The western suburbs are truly a Halloween enthusiast's paradise, where residents go all out to bring the spirit of the season to life. With such an abundance of spooktacular displays, we’ve put together a Halloween route that promises an unforgettable journey, stretching from Riverside through La Grange Park and concluding in Brookfield. These homes have consistently raised the bar when it comes to decorating with creativity and Halloween flair. From start to finish, the route can take anywhere from 1-2 hours. 

And rest assured, the tradition will continue for many more years to come, offering even more opportunities for thrill-seekers in different Visit Oak Park communities, to explore the best decorated houses and revel in the ghoulish delights of the season.

Your Halloween driving route begins with a mesmerizing stop at a house on Olmstead Road, which has been transformed into a living homage to the iconic movie "Beetlejuice." Prepare to be enchanted as you encounter an astonishing level of detail, with a giant worm, a meticulously crafted waiting room, a chilling statue, and many more eerie surprises. This bewitching display is the perfect way to kick off your tour and sets the stage for a spooktacular journey through the world of Halloween.

Next up is a treat at the Duff's residence that'll raise the dead! The Duffs have transformed their front yard into a lively graveyard scene complete with a Halloween funeral extravaganza. It's not your ordinary graveyard, though; it's a thrilling experience for kids and families alike. They welcome everyone to wander through and snap some eerie pictures to capture the spirit of the season. 

Their display has expanded this year with a delightful array of talking animatronics and an imposing 12-foot skeleton that's sure to send shivers down your spine. But that's not all! As you continue along the block, you'll discover more houses adorned with spooky decor, and right next door you'll encounter a collection of haunting inflatables. It's a Halloween extravaganza you won't want to miss!

Welcome to an electrifying display in North Riverside! This home is a true masterpiece, featuring a chilling array of ghoulish delights. The front and side yards are transformed into a macabre wonderland, with an eerie cast of characters including ghosts, skeletons, a hauntingly beautiful corpse bride and groom, and wicked witches brewing their sinister concoctions in a bubbling cauldron. 

The property boasts its very own mini-cemetery, where restless spirits dwell. As the sun sets, spotlights come to life, casting an glow that adds to the spooky ambiance. For the brave-hearted, there's even an electric chair where you can prank your friends (pretend, of course) for a shocking thrill. Whether you visit during the day or venture into the darkness of night, this haunted spectacle promises a delightfully frightful experience that will leave you enchanted and spooked in equal measure!

This year, Barnsdale Road has upped the ante and brought some serious competition to the Halloween display game! The neighborhood is buzzing with excitement as residents have unleashed their creativity to conjure up some truly remarkable displays.

Take a look..

725 Barnsdale Rd, La Grange Park, IL 60526

The Halloween festivities kick off on Barnsdale Road at 725 with a graveyard display that is nothing short of spectacular. Illuminated by eerie torches, this family has gone above and beyond to create a haunted cemetery filled with an assortment of creepy characters. 

They've also extended their spooky spectacle to the sides and front of their house, transforming it into a nightmarish circus. It's a captivating blend of the macabre and the creative, making it a must-visit stop for anyone seeking a truly unique Halloween experience.

829 Barnsdale Rd, La Grange Park, IL 60526

829 Barnsdale is a Halloween enthusiast's dream come true! This home features a 12-foot skeleton, brought to life with eerie lights. The skeleton is surrounded by its not-so-giant skeleton friends, making a scene around a t-rex. 

There’s also evil pumpkins, ghouls, and goblins (but not too scary). A little bit of something for everyone! 

Step into the eerie enchantment of the Haunted Mansion at 836 Homestead, where you're welcomed with the ominous greeting, "Welcome, Foolish Mortals." This amazing display is a labor of love, crafted and hand-painted by the entire family. It's a recreation of Disney's Haunted Mansion, complete with mesmerizing details like glow-in-the-dark paint and ghostly apparitions taking flight! 

Tune into 88.7FM to immerse yourself in the haunting melodies that accompany this spectacle. For the best experience, visit after nightfall, as the display comes alive from dusk to 9:00 PM, enchanting all who dare to enter throughout the month of October in 2023.

At 3617 Morton Avenue, you're in for a scary surprise! This family has an unexpected guest perched atop their house, ready to give passersby a thrilling fright. Their graveyard display and the presence of a not-so-friendly pet spider will send shivers down your spine. But that's not all; brace yourself for a truly heart-pounding encounter with a terrifying animatronic monster that's sure to leave a lasting impression. It's a haunted house experience you won't want to miss!

This year, Maple Avenue is in it to win it when it comes to scary Halloween decor. 

4204 Maple Ave, Brookfield, IL 60513 

Start off at 4202 Maple Avenue, where scare-tastic decorations await. This hair-raising display features monstrous creatures, menacing butchers, and even … escaped zombie children? (We were too scared to get a good look..) If you haven’t been scared up until this point, we can bet you will be now!

4208 Maple Ave, Brookfield, IL 60513 

After, walk next door for an  interactive display that immerses you in an infection treatment facility, fallen prey to a relentless horde of zombies. The display comes to life from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Special lighting, eerie fog, and captivating audio enhancements will transport you to the heart of the horror. This year's theme, "Triple Feature," stars not only zombies but also menacing martians and an evil butcher. Follow the action on TikTok at halloweenonmaple and brace yourself for a night of frights and thrills.

Avast, matey! Set sail for Pirates on Elm, where the Halloween adventure never ends. This thrilling pirate display transforms your nights from dusk till midnight, offering a mesmerizing spectacle that would make even Jack Sparrow green with envy. With intricately spun spiderwebs, hidden treasure chests, and eerie skeletons, this display is your ticket to getting into the Halloween spirit in no time. Don't miss this swashbuckling experience that will transport you to the high seas of Halloween excitement.

When you’re finished, head to downtown Brookfield to grab a bite. A great spot for the whole family is Irish Times. They've been serving up delicious, authentic Irish fare in a cozy, family friendly setting for over two decades. Or, head on over Burger Antics. This craft burger joint will surely impress (PRO TIP: the slider plate is perfect to sample multiple specialty burgers). Looking for a beer? Imperial Oak Brewing is a great spot to quench your thirst. A sweet treat? Daisy's Treats and Bakery is a perfect place to get a scoop. 

So come join us on this thrilling journey through the western suburbs, where you'll witness some of the best-decorated houses in the neighborhood. As you explore the displays from Riverside to La Grange Park, and finally, Brookfield, be sure to share your thoughts and let us know if we missed any hidden gems along the way.

Your feedback is what helps us create an even greater roundup for new neighborhoods in the years to come. Together, we'll continue to celebrate the Halloween spirit and unearth the most hauntingly creative displays for all to enjoy. Happy haunting, and see you on the route!