Descend Into Horror: Haunted Basement Returns to the Twin Cities

If you’re hunting for one of the most immersive, unsettling, and artist-driven haunted experiences in the Twin Cities, the Haunted Basement is back — and it’s better (and darker) than ever.

What Is Haunted Basement?

Haunted Basement is not your typical haunted house. Since 2005, this nonprofit theatrical haunt has blended interactive theater, performance art, and psychological horror to craft a deeply unsettling experience.

Instead of jumpscares and zombies, expect twisted environments, strange characters, disorienting soundscapes, and boundary-pushing art. Every corner feels like a nightmare that’s been handcrafted by local artists.

Where & When

Location: Bumbling Fools Mead, 2010 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN
Dates: The show opened on October 2 and typically runs through early November.
Tickets:
• In advance: around $28
• At the door: around $31
• Fraidy Cat Tours (lights-on walkthrough, no scares): around $15

Note: You must sign a waiver and present a valid ID to attend.

More info:  https://hauntedbasement.org/

What to Expect (and How to Prepare)

This is an immersive, boundary-pushing haunt. Know what you’re signing up for before you go.

What Happens Inside

  • Expect strong smells, physical contact, crawling, confined spaces, and even liquid effects.

  • Actors may interact with you physically — within safe boundaries.

  • The environment changes every year, from eerie sets to unpredictable storylines and characters.

Tips for Surviving (and Enjoying) It

  • Wear closed-toe shoes — no heels.

  • Avoid nice clothes — they might get messy.

  • Leave bags and unnecessary items at home.

  • Bring an open mind and a sense of humor. You’re part of the show!

Why Haunted Basement Stands Out

1. Artist-driven horror
Haunted Basement leans into absurdism, symbolism, and theatrical performance instead of relying on gore or cheap scares.

2. Ever-evolving experience
Each season is completely new, with different characters, paths, and scenes.

3. Nonprofit and community-focused
It’s powered by local artists and volunteers, creating a one-of-a-kind creative haunt each year.

4. Alternative to mainstream haunts
If clowns and chainsaws aren’t your thing, this is the thinking person’s haunted house — more weird than gory, more psychological than predictable.

Not for the Faint of Heart

Haunted Basement isn’t for everyone. Some guests describe it as thrillingly bizarre, while others find it downright uncomfortable. You might get splashed, covered in strange substances, or encounter creepy characters who seem a little too close for comfort.

If that sounds like too much, the Fraidy Cat Tour offers a lights-on look behind the scenes — all atmosphere, no scares.

If you’re craving something darker, stranger, and more artful than your average haunted attraction, Haunted Basement is a Twin Cities must-do. It pushes boundaries, invites you into the story, and rewards anyone brave enough to descend into its depths.

Get your tickets early, bring your courage, and prepare for an unforgettable night underground.

More info:  https://hauntedbasement.org/