Local Halloween Yard Haunts To Check Out: UPDATE

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL —If you would like to take a little tour of local scary yards before the owners pack up their decorations for another year, now is the time. We have a roundup below of six amazing Halloween haunts in the area that are sure to impress.

• Patch's 2019 Guide To Chicagoland's Best Halloween Yard Haunts

HAUNT 31, 340 S. ANNENDALE DRIVE, LAKE IN THE HILLS — This free private home haunt is open all day long with animatronics beginning at dusk. The haunted yard has been around for 21 years. The homeowners have built up an extensive display that includes over 30 pneumatic or animated props, static displays, special effects, ambiance music, and “un-dead” actors that will surprise even the most jaded guest. There’s even an interactive electric chair “ride.” This haunt includes displays that cover the front and side yards, and the entire garage with much attention to detail. The show runs through Oct. 31. Hours are from dusk to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and dusk through 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

HALLOWEEN TOWN, 1821 HARTLEY DRIVE, ALGONQUIN, IL — First created in 2006 by homeowner Jim Haupert, it all started with a tiny graveyard and a few skeleton lights. Each year the display grew larger adding lights, fog, lightning effects, and GHOULS. In 2008 with the addition of JACK SKELLINGTON, HALLOWEEN TOWN was born. Halloween Town features PNEUMATIC and MOVING PROPS within the cemetery gates, an inviting graveyard walk-thru brings spectators and victims of every age, up close and personal to their darkest fears. ZOMBIES, GARGOYLES, BATS, and SKELETONS, await you in this haunted cemetery, along with BLEEDING CREATURES, CREEPY COFFINS, and much, much, more. On Halloween, every 25th trick-or-treater receives a large movie-size box of candy. Available for viewing Oct. 2 through Oct. 31, dusk to 10:30 p.m. Follow Halloween Town on Facebook.

MACK MANOR, 1010 Algonquin Road, Fox River Grove: Mack Manor is a drive-through display and all visitors are asked to stay in their cars. The display will open at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday and it may be the last day since it will not be open if there is rain r snow (which is in the forecast on Wednesday and Thursday). The display closes at 8:30 p.m. If you have small children that might be frightened, please turn on flashers to ensure monsters stay away. Those visiting should line up from the right, no left turns will be allowed into the driveway. Turn off headlights and turn your radio station to 106.9 FM

1837 NEW HAVEN DRIVE, CARY: A Patch reader tell us this homeowner has decorated every yearh, and each year is more elaborate with new items added. "This house gives kids a nice handful of candy," according to the reader.

WESTBURY MANOR AND CEMETERY, 1821 WESTBURY DRIVE, ALGONQUIN -- Considered one of the premiere yard haunts in Chicago’s northwest suburbs and part of the Chicago Haunt Builders Group, Darren Rich has been spooking his neighbors for three years. The haunt includes a walk-through from the front entrance to the side of the house, and then across the porch. The yard is filled with pneumatic, static and electronic props. This haunt keeps getting bigger every year. Westbury Manor is located around the corner from Halloween Town, a must visit! Open from dusk to 10 p.m. through Halloween.

MONSTERVILLE MARKET, 500 E Broadway Ave., Crystal Lake — Be sure to stop by Bruce and Jennifer Felix’s creepy farmers market and flea market. Pick up a few spells and potions, a meat cleaver or maybe a cat skeleton from the Monsterville pet shop. So charming, we’re including two pictures. We love Cousin It. The display is up now, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily through Halloween.

WOODSTOCK AND OAK STREETS, CRYSTAL LAKE

The house at Woodstock and Oak streets intersection has a Wizard of Oz display, a Chuckie, a giant pumpkin man and much, much more. A Patch reader tells it’s “amazing,” and that the homeowner goes all out for Christmas as well.

ALIEN INFESTATION, 11775 EVERGLADES ROAD, HUNTLEY, IL — Phone home, E.T.! Larry Sliwa has been a member of the famed Chicago Haunt Builders for years. The haunt is based on the sci-fi movie franchise ALIEN, featuring multiple animated props, lighting, sound, jump scares, and a 16-foot tall animatronic King Alien.

HOLIDAY HABITS, 10716 Wheatlands Way in Huntley: Holiday Habits is a yard haunt attraction on display throughout October and has a graveyard theme. It has both pneumatic and animated props, static decor, fog, special effects lighting, and custom sound. There are also actors on site and special events happening, so check out the Holiday Habits website before you go. The Holiday Habits homeowner says his yard haunt has "good clean Halloween fun for kids up to 99."

"We are here to entertain and bring enjoyment to the neighborhood and community."

The display is up and running from dusk through 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and dusk to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from dusk to 11 p.m. on Halloween.

Lorraine Swanson contributed to this article

Did we forget a haunted yard that you think should be included on this list? E-mail amie.schaenzer@patch.com.