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 Oak Park, through River Forest, Forest Park, down to La Grange Park, through Brookfield and ending in Riverside (say that five times fast!). These homes have consistently raised the bar when it comes to decorating with creativity and Halloween flair.
Or, if you're up for a true adventure, take a look at this amazing map of homes sure to scare - put together by our very own Oak Park resident - Brenan Smith-Evans!
Click here for the master map of homes.
You can try to see them all in one night, or mark them off your list until Halloween! Happy haunting, travelers.
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At the corner of Park and Greenfield in River Forest, you’ll find a spooky spectacle that’s hard to miss—a terrifying skeleton graveyard. With more skeletons than you can count, spread out across the lawn and piled high in eerie displays, this home spares no bones when it comes to Halloween spirit. But the real nightmare awaits nearby: a group of creepy, larger-than-life clowns lurking in the shadows, guaranteed to give anyone the chills. It’s a must-see stop for thrill-seekers looking for some serious scares!
At Augusta and Ashland in River Forest, this home is spinning a spooky scene you won’t want to miss! A massive spider web stretches across the yard—just be careful not to get caught, or the eerie ghosts lurking nearby might trap you in their creepy web. Adding a touch of charm (and a little mischief) are their pet cats, roaming among the spooky displays. This spot offers the perfect mix of haunting fun and playful frights for all who dare to visit!
At the corner of East and Thomas in Oak Park, you'll find a hauntingly beautiful display that feels straight out of a dream. Ethereal white ghosts float gracefully through the air, transporting you to a world where the supernatural takes flight. Below them, a vibrant array of colorful pumpkins adds a whimsical touch, creating a stunning contrast between spooky and serene. It’s a mesmerizing scene that’s perfect for those who love a blend of eerie elegance and festive charm!
At Grove and Adams in Oak Park, things take a chilling turn with a creepy display that’s not for the faint of heart. A sinister, bewitched butler stands ready to greet (or spook) anyone brave enough to approach. Nearby, possessed children lurk, waiting to send shivers down your spine, while a desperate man claws his way out of his own grave, adding a terrifyingly lifelike touch. This eerie setup is perfect for thrill-seekers looking for a heart-pounding Halloween experience!
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.
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 creepy clowns, terrifying zombies, 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
And after, stop next door where the scares on Maple Street continue! This year’s theme is a haunted carnival, featuring a terrifying fortune teller, a frightful freak show, and a scary surprise—you’ll know it when you see it! From 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, the display comes to life with eerie fog, special lighting, and immersive audio effects that pull you straight into the heart of the horror.
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!
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!
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 2024.
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!
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!
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Next up is a treat at the Duff's residence that'll raise the dead! The Duffs (located at 140 N Delaplaine Rd.) have transformed their front yard into a lively graveyard scene complete with a Halloween wedding 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!
Your Halloween driving route ends (or maybe 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.
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!