Illinois is full of cool and creepy haunted attractions to check out every Halloween season, but if you're looking for one of the biggest haunts in the area, check out Fear Fest in South Beloit.

Northern Illinois Fear Fest

Often called "Illinois' Largest and Best Haunted Attraction", Fear Fest in South Beloit features three separate haunts all in one convenient location. There is a Haunted Hayride, a Haunted Barn, and a Creepy Carnival, but what's even more fascinating about this attraction is it's creepy history.

According to the Beloit Daily News, the original barn that Fear Fest started in dates back to 1832 and has always been rumored to be legitimately haunted. While real ghosts haven't been spotted for a long time, these days the barn is filled with uneven wood floors, creepy sounds, sights, caskets, and ghouls ready to deliver a full-sensory fright.

Fear Fest has been terrifying Stateline area residents for 26 years, but they just keep getting better with age!

For 2024 Fear Fest has added a "12-foot clown, handmade intestines, and rotting fish lookalikes" along with a new storyline set in a "Haunted Rock Casino".

Fear Fest's Tribute To the New Hard Rock Rockford

As a tip of the hat to the the new Hard Rock Casino Rockford, Fear Fest's Creepy Carnival (which is housed in a new handicap-friendly building) will be set in a "Haunted Rock Casino" that provides a truly interactive experience.

The Beloit Daily News says;

 Visitors toss a dice in the Candyland game, get their fortune read from a fortune teller, and chat with actors in the casino. The long building not only features different themed rooms and Halloween favorites such as “Chuckie” and many clown varieties, but also special effects. By wearing 3D glasses amidst the black light, painted wooden floor plants appear to move and other objects float.

Dang! That sounds pretty cool, right?!?

Everything You Need to Know About Northern Illinois Fear Fest

Northern Illinois Fear Fest is located at 6512 Manchester Road in South Beloit and will open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights starting on Friday, October 4 through Sunday, November 3. (Fridays & Saturdays 7 to 11 p.m., Sundays 7 to 10 p.m.).

Admission tickets can NOT be purchased online, only when you arrive at the ticket booth, BUT they seem to give away free tickets every week on Facebook. Better give their page a like and follow now to save some money on a hauntingly good time!

Ummm, can anyone explain why these toys are tethered to an abandoned motel south of Rockford???

Gallery Credit: Danny Willams via Facebook

10 Illinois Ghost Tours That Guarantee To Scare Your Pants Off

More From Rockford's New Country Q98.5