Erebus is filled to the brim with weird, wild, and wonderful delights. Stepping into a time machine, Erebus transports you across time and space to experience scares for all shapes, sizes, and tastes. As one of the largest haunts in the world—and most certainly one of the premier haunts of the Midwest—Erebus should be added to your list of must-see experiences not just this Halloween, but all the Halloweens to follow.
Erebus holds a special place in haunt history (and my heart) not just for its size, but also the many innovations it has brought to the industry. The rough sketch of Erebus started as a simple shack in 1981. Through the vision of haunt industry veterans Ed and Jim Terebus, Erebus expanded into a 4-story parking garage in the heart of Pontiac, Michigan in 2000. From 2005 to 2009, Erebus then held the Guinness Book of World Records title for the world’s longest walk-through haunted attraction. Across its tenure, Erebus has been a breeding ground for terrific contraptions like airbag channels, audio-animatronics, and optical illusion tunnels. In many cases, Erebus has been the first to introduce some of the most tried-and-true scare triggers to haunts and, in doing so, has spearheaded a massive haunt community across the state of Michigan.
Not a single thing in Erebus disappoints. The scare actors have a wicked sense of humor, every aesthetic detail is masterfully executed, and security works seamlessly in the background to manage the crowds. And, boy oh boy, those crowds are massive. The line to get inside often stretches across multiple city blocks. While the wait is very much worth it, those haunters pressed for time would certainly benefit from spending a few extra bucks to get front of the line access. Once inside, you find participants are respectful and the many set you enter are completely immersive.
It’s pretty much an all-ages haunt, but use discretion when picking your fellow haunters. Erebus keeps a running tally at its exit of those who have wimped out or wet themselves—those numbers should be enough to shock you on their own. Perhaps more importantly, keep close track of your things. There’s a massive display of lost items left by those who were too terrified to go back in to find their IDs, pairs of shoes, or glasses. Many walk in brave, but most walk out faint of heart. If you’re like me, though, you’ll smile with idiot glee the whole way through because Erebus just gives and keeps on giving.
Are you afraid you won’t be able to make it to Erebus in time this season? Fear not! The minds behind this frightful haunt have started dabbling in the escape room industry. They’ve opened an entire complex with plans for multiple rooms on the way so you can get your Erebus fix year-round! Find the time, take the trip, and embrace everything the Terebus brothers have to offer to seasoned and unseasoned haunt enthusiasts.
For more information, find them online at: http://hauntedpontiac.com/
