Utah State University - » Craving a little freak out? Try the Heritage Center’s Haunted Hallow

Craving a little freak out? Try the Heritage Center’s Haunted Hallow

October 15th, 2012 Posted in Arts and Life

By Shayna Marcure

WELLSVILLE — For a spooky evening with the family, for a haunted date night or even for an exhilarating time with some friends, American West Heritage Center is  hosting its annual Old West Corn Maze and Haunted Hallow through the month of October.

“The seven-acre corn maze is always a hit with families. It takes about 45 minutes to get through,” AWHC executive assistant Rebecca Getz told the Hard News Café. “This is set up for all ages. The giant slide is also really popular. It’s 120 feet long!”

Along with the giant slide and corn maze, the museum offers pony, wagon and train rides, tomahawk throwing, a BB gun shoot, a hay fort, and the Haunted Hallow.

“The Haunted Hallow is legitimately scary,” Getz said. “I was freaked out when I went through it. It’s really fantastic and available Friday and Saturday nights, until 10:30 p.m.”

Getz emphasized the Haunted Hallow’s appeal to couples for a cheap, fun date night. For unlimited access to the Hallow and the other activities, it costs only $9 with a student ID. Concessions are also available.

The Haunted Hallow is typically comprised of 30 volunteers, whose only job is to “freak you out,” Getz shared. She does not recommend the Hallow for children under the age of 12.

“Our family came last year,” Karen Larson, education and volunteer manager said. “It was raining and we left soaking wet, but we had a ball. We love the giant slide.”

Larson shared some information about the annual Fall Harvest Days, held Oct. 19-20. “It’s when we really get to incorporate the history aspect into the entire festival. The Ephraim mountain men and some Shoshoni will be here next weekend. They’ll set up a small rendezvous, with teepees and everything.” Pumpkins are also available for purchase, reaching maximum costs of $4.

According to Larson, visitation numbers reached an estimated 8,500 for the month of October last year, and similar numbers are expected for this year’s events.

The American West Heritage Center is open Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.  and Friday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.  It is located at 4025 U.S. 89 in Wellsville. For more information, call (435) 245-6050.

“We are a non-profit organizations, so we like to keep all of our sales cheap to provide a good experience for the community,” Getz said.

NW