Exploring the Eerie: Our Visit to Zak Bagans’ Haunted Museum in Las VegasExploring the Eerie: Our Visit to Zak Bagans’ Haunted Museum in Las Vegas

Last month, Ash and I took an unforgettable trip to Las Vegas with one main goal in mind—to visit Zak Bagans’ Haunted Museum. As avid haunted house enthusiasts and creators, this museum felt like a dream destination. It’s packed with eerie exhibits, historical artifacts, and chilling tales that had us captivated from the moment we walked in. The experience not only satisfied our curiosity but also gave us countless ideas to enhance this year’s haunted house event.

Walking Through the Haunted Museum

The Haunted Museum is a treasure trove of eerie objects and immersive displays. From cursed dolls to vintage circus paraphernalia, every corner seemed to whisper a story. One highlight was the doll exhibit, which featured some truly unsettling pieces. (Check out the photos we snapped of the dolls below.)

Another favorite was the “Bimbo 3 Ring Circus” arcade machine. Its retro style and haunting vibe got us thinking about adding vintage, interactive elements to some sections of our haunted house.

Gathering Inspiration for This Year’s Haunted House

Zak Bagans’ Haunted Museum left us buzzing with ideas. The attention to detail in their props and staging inspired us to elevate our own immersive storytelling. Here are a few ideas we’re taking back with us:

1. Cursed Objects Room: We loved how the museum displayed cursed and haunted items, each with its own story.
2. Claustrophobic Hallways: One section of the museum played with tight, dark spaces that heightened tension. This aligns perfectly with some of our current ideas, and we’re brainstorming ways to make it even more intense.
3. Interactive Props: From animatronics to interactive displays, the museum kept visitors engaged. We’re planning to add touchpoints like cursed “artifacts” that activate audio scares or lights.
4. Lighting and Soundscapes: The eerie lighting and carefully crafted soundscapes gave each room its own personality. We’ll be incorporating these elements heavily this year.

Photo Highlights from Our Trip

A wall of haunted dolls, glowing eerily under dim lights (pictured below).

The iconic Haunted Museum entrance, with its quirky vintage vibe.

The “Warning” sign—a perfect inspiration for setting the tone at the entrance of our haunted house.

Ash and me repping our Black Mountain Haunted House shirts.

The Las Vegas strip on a quiet morning, capturing the contrast of the bustling city and the eerie museum hidden within.

Looking Ahead

This trip to Zak Bagans’ Haunted Museum was not just an exploration but a masterclass in haunted storytelling. We’re excited to implement these ideas into this year’s haunted house and can’t wait to see how our visitors react to the new immersive elements.

Stay tuned as we unveil more about this year’s themes and features. For now, enjoy these photos, and let us know what you’re most excited about for this year’s Black Mountain Haunted House!

Behind the Screams: Building the Black Mountain Haunted HouseBehind the Screams: Building the Black Mountain Haunted House

The Black Mountain Haunted House is more than just a collection of terrifying scenes — it’s a labor of love, creativity, and teamwork. Each year, an incredible group of volunteers, staff, and community members come together to build an unforgettable experience. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the magic, mayhem, and hard work that went into this year’s haunted house.

Late Nights and Lumber Loads

It all started with the essentials: lumber. We loaded up the truck with the wood that would form the bones of the haunted house (Thanks to our wonderful Volunteers). Under the night sky, we arrived at Hillcrest Farm Market, ready to unload and prepare for the build. The excitement was palpable — we were laying the foundation for this year’s scares! 🛠️🌙

20240830_205146

20240830_211019

Day 1: Walls Go Up

On the first day of the build, the site buzzed with energy. Volunteers worked together to frame the walls, piece by piece. The structure started to take shape, and with every nail and beam, we got closer to our vision. Of course, breaks were necessary, and our team made sure to enjoy snacks, coffee, and a bit of shade. The camaraderie kept us going strong! ☕🔨

20240831_161651

20240901_134657

20240831_142552

20240831_142646

20240831_111201

20240831_112034

20240830_211019

20240831_093825

Raising the Roof

With the walls up, it was time to go vertical! Ashley climbed the beams, securing the roof with precision and a smile. Dad was right there with his steady hands and expertise, ensuring everything was solid. Our volunteers worked tirelessly, balancing on ladders and beams to complete the structure.

Soon, the roof was on, and we had a fully enclosed space ready for the next phase. Rain or shine, this haunted house was ready to stand tall and deliver the scares! 🌧️🏗️

20240910_152254

20240901_135158

20240910_185613

Crafting the Details

While the structure was being built, creativity was in full swing. Our volunteers brought scenes to life with handcrafted props and meticulous attention to detail.

In the photos, you can see Ashley hard at work constructing giant nutcrackers. From humble materials like Sonotubes, PVC pipes, and paint, these nutcrackers transformed into imposing sentinels for the Krampus Hallway. With glittering gold trim, vibrant red jackets, and painted faces, these nutcrackers add a chilling festive twist to the eerie scene, guarding the path where Krampus and his sinister elves dwell. 🎨🛠️

Meanwhile, Michaela meticulously crafted snowflakes for our Winter Forest scene, adding that magical, icy touch. ❄️ And Aunty Heather assembled the Christmas trees that would set the stage for the snowy landscape — complete with the chilling Yeti lurking in the shadows. 🌲👹

20240820_153445

1000017233

1000019282

20240910_162904

20240915_120607

20240929_135642

Community Spirit

One of the highlights of this year’s build was the participation of staff from the McNair Mental Health Unit at Kelowna General Hospital. These incredible healthcare workers took time out of their busy schedules to help with construction, showing just how much this haunted house means to our community. Their enthusiasm and hard work reminded us why we do this — to support a great cause while having fun together. ❤️

20240915_154225

20240915_120524

The Final Push

As the walls went up, the rooms took shape, and the details came together, the excitement built to a fever pitch. From securing tarps to stringing lights and pumpkins, everyone pitched in until the haunted house was ready for its grand opening.

Ashley took a well-deserved break, her smile a testament to the joy and pride we all felt. After long days and late nights, the Black Mountain Haunted House was complete — a spooky masterpiece built with sweat, laughter, and heart. 🎃🛠️

20240915_154234

20240908_190013

20240929_154031

20240925_122443

20240915_120510 (1)

20240925_160855

20240923_210447

A Labor of Love

Building the haunted house isn’t just about creating scares — it’s about community, creativity, and connection. Every volunteer, family member, and friend who helped made this experience possible. From loading lumber to crafting snowflakes, every moment was filled with fun, teamwork, and a shared passion for giving our community an unforgettable experience.

Thank you to everyone who helped build, support, and visit the Black Mountain Haunted House. We can’t wait to scare you again next year! 👻❤️

20241024_205033

20241024_194710

20241024_194957

20241024_194740

20241024_194825

20241024_194901

20241024_194942

20241024_195108

20241024_195957

_DSC0014

Black Mountain Haunted House Thrills and Gives Back to the CommunityBlack Mountain Haunted House Thrills and Gives Back to the Community

Kelowna, B.C. – This year’s Black Mountain Haunted House not only delivered spine-chilling scares but also achieved a remarkable milestone in community support. Thanks to record-breaking attendance and the incredible dedication of volunteers, the event raised $10,000 for the McNair Mental Health Unit at Kelowna General Hospital.

The haunted house, held at its new, expanded location at Hillcrest Farm Market, welcomed thousands of visitors between October 18th and 27th. Attendees experienced a series of immersive horror scenes, from sinister witches to eerie alien encounters, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The event drew in horror enthusiasts of all ages, offering both terrifying nighttime experiences and family-friendly hours on weekends.

Supporting Mental Health Initiatives

Proceeds from this year’s haunted house went toward improving patient comfort at the McNair Mental Health Unit. The funds provided essential items like weighted blankets, noise-cancelling headphones, pillows, and furnishings to create a more home-like, therapeutic environment for patients undergoing treatment. Additionally, part of the donation supported supplies for the dedicated staff who provide critical care, ensuring they have the resources needed to continue their work effectively.

A Team Effort

The success of the Black Mountain Haunted House wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of volunteers and community partners. Actors, set designers, construction crews, guest service attendants, and parking staff all played vital roles in bringing the haunted experience to life. A special thanks goes to Hillcrest Farm Market for hosting the event and providing support with space, parking, and concessions.

A Growing Legacy

The Black Mountain Haunted House has become a staple Halloween event in the Kelowna community, combining entertainment with a commitment to giving back. To date, the event has raised over $25,000 for local mental health initiatives, highlighting the power of community-driven events to make a positive impact.

For a closer look at this year’s thrills and the community effort behind them, watch the event highlight video here:

Looking Forward

With another successful year in the books, plans are already underway for next year’s haunted house. Expect new themes, more scares, and continued efforts to support local causes.

Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, and supported the Black Mountain Haunted House. Together, we’re making a difference — one scare at a time.

Hillcrest Farm Market’s Haunted House MenuHillcrest Farm Market’s Haunted House Menu