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

We’re closing the books on another Halloween. We want to thank all the home haunters who contributed to the 2019 scary yard tour. The list has been updated and we’ve added a few more displays that are bound to elicit a few 911 calls or set off some pacemakers when a pneumatic-controlled Freddy Krueger lunges at you from the bushes. Stay tuned for our Christmas tour o’ lights, which should be out around Thanksgiving.

A few simple rules to keep in mind first:

GET ON THE LIST: Patch's is a friendly list. We LOVE reader submissions, so we'll be updating the list every FRIDAY leading up to Halloween. So send in your pictures and tell us why your yard haunt is special to lorraine.swanson@patch.com. Read more about how to get on the list. If you participated in years past and didn’t get an email or phone call from us, send Patch your info.

DON'T YELL AT US: We've done our best to contact homeowners who’ve participated in the past to verify that they’re decorating in 2019.

BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT, READ THE LISTINGS FIRST: Some people are still hauling their decorations out of their crawl spaces and rigging up their fog machines. Whenever possible, we included opening dates and hours of operation. It has also rained the past two weekends, so please give the haunters (and us) a break.

WAIT! THERE'S MORE: Check out these lists for more yard haunts throughout the Chicago area: Chicago Haunt Builders, Haunted Illinois Directory, Illinois Haunted Houses and We Love Halloween. There's free fun to be had in the days leading up to Halloween, so set your GPS for these time-honored spooky standbys and newbies. You won't win anything except maybe bragging rights.

COOK COUNTY

Alsip

3624 W. 123RD PLACE, ALSIP -- The Killelea Family has been putting up its cemetery for 15 years. It's a little scary for kids. Should be ready to go OCT. 20. First place in Alsip Park District's Halloween decorating contest.

Bridgeview

ADDED! 7807 W. 74TH PLACE, BRIDGEVIEW — Don’t trip on the bones coming out of the lawn. This Bridgeview haunt features tombstones and a scary witch that dance to music and singing pumpkins. Listen to the music on a radio station from the warmth of your car. The show runs from 6:30 to 10 p.m. through Halloween.

ADDED! ROEBUCK’S NIGHTMARE, 7216 W. 72ND ST., BRIDGEVIEW — What happened to Alvah Curtis Roebuck, the co-founder of Sears Roebuck? His ghost is living here in the backyard of this haunt. Roebuck’s Nightmare has backyard walk-through, featuring live actors, smok machines and strobe lights. Tours will be every half-hour starting at 7 p.m., with the last tour taking place at 10 p.m., Oct. 27, Oct. 29 and Oct. 30. On Halloween, Oct. 31, tours will take place anytime trick-or-treaters show up from 6:30 to 10 p.m. IMPORTANT: The front yard hasn't been set up for Halloween this year, so if you pull up and see an empty yard, the display is in the back.

Burbank

ADDED! TRAIL OF TERROR, 8509 S. NEWLAND AVE., BURBANK — We’ve heard nothing but raves about this new Burbank haunt. We stopped by last week. It lives up to the hype.

THE NEPHILIM FALLEN ANGELS, 8211 and 8215 S. MULLIGAN AVE., BURBANK - It's heartwarming when neighbors get along and pitch in to turn their front lawns into a hell for fallen angels every Halloween. Now in its eighth year, the Ghoul Crew comes out to play on the weekends through Halloween (the Ghoul Crew sleeps during the week). Nephilim opens Oct. 11 and runs through Oct. 31; hours are Fridays and Saturdays 7 to 11 p.m.; Sundays 7 to 10 p.m. Per the scaremeisters: Leave Reality behind and enter our Dark Realm at the Nephilim Haunted Yard....Many animated and live ghouls surrounding two houses for Double the Scare!!! Creatures have been summoned to join our Nephilim Fallen Angels Ghoul Crew, making our 8th year more frightful! Be prepared to be Scared!! Join us if you DARE, because the next scream you hear will be your own!!!!!”

Buffalo Grove

22 WEST FABISH DRIVE, BUFFALO GROVE — Home haunter Chad Hanson makes his debut on the Patch tour o’ scary yards. His display includes may handmade props, including all the skeletons. He’ll be handing out fun-sized candy bars this year. Should be up by Oct. 5.

ADDED! 22 WEST FABISH DRIVE, BUFFALO GROVE — The display is cemetery themed. Most of the decorations are handmade, including all of the animated props.

Chicago Heights

528 FITCH ROAD, CHICAGO HEIGHTS — A really cool hearse will be parked outside on Halloween.

Crestwood

FRIGHTMARE ON FORESTVIEW, 13155 FORESTVIEW LANE, CRESTWOOD -- Remember that shoebox your little brother used to hide under his bed filled with limbs and heads of your Barbie dolls? This place is it. We're proud to have Frightmare back on the 2019 Patch Tour 'o Haunted Yards. The mistress of fright warns us Frightmare has gone digital. Yard display will open soon; home haunt walk-thru will be open OCT. 25 TO OCT. 31.

Evergreen Park

2609 W. 89TH PLACE, EVERGREEN PARK, IL -- There’s always something new and scary every Halloween at the Torres family’s. Most of the Torres’ stuff is put out a few days before Halloween.

Flossmoor

DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND HOME HAUNT, 900 WESTERN AVE., FLOSSMOOR — After 15 fabulous years in Oak Lawn, this playground from hell has relocated to Flossmoor. The yard haunt includes such old favorites as the lunging Freddy Krueger and a guy getting zapped in an electric chair. Head devil Keith Janowski has been busy building even more interactive delights, including a toxic lagoon, animatronics, carnEvil scary-go-round, haunted graveyard and other digital effects. Flossmoor-area residents are in for a treat. The display will be up Oct. 18-20 and Oct. 25-31. Free-will donations to Don't Be A Monster bullying prevention program will be gratefully accepted. Parking is available in the adjacent school parking lot. On Halloween, they'll be passing out the good stuff including peanut butter cups, chocolate and evil clown noses until they run out. Visit them on Facebook. Scary as hell! Swing by after you've visited the equally fabulous Evil On Avers.

EVIL ON AVERS, 18808 AVERS AVE., FLOSSMOOR — Evil on Avers is a themed yard display entitled "Grinning Gourd Farm & Garden". There are animated and static characters in scenes including a hayride of creepy children, pumpkin monsters, a corn monster tending the farm stand, giant praying mantises who have found their prey in the cornfield, garden gnomes carrying a coffin and more. "I have been 'haunting' my home for about 20 years. I do make quite a few of my own props. I am a member of Chicago Haunt Builders, a great group of people who get together to build props and share our love for Halloween," Cindy Ver Haar says. Opening OCT. 18. Hours are dusk to 10 p.m. through Oct. 31.

Hickory Hills

LI'L MONSTERS DAYCARE, 8137 W. 90TH ST., HICKORY HILLS — A whimsical, kid-friendly lawn display featuring a pumpkin patch, witches brew, a friendly graveyard and a li'l monsters daycare. Adorbs! There better be some candy left at Walgreens. Should be plugged in and ready to go by Oct. 6.

Hometown

LORETTO CEMETERY, 9041 BECK PLACE, HOMETOWN — Tom Roche has been decorating his yard for the past nine years, adding props and animatronics. The haunt includes 25-30 life-sized props, a handful which move and talk. Roche and his girlfriend are out most nights haunting the yard with chainsaws and sledgehammers. This homeowner also has another surprise for trick or treaters. Watch out for the man on the lawn mower. Yard lights up 7-7:30 p.m. most nights through Oct. 31. Editor: This haunt scares the crap out of my dog.

HOMETOWN'S UNFORGIVEN, 4546 W. 89TH PLACE, HOMETOWN — If you're feeling lonely this Halloween, stop by this haunt for a free hug. Hometown's Unforgiven will follow you in your sleep, featuring special effects, a blood fountain and an actual haunted house. The haunt is open every day from 6 to 10 p.m. Ghouls and Chuckles the Clown come out to play every Friday and Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. Hometown's Unforgiven is a proud teal pumpkin house, which means they will provide alternatives to trick or treat candy. The haunt is also accepting donations of food, blankets, toys, leaches, etc. for Animal Welfare League. Stop by, bring the kids, bring the family, bring your friends. Chuckles gets lonely and needs a hug. Now open.

Homewood

ADDED! NIGHTMARE ON PAGE, 18613 PAGE AVE., HOMEWOOD -- Joe Garcia and his neighbor have been decorating their yards for the past 11 years. Lots of homemade props with excruciating attention to detail. They are the hit of the neighborhood on Halloween night, when live actors fill the haunts. Lights are on dusk to 10:30-ish.

ADDED! 18539 ARGYLE AVE., HOMEWOOD — This is Julie Clack’s fifth year of decorating. She’s added a tree monster that could probably beat up the apple-throwing trees in “The Wizard of Oz.” Not too scary for kids. There will be scary music on Halloween. Almost all the props are homemade.

ADDED! HAUNTED HOLLOW, 17560 HILLSIDE AVE., HOMEWOOD — Stop by and play with the cemetery clowns. Maybe they'll pose for a selfie with ya -- if you dare. Haunted Hollow features homemade scares and reimagined store-bought ones, featured on Svengoolie and in print. On Halloween, neighbors gather at the hollow to pass out candy. Lit up 7 to 10 p.m. through Oct. 31.

Lemont

1127 WALTER ST., LEMONT — Don Luciano’s parade of 1980s horror movie characters and body parts will be up and running by Oct. 19.

Midlothian

STUTTGART HAUNTING, 14349 KILPATRICK AVE., MIDLOTHIAN — The Stuckarts of Midlothian turn their front yard into a freak show and each year is better than the last. The family loves horror movies and Halloween. The children, Gina, Tyler and Ritchie, of the homeowners, Vicky and Roland, are trying to keep the family tradition alive for as long as they can. Props are homemade -- none of that store-bought stuff. The yard haunt opens OCT. 1 from dusk to midnight. On Halloween, Oct. 31, there will be a change in decor and the show will be at its peak. Stuttgart Haunting will have live actors for pictures and frights from 3 to 8 p.m. on Halloween. The scarers WILL NOT terrorize children (unless asked by parents). They'll also have some good candy for the trick-or-treaters.

ADDED! GRAVEYARD ON KILPATRICK, 14441 Kilpatrick Ave., Midlothian — Instead of playing tricks, kids come from miles around just to see Judy Scott’s giant front yard mausoleum. ““I have been decorating my house since around 1988 and I have expanded my decorations to what they are today. It started with my love for Halloween and my son wanting to scare the children. My husband helps with the large displays that are all handmade, like the mausoleum.” On Halloween night there are smoke machines, spooky music and a live actor prowling about to scare the kiddies. The haunt will be ready on OCT. 18. Lights are on from dusk to 10:30 p.m.

ADDED! OLD TOWN TERROR, 4359 150TH ST., MIDLOTHIAN — Back for its eleventh year, this creepy cemetery with multiple animations will scare you. The haunt will be lit up from 6 to 10:30 p.m. OCT. 25 TO OCT. 26; 6 to 10 p.m. OCT. 27 through OCT. 30; 3 to 10:30 p.m. OCT. 31.

ADDED! 15011 KILDARE AVE., MIDLOTHIAN — Cathie Spizzirri has been collecting Halloween decorations for years and getting the neighborhood excited.

ADDED! 14348 S. KEELER, MIDLOTHIAN -- Almost all the props in this Midlo haunt are homemade. The Passini family is also collecting Halloween costumes for kids in need through their charity, Mac’s Army. The Passinis will be passing out chocolate on Halloween. Stop by for a cuddle.

ADDED! SCARY LARRY PET CEMETERY, 4348 147th ST., MIDLOTHIAN -- A boneyard for pets. Sick, but in a good way.

Niles

ADDED! 7313 W CONRQD AVE., NILES - This yard haunt effectively incorporates a scary doll theme. FULL-SIZED CANDY BAR ALERT.

Oak Forest

MOE’S GRAVEYARD, 6961 W. 156TH PL., OAK FOREST, IL — Yes, you read that right. Moe’s is rising from the dead after a 2-year dirt nap. Jose Rivera, more popularly known as Big Moe, of Five Guys Named Moe, is pulling his massive collection of decorations from his crawl space as we speak. If you visit only one haunt this Halloween, hit Moe’s. It is truly unforgettable. Watch our 2017 Facebook Live interview with Big Moe, when we all thought it was RIP for Moe’s Graveyard. This mother of all yard haunts will be open from Oct 15 through the 31.

ADDED! ACHTER ACRES, 5901 LIBERTY SQUARE, OAK FOREST — Geroge Achter and the little woman have been busier than Santa’s elves making homemade props for the 2019 debut of this up and coming haunt. Lighting and creepy music set the mood. Lights go on at dusk until 10:30ish.

ADDED! LOPEZ LAIR, 6224 FORESTVIEW DRIVE, OAK FOREST — This up and coming yard haunt is in its third year and keeps getting bigger every year. The Lopezes like to change it up every Halloween season. No blade of grass is spared with a full array of scary creatures populating the front and back yards. The haunt also features a garage walkthrough complete with animatronics, strobes, fog machines and music. Live actors will be helping out with the scares. Mrs. Lopez will be standing out in front of the garage handing out candy to younger children too frightened to tour the haunted walkthrough. The Lopezes will be handing out M&Ms, Snickers, Skittles, Blow Pops and more. The Lair will be up and running at full effect from dusk to 10:30 p.m. Oct. 29, 30 and 31. On Halloween the haunt will be open to 11:30 p.m.

ADDED! THE HAUNTED GARAGE, 4828 153RD ST., OAK FOREST — David Martinz, 14, is the mastermind behind this haunted car shack. Now in its second fabulous year! Don’t let the innocent tract home fool you. The garage is portel to hell with great special effects. Live actors jump out at you. This video will scare the snot out of you.

Oak Forest

ADDED! 11531 SEQUOIA ST., OAK FOREST — Sean Garrity has been decorating his house for 10 years, and his collection of Halloween decorations is out of control. This year his girlfriend, Jeannine, helped him set everything up. This yard haunt took over 30 hours to assemble, featuring a lit fence, ten talking and moving animated creatures, six fog machines (weather permitting) strobe lights, a graveyard and a headless horseman who sees all. He’s bought $200 worth of candy.

Oak Lawn

LINUS'S MOST SINCERE PUMPKIN PATCH, 10821 S. KENNETH AVE., OAK LAWN — Come hang out with Linus and Snoopy in this kid-friendly pumpkin patch as they wait for the Great Pumpkin to arrive All Hallows Eve. Trick-or-treaters will feel like Charlie Brown when they get a pop (rock) in their plastic jack o' lanterns. Your little ones will love this whimsical yard.

SPIRITS ON SPROAT/GALLERY OF THE DEAD, 9028 S. SPROAT AVE., OAK LAWN — "We're ready for our close-up, Mr. DeMille." This who's who of Hollywood monsters populates both the front and back yards. This popular home haunt showcases over 75 replicas — most custom-made — of your favorite scary movie characters and horror icons, plus several originals. Enjoy humorous museum-like signage describing each character, creepy horror movie music mixed with sound effects, live scarers, two fun "find the monster" scavenger hunt games, front window music-and-lights show, and more. Spirits on Sproat was named to the Horror Tourers Hall of Fame and is ME-TV Svengoolie's favorite haunt. Now in its 16th fabulous year, Spirits on Sproat runs from 7-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 31 and Nov. 1; 7-10 p.m. Sundays and Oct. 21, Oct. 23, Oct. 24 and Oct. 28-Oct. 30 weeknights during Halloween week.

ADDED! 10920 S. KEELER AVE., OAK LAWN — An amazing display of handmade monsters populate this scary yard in Oak Lawn. An evolving display. Come visit in person. Love it!

101ST STREET CEMETERY, 5133 W. 101ST ST, OAK LAWN — We’ve been watching this portal to Pinterest and Dollar Tree hell evolve since its 2012 debut on the scary yards tour. This lawn of ghouls keeps growing in size every year, as does the garbage can full of guts.

GRAVEROBBERS DEMISE, 4119 W. DEAN PARKWAY, OAK LAWN — This scary yard offers everything you need to rob a grave. An eerie cemetery scene with realistic elements, including steel fencing, hand cast cement headstones, torches, ground fog, remote-control triggered scares and a ghost projections that will scare the crap out of you. Front yard only, best viewed at night. 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Sunday (Oct. 25-Oct. 27) and all day on Halloween. Goodie bags for all the trick-or-treaters.

Orland Park/Orland Hills

SCARY SHERI'S HOUSE OF HORROR, 9048 SHERI LANE, ORLAND PARK — Lambchop must be lurking somewhere in the shadows. This is Scary Sheri’s fifth year running, featuring a Creepy Clown Circus, Werewolves Woods, Zombie invasion gone wrong, Large graveyard and much more. Live Actors on weekends weather permitting. Open dusk to 1o p.m. Sunday through Thursday; and dusk to 11:30ish Friday and Saturday, through Halloween.

SHURLEY HOUSE OF THE DEAD, 17404 DEER CREEK DRIVE, ORLAND PARK — There is lots to see in this yard haunt full of creatures, ghouls, headless brides and more. Check out the projection of the lady in the upstairs window that turns into a ghoul before your very eyes. Fun but not too scary. Kids will like it. Dusk to ten, maybe a little later on weekends through Halloween.

SQUEALER ON WHEELER, 7418 WHEELER DRIVE, ORLAND PARK — Squealer on Wheeler is taking a break this year, but it will return in 2020 bigger and better.

GOTHGLOOM CEMETERY, 12351 DERBY LANE, ORLAND PARK -- The debut of GothGloom Cemetery won raves in 2018. This Orland Park haunt features animation projectors and many props. The end result is stunning!

Palos Heights

ADDED! ANOTHER NIGHTMARE BEFORE HALLOWEEN, 12407 S. MELVINA, PALOS HEIGHTS —Beautifully lit haunt featuring the characters from “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” On weekends, a projector in the window plays the opening of the movie. The display is kid- and sensory-friendly (no strobes, loud noises, blood or gore). All kinds of candy will be handed out on Halloween, including allergy friendly treats for those who need them. Watch the YouTube vid.

River Forest

ADDED! 1433 KEYSTONE AVE. RIVER FOREST — This gorgeous home in River Forest combines a fall harvest scene with Halloween scares. The fog machines switch on at 6 p.m.

Stickney

ADDED! 3941 S CLINTON, STICKNEY

Tinley Park

ADDED! BOOS ON BREMENTOWNE, 7042 Brementowne Rd. Tinley Park — Stephanie Katello has been decorating her house for Halloween for the past four years, adding a new piece each year. Her star attraction is a homemade 7-foot-tall pumpkin figure sitting in a tree, surrounded by 1980s horror movie faves, a devil, witch, skeletons, hanging ghouls and a giant spider web. The display is kid friendly. On Halloween, Stephanie and her family dress up and handout candy and glow sticks. Lights go on 6:30 p.m. to midnight. The display is up now.

MEADOWLARK HAUNT, 17901 FLAMINGO DRIVE, TINLEY PARK -- Meadowlark Haunt, at the corner of Flamingo and Meadowlark is celebrating its 23rd year. From popular horror movie serial killers, to a rowdy group of clowns looking to play with you, and random demons in the street, Meadowlark Haunt has something to scare everyone, even the bravest of souls. Love it!

DUPAGE COUNTY

Carol Stream

CANYON TRAIL CEMETERY, 371 CANYON TRAIL, CAROL STREAM, IL — This extensive, award-winning Halloween Yard display features over 30 handmade pneumatic props and dozens more motorized and static props. Accepting donations of non-perishable food items for the local food pantry and monetary donations for Just Giants Dog Rescue. On view Oct. 5 to Oct. 31 Sunday through Thursday, dusk to 9 p.m.; and dusk tp 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Naperville

GAME OF BONES GRAVEYARD, 1613 SWALLOW STREET, NAPERVILLE — Beware of the itsy-bitsy spider, chained gargoyles and skeletons walking their dead dogs.

West Chicago

CHURCH STREET CEMETERY, 333 CHURCH STREET, WEST CHICAGO — Follow Larry Underearth to this 130-year-old home in West Chicago, where the streets are a little darker and a little quieter. Walk past the graveyard fence if you dare and say hello to Scarekin Jack, Danny the Groundskeeper, and Samara In The Well, inspired by the movie “The Ring.” A garage walkthrough haunt is open Oct. 31, mainly to scare the punk kids, featuring a horror chapel and zombie cage. Includes static and animated props. Will be passing out sugar free candy on Halloween. Open October 1-31. Best viewed after dark till midnight.

Winfield

POSSESSION ON PARK STREET, 0S 185 PARK ST., WINFIELD — Your head will spin just like Linda Blair's did in “The Exorcist” when you get a load of this full display with animations select Friday/Saturday nights and Halloween. Live actors will be prowling about Halloween night. (animations are weather dependent). Dusk to 10 p.m., through Halloween; a little later on Fridays and Saturdays in October.

Woodridge

ADDED! AGONY ON ADBETH, 8341 ADBETH AVE., WOODRIDGE — Defines “it was a dark and stormy night.” Should be up and running by OCt. 13 from 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, through Oct. 31. There will a garage walkthrough on Oct. 31 from 5 to 9 p.m.

ADDED! FULL MOON FARM, 2306 CAMBRIDGE LANE, WOODRIDGE -- A kid-friendly and whimsical display. Should be ready by OCT 13, 5 to 9 p.m. through Halloween.

LAKE COUNTY (IL)

119 FORESTWAY DRIVE, DEERFIELD — Kim Rohn admits that her hubby, Dick, is a bit of a nut about decorations. Dick transforms their front lawn into an amazing graveyard. Headstones include famous scary folks, along with the usual Frankenstein and Dracula standbys. The display is educational for the kiddies, featuring custom designs of Salem witch covens with literary quotes from Shakespeare, Edgar Allen Poe, Mary Shelley, Stephen King and more.

ADDED! 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.

McHENRY COUNTY

Algonquin

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.

ADDED! 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.

Crystal Lake

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.

ADDED! WOODSTOCK AND OAK STREET INTERSECTION, CRYSTAL LAKE — We don’t have pictures, but a reader says this display is “amazing,” featuring the Wizard of Oz, Chuckie, a giant pumpkin man, and much, much more. We hear the homeowner goes all out at Christmas as well.

Huntley

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.

WILL COUNTY

Crest Hill

ADDED! 21522 & 21526 CARLTON ST., CREST HILL — Nothing spells neighborly love quite like neighbors getting together and decorating their block with ghouls and zombies.

Homer Glen

ADDED! 12449 WALDEN ROAD, HOMER GLEN — Tracey Anzar tells Patch that her husband, Dean Lamb, had been preparing and building different props for months. This yard tells a story. Fog machines are up during the weekends. Donations to the local animal shelter are appreciated.

13115 SAGE COURT, HOMER GLEN — The festive Fiskows have created a delightful, family-friendly cemetery with lots of blow molds. Features projections, skeletons on roofs and lots of other creepy things to gape at.

Joliet

MAYHEM ON MAYFIELD AT HALLOWEEN, 2213 MAYFIELD AVE., JOLIET — Watch out for Norman Bates mother! This unassuming split-level home becomes a haven for the dead, with animatronics that show off for visitors throughout October and on the big night. Should be up by Oct. 10.

COUNT KUHAJDA'S HAUNTED HAUS, 1112 NICHOLSON ST., JOLIET — Mark and Nancy Kuhajda have been spooking their block for over 20 years (now we're hungry for a bowl of Count Chocula.) This elegant front and backyard haunt offers a kid-friendly amusing walkthrough. There are no actors to terrify their kids. The front yard features mostly traditional Halloween fare. Belly up to the demon bar where a deceased bartender introduces visitors to the haunt. The backyard features the house band the Dead Beats. The cemetery and props are based on Universal Studios and sci-fi related characters. All figures and tombstones are handmade. The Kuhajdas will once again be accepting donations for 1Pet 1Vet, a great organization that trains rescue dogs as companions and service dogs for veterans. Haunt hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Fridays; 5 to 9 p.m. Saturdays; and 3 to 9 p.m. Oct. 31.

Lockport

20936 W McGILVRAY DRIVE, LOCKPORT — Arachnophobiacs can conquer their fears and/or avoid the giant spider web and spiders altogether. Beata VanderVeen’s eclectic haunt features aliens, haunted graveyard and the Bones family, who've waited a long time for trick or treaters. She tries to change it up every year. Should be ready by Oct. 11.

HORROR ON HIGHLAND, 1314 HIGHLAND AVE., LOCKPORT — Now in its third year of operation, there is horror around every corner. Visitors get the full experience with zombies emerging from a cemetery where the dead lurk. This year’s theme is “Zombie Outbreak.” Can you find a cure for the Z virus? Great fog. Zombie hunting permits sold here.

ADDED! HALLOWEEN AT THE WARDS, 19218 Jacquie Ave., Lockport (off Airport Rd.; in the subdivision just across from Lewis Airport) — Thousands have visited this well-known Lockport haunt since its debut in 1988. Best seen at night when the entire yard is illuminated. Music plays throughout the night, including the theme music from Halloween, Hocus Pocus and Halloween stories on the sound system. Visitors are encouraged to get out of their cars and see this amazing yard up close and personal. “Night of the Living Dead” plays in the picture window. Some of the ghoulish creatures could be scary for younger kids, so parents should use their discretion. This haunt is accepting donations for Joliet residents in need. Open now through Oct. 31, 6 to 11 p.m.

Manhattan

ADDED! 24361 SHAWNEE LANE, MANHATTAN -- Michael Hesser’s yard haunt is a technological feat, done entirely with computers. Michael starts programming and editing weeks in advance. Currently he has two “scenes” running, with more to be added in the days leading up to Halloween to keep things interesting.

Mokena

SCARY HOUSE ON FIONA, 19783 FIONA AVE, MOKENA — Scary, scary, scary Debbie Triolo has been decorating her yard for over 20 years. Mokena residents look forward to driving past every year. Check out the crematorium.

Monee

ADDED! MONEE MANOR, 24066 S. CICERO AVE., MONEE, IL -- Take a drive down Cicero Avenue to where the streetlights end and the dark country takes over. This is the Berryhill family's seventh year of doing their country yard haunt. Creepy animatronic and static ghosts await you, mostly homemade. Come see the huge graveyard with 10-foot pillars, skeleton stock chambers and basement zombies. Watch out for the MASSIVE rooftop spider and the elaborate toxic waste dump. The neighbors also do a great display. There's plenty of shoulder area to park and walk along the front of the property to get a closer look. Dusk to midnight through Nov 3rd. Monee Manor - Halloween Yard Display.

New Lenox

YARD O’ THE APOCALYPSE, 250 IAN AVE., NEW LENOX — Walt Disney couldn't have done a better job himself with these animatronics. From the creepy lighting, fog machines, scary sounds, projected terrors, an unfriendly clown, zombies, Leatherface’s Chop Shop, a shocking fellow, babies that you would not want to babysit for to the twins that have a dark outlook on life, there is a little demented fun for all. Available for viewing 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. through Nov. 2. For Halloween, this display will be re-oriented to face the center of the yard, so visitors can walk the short haunted path through the display and collect the Halloween candy at the end. The Brauers' will be passing out mid-grade candy, not terrible and not full-sized candy bars. Somewhere in between. Check out the youtube video.

NIGHTMARE ON NEWCASTLE, 535 NEWCASTLE DRIVE, NEW LENOX — We believe that the couple that builds Dr. Frankenstein's lab in their garage together -- stays together. Luann and Mike Lodes have been turning their yard into a nightmare for 22 years. Spooky, but not too gory or bloody for little kids -- the Lodes' target audience. Display includes a graveyard full of old tombstones but the dead still somehow make their presence known. Beware of the spirits in the Field of Streams. Visitors are encouraged to get out of their cars to tour the yard and walk into the lab. Beware of the 'punny' tombstones. Live actors will be prowling the display on Halloween. The display will be up Oct. 15. Lights go on at dusk and on 'til 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. GIANT PIXY STIX AND FULL-SIZED M&M’S ALERT!!!

Plainfield

THE COTE'S HAUNTED YARD, 6907 TOWNSEND BLVD, PLAINFIELD — Brian and Jessica Cote offer a backyard walk through for families to enjoy. It's kid friendly, not scary and there is a scavenger hunt for kids. Nothing jumps out at you. The haunt features animatronics, lights, fog and a lot of homemade props. "My husband and I love Halloween. We were married on Halloween and of course had a costume party wedding. One day for trick or treating is not enough to share our excitement and joy of this holiday," says Jessica. The haunt is open dusk to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays (Oct.4-5,11-12,18-19,25,26 and 31-weather permitting) dusk till 9pm 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., and of course, on Halloween, weather permitting.

MEADOWBROOK MANOR/HAUNTED CASTLE, 5301 MEADOWBROOK ST., PLAINFIELD — Special effects include color changing bulbs, motion lights, creepy sounds and synchronized lights, plus fog (coming soon) complete this splendid haunt. Themed videos play in the front window. Scaddy! Lights are on 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. every night through Nov. 2. Goodie bags for your younger kids or anyone who’d like one, filled with candy, Halloween tattoos, bubbles games or trinkets. Candy for the older kids.

1907 CATON RIDGE DRIVE, PLAINFIELD — We love the skeleton dog chasing the skeleton in this kid-friendly display. Timmy's in the well!

ADDED! ELLA’S FREAK SHOW, 13240 SKYLINE DRIVE, PLAINFIELD — Gabba, gabba, hey! The freak show is back in town! This circus-themed haunt is like walking behind the big top and mingling among the carnies and roustabouts. Features a posse of skeletal clowns practicing their trapeze act, bearded ladies, dog-faced children, jugglers, pinheads and all the other attractions you expect to see at a circus freak show. Creepy circus music Friday through Sunday. Display stays lit until 11 p.m. through Halloween. You’re one of us!

Romeoville

LOST SOULS GRAVE YARD, 724 UNION AVE., ROMEOVILLE. — This front yard graveyard has many skeletons, skeleton dogs, as well as hand-made and store purchased animated props. You will find a skeleton horse pulling a hand-made wagon with a wooden coffin. Some gravestones have pop-ups behind them. There are glow-in-the-dark skeletons and swinging bats. The cemetery gate has animated ghost, gargoyles and scary music playing, as well as a skeleton window display. This year, the Linklaters are planning a haunted pumpkin patch. On Halloween night, treat bags will be given out. If raining, some animated props will not be displayed. Feel free to get out of your car and walk around the graveyard fence area. Public viewing starts Oct. 18 from 6 to 10 p.m.

Shorewood

ADDED! BONEYARD ON BUTTERFIELD, 1109 BUTTERFIELD CIRCLE WEST, SHOREWOOD — We love the skeleton trying to break into the house in this kid-friendly boneyard. Features a lighted graveyard, skeletons escaping their graves, video projections of dancing skeletons, grim reapers and witches. The boneyard is lit nightly from 5:30 to 11:30 p.m. through Halloween, with video projections showing on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Handing out Reese’s, Snickers, Hersey’s, Milky Way, Starburst and Skittles. The Williams family is participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project for children with allergies.

DOMUM DIABOLI HAUNTED HOUSE, 411 BROOK FOREST AVE., SHOREWOOD, IL — This is an actor driven, high intensity haunted house put on by a group of pro-haunters with history in attractions such as Statesville, Midnight Terror, and Dark Summit. It's not for the faint of heart. It spans the two car garage, and quarter-acre of the outside property. Admission is free but we are taking donations for Guardian Angel Community Services. Live scarers will be prowling about. Yikes! 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 19, 25, 26, and 30; 5 to 10 p.m. Oct. 31 (low scare for the trick-or-treaters, no show Halloween night).