I Survived 13th Floor Schiller Park & Why You Should Go

When the Explore Oak Park content crew started handing out October assignments, someone mentioned I’m a Halloween enthusiast. Suddenly my Friday night plans shifted from watching a scary movie in pajamas to being the designated guinea pig for what’s rumored to be one of the scariest haunted houses in Chicagoland: the 13th Floor.

Did I take the challenge? Of course I did. But as I stood in line that night, watching the fog roll across the parking lot and hearing the distant screams of people before me, I started to question all my life choices that led to this exact moment.

Let’s just say this wasn’t your neighborhood jump-scare setup. This was my experience at 13th Floor Schiller Park.

Chapter One: The Arrival

Schiller Park is easy to reach and just a short drive from the city. The 13th Floor Haunted House sits in the middle of a neighborhood filled with your classic neighborhood goings-on. You pass a gas station and, in the distance, a hotel blinking through the trees. For a moment, it almost feels… normal. I must admit that driving up I was feeling confident. Maybe too confident.

We parked around the corner, walked up to the gate, and had our tickets scanned before following the crowd toward a glow of neon light. The air buzzed with energy—some people laughing and shrieking; others checking over their shoulders. The wait didn’t look bad, and I was ready to go.

I went with a few friends, and we were chatting when it happened. A wave of hot air brushed the back of my neck.

Instinctively I swatted at it (apparently my version of bravery) and stepped aside. My friends giggled. I turned around, and there he was: my enemy for the night.

If you’ve never been to a haunted house, you might not realize people like me are prime targets: unsuspecting and jumpy, with the kind of loud, cartoonish scream that delights everyone nearby. And so it began. This was my first epically embarrassing scare of the evening, of course recorded on film.

As we crept closer to the door, I’m fairly sure my blood pressure entered an unsafe range. Then came the call from the doorway: “How many? Four? You may enter.” That’s when the real nerves kicked in.

Chapter Two: The Wait

The second we stepped inside, the rules seemed to have completely changed, at least in my mind. This was the danger zone. Here, nothing felt reliable. Every doorframe looked suspicious. Every seam in the wood could hide a breath, a whisper, a hand waiting to wave a bloodied weapon in front of you (at a safe distance, of course; to be clear, no one can touch you).

We shuffled forward to get lined up. Two minutes on the clock stretched like an hour. My brain kept scanning for patterns that weren’t there, inventing shapes in the shadows, bargaining with a future version of me who had already survived. I tried to breathe slowly, while the group of people ahead of us were silent.

And then, us.

Chapter Three: The Journey

Ready or not, it was our turn. Once you step in, there's no easing into the moment after the door closes behind you. You simply have to start moving.

Now, I won’t tell you everything I saw, because it would ruin the surprise. But I can tell you that in what felt like hours (but was actually 20 minutes), I witnessed more flickering corridors, shifting walls, blood-covered torture chambers, and ghostly silhouettes than I ever expected to in my life. Every sense fired at once. Light flashed, then disappeared. Something brushed (you think) past you that wasn’t there when you looked again.

Most haunted houses give you tiny reminders that you’re still in a building. Maybe there’s a leftover piece of painter’s tape or a crack in a wall that lets a little bit of light in. This one didn’t. The world outside just disappeared. You moved through echoing rooms, heard screams ahead and behind, but mostly it was quiet. Just quiet enough that you never knew when the next thing would reach in front of you.

And the deeper you went, the more you started to wonder if you’d ever get out.

Chapter Four: The Moment of Freedom, Sort Of

Eventually, I started to see it: a faint light ahead that felt almost unreal after so much darkness. I stepped toward it, half-expecting another trap, but this time it was real. I made it out.

The exit spills into an area where you can finally catch your breath. Here’s where you choose your next move. You can browse their shop for souvenirs or photos that prove you lived to tell the tale, or you can keep the adrenaline going. Because at 13th Floor, the night doesn’t have to end when the last scream fades.

If you want to stay in the Halloween world a little longer, there are two solid options. The escape rooms keep the spooky energy going with puzzles, eerie settings, and that low-key panic of racing the clock. They’re a great way to laugh off the fear.

Or, if you’re still running on pure adrenaline, there’s zombie hunting—a wild experience where you get to turn the tables and take on a horde of the undead (actors, of course) with airsoft guns. It’s fast, chaotic, and incredibly satisfying. I’d recommend both if you can swing it.

After that, you can walk back into the night with a little more confidence, and maybe a slightly higher heart rate, but definitely a story worth telling.

Chapter Five: The Afterparty

Once you’ve survived the 13th Floor, you’ll likely need a minute to decompress, and maybe a snack to remind yourself you’re human again. Luckily, Schiller Park has you covered. You can stay casual and pull up the hood of your car for a late-night bite from Frannie’s Beef, the kind of no-frills local favorite that tastes even better after you’ve screamed your lungs out. Or if you’re ready to swap haunted-house fog for something a little more festive, head to Short Fuse Brewing for craft beer, food, and the warm buzz of fellow thrill-seekers still laughing about what just happened. Either way, it’s the perfect cooldown to an adrenaline-heavy night.

Meet Us for a Night of Scares

Think you can handle it? The 13th Floor Haunted House in Schiller Park is open through the Halloween season, and it’s ready to test your nerves. Bring your friends, pick your time slot wisely, and remember that no one escapes without at least one good scream.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Where is it?
5050 River Road, Schiller Park, IL 60176
The 13th Floor Haunted House is right in the heart of Schiller Park. It’s easy to reach from Chicago and surrounded by plenty of post-scare hangouts.

How do I get tickets?

Tickets are sold online only.
Buy tickets here
Pro tip: Joining the Fright Club gets you discounts, rewards, and other members-only perks.

What should I bring (and what should I leave at home)?

Bring a clear bag no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”.

Skip the costumes, masks, face paint, props, and handheld items—they’re not allowed inside.

Keep your food, drinks, flashlights, and cameras tucked away once you’re in the haunt.

Wear comfortable shoes; heels and flip-flops tend to end up in their lost and found.

And above all: Be kind. Mistreating staff or performers means you’ll be sent home early, and no one wants to be that person.

Where do I park?

Valet parking is available through One Spot O’Hare Parking at 9500 River Street for $20 per vehicle.

Free street parking is available on Winona Avenue and Ainslie Street.

Accessible parking is available for vehicles with handicapped placards—just pull up to the front driveway and staff will let you into the front lot.

What’s it like inside?
Groups of 10 or fewer are sent through at a time. The experience lasts around 20 minutes, but time works differently when you’re being chased by nightmares. Expect darkness, disorientation, and the occasional questioning of your life choices.

Is it suitable for kids?
The event may be too intense for children 12 and under. You know your kid best, but this one is designed to scare even the grown-ups.

Can I take photos or videos?
Outside, yes. Inside, no. Save the selfies for the courtyard, grab a snack from the vendors, and pick up your official scare photo before you leave.

Final tips

Arrive early to check in and grab your bearings.

Pick your ticket time carefully—lines move fast, but prime hours fill up quickly.

Keep your sense of humor handy; you’ll need it.