COTTAGE GROVE, MN – March 04, 2026 – PRESSADVANTAGE –
The Haunting Experience, Minnesota’s longest-running haunted attraction, announces its 40th anniversary season for 2026, continuing a tradition of seasonal scares that began in 1986. Founded by the Zywiec Family, this F has evolved from a simple hayride into a comprehensive destination featuring multiple immersive experiences designed to deliver controlled thrills for visitors of varying bravery levels. The announcement comes as preparations begin for the October openings, building on nearly four decades of entertaining thousands of guests from the Twin Cities area and beyond.
The core attractions remain anchored by the Haunted House, a walkthrough experience filled with dark entities, unexpected terrors, and atmospheric effects that challenge guests’ senses. Complementing this is the Haunted Hayride, recognized as Minnesota’s longest-running of its kind, where participants ride through haunted forests and past the fictional Wilhelm Steelworks, encountering maniacs and monsters along tractor-pulled trails. For those seeking heightened intensity, the Massacre attraction offers an intense cornfield walkthrough where actors may interact more directly, including light physical contact such as grabbing or brushing past visitors. This experience requires participants to be at least 13 years old and is included with VIP ticket options.
In addition to the nighttime scares, The Haunting Experience provides daytime alternatives through the Fall Fun Fest on select dates. These family-oriented activities include art projects, free hayrides without scares, petting areas with goats, and lights-on tours of the Haunted House, allowing younger visitors or those preferring milder engagement to explore the setups without encounters from actors. Concessions, prepared on-site, offer snacks to enhance the visit, supporting a full-day outing for groups.
The 40th anniversary underscores the attraction’s enduring appeal in the region. Over the years, The Haunting Experience has adapted to visitor feedback, incorporating new elements while maintaining safety protocols and age-appropriate guidelines. Group rates accommodate parties of 20, 50, or 100 people, making it suitable for corporate events, school groups, or large families. The location along Highway 61, just south of St. Paul, provides accessible entry for residents of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, with ample parking and clear signage to guide arrivals.
Bill Zywiec, Owner of The Haunting Experience, commented on the milestone: “Reaching 40 years reflects the dedication of our team and the loyalty of our visitors who return each season for the unique blend of tradition and innovation in our setups.” He added that the anniversary season aims to honor the attraction’s history while introducing subtle enhancements to keep the experiences fresh.
Visitor accounts from previous seasons illustrate the attraction’s impact. One guest noted the welcoming atmosphere created by staff, emphasizing how the combination of scares and fun elements made for a memorable evening. Another highlighted the quality of the haunts, comparing them favorably to similar attractions in other states, while a third described the overall setup as exceeding expectations in terms of immersion and value.
The Haunting Experience’s evolution traces back to its origins as a family-operated venture. The Zywiec Family initially launched the hayride in 1986, expanding over time to include the Haunted House and additional features like the Massacre. This growth has positioned it as a staple in Minnesota’s fall entertainment landscape, drawing on local folklore and creative storytelling to craft scenarios that blend horror with entertainment. The team’s composition includes scare actors, artists, builders, and support staff who contribute to the seasonal preparations, ensuring each element functions smoothly.
As the 2026 season approaches, The Haunting Experience continues to prioritize guest safety, with rules prohibiting running, touching actors, or bringing outside items that could interfere with operations. The attraction operates rain or shine, with covered waiting areas to accommodate weather variations common in Minnesota autumns. Ticket options, including general admission and VIP packages, allow flexibility for different group sizes and preferences.
The 40th anniversary serves as a reminder of the attraction’s role in community traditions. Many families have made annual visits a ritual, passing down stories of their encounters through the haunted paths. This longevity distinguishes The Haunting Experience from newer venues, offering a sense of continuity amid the changing entertainment industry.
Looking ahead, the attraction plans to maintain its focus on authentic scares without relying on excessive technology, emphasizing human-performed elements that create personal interactions. This approach has garnered positive responses, with guests frequently citing the realism and creativity as key draws.
The Haunting Experience stands as a family-owned and operated haunted attraction in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, specializing in seasonal Halloween experiences. Established in 1986 by the Zywiec Family, it features a Haunted House, Haunted Hayride, and Massacre cornfield, alongside daytime family activities, serving the Twin Cities region and visitors from surrounding areas.
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For more information about The Haunting Experience, contact the company here:
The Haunting Experience
Zywiec Family
651-459-3001
info@hauntingexperience.com
10900 E Point Douglas Rd S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016
