Field of Screams

Written By Scott Simmons

One of the most popular haunted attraction destinations in the entire country, regularly attracting as many guests per night as the regional amusement parks, is a family-owned business located on a family farm in Lancaster, PA: FIELD OF SCREAMS.

Located just outside Lancaster in Mountville, Pennsylvania, Field of Screams has earned a national reputation as one of the most elaborate and enduring haunted attractions in the United States. Since opening in 1993, the attraction has continually expanded and evolved, offering visitors a high-production, multi-element Halloween experience that blends theatrical design, live performance, and large-scale environmental storytelling.

Thanks to everyone at FIELD OF SCREAMS for trusting NEEDS MORE FOG to produce multiple promo videos for their 2025 season.

Produced by Scott Simmons

Videography by Glenn Syska

Edited by Glenn Syska and Scott Simmons

Production Assistance from Noah Welter and Mollie Himes.

Field of Screams, regularly named as one of America’s best Halloween destinations, features four major attractions on one campus:

  • Haunted Hayride – The event’s original signature experience, featuring pyrotechnics, animatronics, and detailed set design that unfolds across an expansive outdoor course.

  • Den of Darkness – A classic haunted-house-style experience built within a massive barn, filled with elaborate props, sound effects, and actor interactions.

  • Frightmare Asylum – A psychological horror experience set within a deranged medical facility, blending claustrophobic corridors, detailed scenic work, and convincing performances.

  • Nocturnal Wasteland – An outdoor trail through the woods, illuminated by minimal lighting and populated with creatures and characters that create a uniquely unsettling atmosphere.

Between these attractions, guests can enjoy a lively Midway Area featuring food vendors, carnival-style games, live music, and the popular Scream Shop, making it a full-evening entertainment destination rather than a single haunted house.

What sets Field of Screams apart is its consistent commitment to production quality and innovation. Each attraction undergoes annual updates to keep the experience fresh, while the event’s scale and variety cater to a wide range of visitors — from first-time thrill seekers to dedicated haunt enthusiasts. The combination of indoor and outdoor environments, interactive elements, and professional-level special effects make it a standout in the industry.

The event operates primarily on weekends throughout September, October, and early November, and tickets are strongly recommended in advance due to high demand. While the attraction welcomes a broad audience, its intensity — featuring darkness, strobe effects, and graphic imagery — is best suited for mature teens and adults.

For those seeking a comprehensive Halloween experience that balances artistry, atmosphere, and adrenaline, Field of Screams remains a benchmark for haunted attractions nationwide. Its longevity and reputation reflect not only its ability to scare but also its role as a leading example of experiential entertainment done right in Pennsylvania’s thriving fall tourism landscape.

Scott Simmons

Since 1999 I have overseen the design and production of nationally recognized haunted attractions, escape rooms, theatrical experiences and a historic dark ride. Best know for my work as Creative and Marketing Director for the SCAREHOUSE seasonal haunted attraction and the intense and adult immersive experience THE BASEMENT, I have now launched an experiential and content production company NEEDS MORE FOG

My themed attractions have been featured on Good Morning America, Late Night with Seth Meyers, Travel Channel, and the Daily Show while also receiving acclaim from iconic creatives such as Guillermo del Toro, Michael Dougherty, and Elijah Wood. My creative team and I also collaborated directly with Universal Pictures, Legendary Entertainment and Weta Workshop creating the first immersive experience based on the film KRAMPUS.

I have also supervised all elements of concept, design, and production for a variety of immersive experience including escape rooms, special events, theatrical experiences and the total re-theme of THE OLD MILL at Kennywood.

I also produce highly engaging content for ScareHouse and other haunted attraction's social media platforms, with our trailers and "behind the screams" videos generating over eight million views on YouTube.

Frequently asked to present at conferences and in media interviews about topics such as the booming "Scream Economy" and haunted attractions, immersive experience design, generative AI, digital content creation, and murderous bunnies with axes.

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