Niles Scream Park opens for 2018 season, features new frights, thrills

Published 10:18 am Friday, September 14, 2018

By Kelsey Hammon

NILES — As the sun set Wednesday and darkness began to fall over the Niles Scream Park, Aaron Smith, a volunteer for the haunted attraction, appeared dressed as “Death.”

In a head to toe skeleton ensemble, complemented by draping black rags and a set of contacts that turned Smith’s eyes an ethereal shade of blue, Smith was among the dedicated volunteers who sought to give local media a sneak peek into this year’s frights and thrills at the Niles Scream Park.

The 44-acre haunted attraction officially opens for the 2018 season today from 8 to 11 p.m. While this is the 45th year that the Niles Scream Park has been in operation, those who return to face their fears will encounter brand-new haunted house interiors, chalk full of bone chilling details and special effects. That is because park officials are constantly searching for new inspiration at haunts across the nation. They channel their newfound inspiration into designing new themes each year for the park.

Pete Karlowicz, the owner and operator of the park, said that’s what sets the Niles Scream Park apart from other haunted attractions.

“What people need to understand is everything is new,” Karlowicz said. “That is our trademark. Everything is new. Unlike other haunts, they will change a few things or nothing. That is not the way it works here.”

With a swish of his tattered, ghoulish garment, Smith led media into the depths of Grimm’s Funeral Services. This newly designed haunted house is based upon the fictitious story of longtime mortician and owner of Grimm’s Funeral Home, Dr. Adam Grimm, whose suspected involvement into the “Stillwater Killings” is ongoing. Organ music swelled as park goers stumbled through a funeral parlor and church where despicable demons filled every church pew. A second haunted house, called The Doll Factory, twists and turns through a factory full of not-so-nice toys. Through the park’s main house, first time viewers tried not to cringe as they entered a library where surprises waited around every corner. This year’s main house is based on novels and those who dare to enter will find themselves in scenes from Stephen King’s “It” and even, “Harry Potter.” The main house also features multiple paths for people to choose from.

In addition to the three haunted houses, those who visit the park can check out the Field of Screams, an outdoor maze that takes people through a Voodoo Bayou, castle torture area and cannibal island. There’s also a Dark Terror-tory Haunted Hayride that travels through more than 30 different sets over a mile-long ride. Mini Escape Rooms and last year’s Hooded attraction – where adults sign a waiver and are blind folded, are returning features to the park.

Yet another unique aspect to the park is that it is operated by hundreds of volunteers. Proceeds from the park go to a charity of the volunteer’s choosing – supporting more than 50 local organizations and school districts. Since 1996, more than $1.8 million has been donated to a variety of causes.

For Smith, his time at the park helps to raise money for the Niles Scream Park scholarship fund. Smith was a recipient of the scholarship himself when he graduated high school and said he feels it is an opportunity to give back. The scholarship funds are available to students in the Niles, Brandywine, Dowagiac, Cassopolis and Edwardsburg school districts.

As he faces a new season of frights, Smith said he is looking forward to the reward of seeing people react to the park.

“[It’s nice] seeing the fruits of your labor come to fruition and bringing it to life [and] creating that sense of entertainment for everyone to enjoy our hard work,” Smith said.

The park is located at 855 Mayflower Road. Information on ticket prices can be found by visiting haunted.org.

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