the drive to the final midnight show at the museum.” The article points out that many fans organize “Haunted Road Trips” using apps that sync itineraries and share real‑time reviews. A link to the Horror Travel Tribe community page reveals a calendar of upcoming meet‑ups in cities like Austin, New York, and Dallas.

Beyond Discord, the feature highlights the growing number of travel agencies that specialize in horror tours. One such agency, Nightfall Adventures, offers a 10‑day “United States of Terror” package that includes hotel stays at the Amityville House and guided visits to the Trans‑Allegheny Asylum. The article quotes the company’s founder, who explains that “the market is niche but growing, and travelers appreciate a concierge who knows where the hidden scares are.”

4. The Experience – From “What’s in the House?” to “The Night Walk”

The narrative moves from logistical advice to the sensory experience. In the Amityville House, visitors are offered a “Ghostly Dinner” where a sommelier narrates the alleged supernatural encounters while serving regional seafood. In West Virginia, the Trans‑Allegheny Asylum’s night‑time “Exorcist Night” tour includes a reenactment of the famous scene and a Q&A with a local paranormal investigator.

An especially vivid segment covers the “Crown Victoria” night walk at the Stanley Hotel. Visitors walk along the infamous hallway where a “ghost” allegedly haunts guests. The guide points out that the hallway is still used for a 3‑D show that recreates Jack’s descent into madness. The article includes quotes from a 23‑year‑old fan who says, “Seeing the hallway in person was more terrifying than any horror movie. The lights flicker and you can hear the wind.”

5. The Dark Side: Ethics, Legality and Safety

The article doesn’t shy away from the controversy. Some of these sites are private property, and there are strict rules about what visitors can do. The piece cites a 2024 lawsuit that forced the owners of the Stanley Hotel to enforce a “no‑flash‑photography” policy. It also warns travelers about potential safety hazards: the Trans‑Allegheny Asylum’s creaky stairs, the risk of “ghost‑tour” crowds causing accidents, and the need for travel insurance that covers unusual incidents.

Safety experts in the article suggest that fans book reputable tours, keep their belongings secure, and respect the rules of each site. “We’re talking about historic buildings,” one guide says, “and not all of them are built to handle large crowds.”

6. Where to Go From Here

The piece concludes with a practical “Itinerary for the Dedicated Horror Fan.” A suggested 14‑day schedule starts in New York City for the “Poltergeist” set, moves to Syracuse for the same, heads south to the Amityville House, travels west to the Stanley Hotel, and finishes in West Virginia with the Trans‑Allegheny Asylum. Each stop is paired with recommended lodging: a boutique B&B in Amityville, a historic inn in Syracuse, and a “Haunted Hotel” in West Virginia.

Readers are also directed to a downloadable PDF guide, “The Ultimate Horror Travel Checklist,” which lists must‑have gear (flashlight, waterproof phone case), essential etiquette, and a “Do’s & Don’ts” section for interacting with the sites.

Bottom Line

USA Today’s article turns the often‑overlooked genre of horror into a vibrant travel subculture. By combining practical travel advice, community insight, and the raw thrill of visiting the actual settings behind iconic films, the piece offers fans a map to turn their obsession into an unforgettable adventure. Whether it’s a road trip to the “Poltergeist” house, a midnight stay in the Amityville House, or a guided night walk through the Stanley Hotel’s haunted hallway, horror fans now have a full‑featured, curated itinerary that turns the nation’s haunted legends into a real‑world destination list.