415 Dale Street, Somonauk, IL
Year: 2014
Another brand new 2014 haunt for the Tourers was Dark Dreams Cemetery in Somonauk, Illinois. This one also hosted a home haunt in a large barn across the street, but unfortunately that was not operating when we got there. However, the haunt still had some good stuff to see.
As the name suggests, most of the setup is designed to resemble a cemetery, complete with large metal archway with dilapidated cemetery sign on it. There were numerous moving props in and around the display, including a floating ghost that could be glimpsed from inside the windows of the haunt property, some articulated skeletons, and even a figure with a spinning head a la The Exorcist. The main portion of the display featured a skeleton leaning on a wooden coffin that was under a tent, making it seem like the skeleton was either making the coffin or preparing it for burial. A highlight of the setup was a large mausoleum with arched stained glass windows. At first it appeared to be a static prop, but suddenly a large skeletal hand in a robs started clawing its way out of one of the windows. The arm actually seemed to grow out of the window itself, which was a very clever touch. It took a moment to realize it was not a live actor! The cemetery was complemented by some moody lighting, strobes, and Halloween themed music playing in the background, including the lesser heard follow up to "Monster Mash", "Monsters' Holiday." Also included was a vintage white hears parked just at the entrance to the property's driveway, which certainly lent some authenticity to the cemetery setup. Overall, a nicely done yard display with some clever props and good lighting. Hopefully we'll be able to see the display plus the haunted house the next time we visit. |
WalkthroughMAP
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