Scottsdale Haunt Draws 10,000 Visitors in 40 Years of Evolution

More than 10,000 people have passed through the House of Haunts this year at 8325 E. Lincoln Drive in Scottsdale. The attraction operates near the intersection of Indian Bend and Hayden roads. It has become a major draw for the neighborhood as Halloween approaches.

Caitlyn Birkett, the daughter of the creator, explained the origins of the site. Her father began the tradition in 1983 when he was 14 years old. He initially placed a couple of gravestones in the yard. That simple start has grown over four decades into a large-scale production involving the wider community.

The interior features distinct themed sections, special effects, and jump scares. Birkett noted that the experience is intense and is not recommended for children under 13. Visitors encounter a Lost Dutchman Mine theme inspired by the Superstition Mountains. The house also includes a tribute to the Overlook Hotel from The Shining. A massive telephone booth room and laser swamps are scattered throughout the space. There are also references to the Haunted Mansion.

The physical elements were not assembled in a single year. Birkett stated that the collection represents 40 years of work. Her father hand-built many of the pieces. She described his creative vision as unique, noting that he enjoys incorporating various illusions into the haunt. The accumulation of props and sets has taken a long time to complete.

The popularity of the site has changed the local traffic patterns. Community members line the street to wait for entry. Birkett said the line is typically at least an hour long and can reach two hours. The queue wraps around the entire block. It extends about three houses down before reaching the next street. She expressed gratitude for the community involvement.

Weather conditions have become a factor for the final days of the event. It rained on the day before Halloween, leaving the grounds wet and muddy. The family is working to clear the area. They are monitoring the forecast closely to ensure the site is accessible.

The family expects operations to continue through the final two nights if heavier rain does not return. Halloween night will be the last opportunity to visit. The location remains at 8325 E. Lincoln Drive in Scottsdale.