Free Haunted House in Machesney Park Is Bigger in 2026

Do you want to have Halloween fun with creepy monsters and frightening ghouls without spending a dime? There's a free Halloween haunt in Machesney Park that you need to check out!

Free Halloween Fun in Northern Illinois

For the last few weeks I've been on a hunt to find free Halloween things for my family to do this year, and I have been surprised by how many options the Northern Illinois area has to offer.

Besides free trunk-or-treats happening all over the Stateline area, there's the free Motes Haunted Hallow in Byron, HAUNT 31 in Lake in the Hills, and today I found another one in Machesney Park that's only open Halloween weekend.

Arvidson Tunnel of Terror in Machesney Park

For years, the residents of this house on Arvidson Drive in Machesney Park have created a yard haunt that's free for everyone to enjoy on Halloween night...

But this year it's bigger and moving directly across the street!

The organizers of Arvidson Tunnel of Terror invite families from all over the Rockford to come check it out this Halloween weekend, but they do warn that we need to be prepared to be scared!

More Changes for Arvidson Tunnel of Terror

Besides moving across the street from its original location, the Arvidson Tunnel of Terror will be longer this year, which means there's even more creepy territory and ghastly creatures to survive, so keep that in mind before you bring young kids with you.

Here are a few more things you need to know about the Arvidson Tunnel of Terror:

The haunt is open Friday, October 30 from 6 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, October 31 from 5 to 10 p.m.
Groups are limited to four people or fewer at a time.
Running is not allowed because the structure is made of plastic that easily tears.
Visitors are not allowed to touch the actors or props inside the haunt.
No strollers are allowed inside the haunt or in the waiting line due to limited space.
Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

Happy haunting, Northern Illinois!