*This blog contains graphic images of costumes and characters from Madness Haunted House. Parental discretion is advised.
Looking for a Halloween night packed with screams, creepy characters, and unexpected scares? Make your way to Madness Haunted House at Pioneer Trail Orchard in Council Bluffs and step into one of the area’s most intense Halloween experiences.
Since 2012, Madness has grown from a neighborhood driveway haunt into a must-visit attraction for anyone looking to put their courage to the test. Now, it’s time to see if you can make it through.
Turn your Halloween plans into a full night of thrills in Council Bluffs. Book a hotel, grab your friends, and head to Madness Haunted House for a night you won’t forget.
Step Into the Madness
Think you can handle 45 minutes of nonstop scares? Find out for yourself.
Madness brings the nightmare to life with a cast of more than 80 people, including around 60 scare artists working on a typical night. Expect creepy characters, elaborate scenes, sudden surprises, and plenty of moments that will have you wondering what’s waiting around the next corner.
Start with Klown Korner, a twisted maze featuring 30 doors and 10 clowns. Then push deeper into Butchers Bayou and Kainsville Asylum, including a chilling Exorcist room.
And just when you think you know the way out, watch for the infamous “madness doors.” These unexpected twists can send you back through rooms or make you experience parts of the haunt again.
Fuel Up After the Frights
Make your night even better with a stop at Apple Jacks at the Patch, located right on the Pioneer Trail Orchard grounds.
Grab a burger, Philly sandwich, taco, pork tenderloin, funnel cake, or another favorite before or after your trip through the haunt.
A Haunt With Heart
Madness is about more than scares. The haunt gives local youth a creative place to get involved while building teamwork, communication, and other life skills.
Madness also gives back to the community by supporting local nonprofits, including Sail On and Fly High, which focuses on youth suicide prevention.
Plan Your Night of Fright
Madness Haunted House opens for the 2026 season on Friday, September 18, giving you plenty of chances to test your nerves before Halloween.
2026 Hours:
- Fridays & Saturdays: 7 PM–Midnight
- Thursday, October 22 & 29: 7–10 PM
Check the Madness Haunted House website for tickets, dates, pricing, and the latest information.
Keep the Halloween Adventure Going
Not ready for the spooky season to end? Check out the Historic Squirrel Cage Jail, one of the country’s last revolving jails, and see why the historic site has become a favorite for paranormal enthusiasts. Take a nighttime stroll past Fairview Cemetery, or visit the mysterious Ruth Anne Dodge Memorial and learn the stories surrounding one of Council Bluffs’ most recognizable landmarks.
Make a full night of it and see how many spooky stops you can check off your list.
Are You Brave Enough?
The lights are low. The doors are waiting. The scares are ready.
Grab your friends, choose your night, and head to Madness Haunted House. Face the clowns, survive the asylum, navigate the madness doors, and see if you can make it all the way through. Don’t just hear about the scares—experience them for yourself. Get your tickets and step into the madness this Halloween!
