Todd - I love this haunt.
Since our first visit I have been enamored with the gothic theme and builds of The Thirteenth Hour. I've never seen a haunt come close to capturing the feel of wandering through decrepit, centuries-old structures (or at least how I imagine it would feel). The theme and presentation are in perfect alignment creating a narrative that is superbly supported by great actors.
The haunt's previous outdoor location posed some challenges, primarily spatial limitations preventing the haunt from growing. Wedged between neighboring buildings, the gorgeous Cathedral of Souls looked amazing, but out of place. As much as the outdoor cemetery could feel cold and lifeless, you couldn't help be aware on some level that there was a modern brick building just yards away. Not that I would ever fault the haunt for this. I mention it because after not operating for the 2021 season, The Thirteenth Hour has found the most amazing new home - which is absolutely perfect - and I'm thrilled to death about it!
The new plot of land is 25 acres, I believe surrounded by fields, trees and ponds. Though it feels like it's in the middle of nowhere, it's actually close to the interstate, but you would never know. Set far back from the road is the ticket booth and entry gate. There's plenty of parking too! As we approached, my first thought was, "Uh..where is it?". We saw the gate where the line was formed, but nothing else.
Fitting perfectly with this haunt, the entry gate opens to a lengthy torch-lit path carved between two tree lines. A few decorative pieces are staggered along the path, accompanied by a few actors there just to ensure you're not totally as peace as you advance.
As we came around the bend in the pathway, the haunt's structure revealed itself as a massive metal building which houses the Cathedral of Souls. A new entry facade as been built in the form of a giant mechanical clock to support the newest segment, Cartocker Expeditions. This steampunk-influenced segment serves both as a secondary queue for groups as well as the introduction to the haunt. Centered between the bays groups are instructed to wait in is a catwalk of sorts. Ahead of each group's admission, the cartocker enters through a pair of double doors, onto the catwalk and gives a brief welcome.
As we waited, I looked around just mesmerized by the consistency of the room's build. Rusted corrugated pipes were affixed to the concrete walls by giant screw heads. The catwalk was lined with welded metal plating and instead of any high tech gizmos, simple wooden crates were here and there lending to an old yet advanced era. Centered above the double doors was another mechanical clock, smaller but similar to the one outside.
When our turn came, the cartocker directed us through a door to the side of the catwalk and inside we found ourselves in another room with a lone, large, grandfather clock. The cartocker stood on a platform and began to fire up whatever we were about to be introduced to, except things so awry, misdirecting us from our intended destination. Fog flooded the room and the walls behind the clock split apart and we were told to advance to the unknown. It was a pretty bad ass sequence. For those of you that remember the old Nintendo movie, "The Wizard" from the 80's - at the end when Super Mario Bros 3 is revealed at Armageddon and the backdrop of the stage lifts up while the lights are going crazy and fog is shooting out - it reminded me of that. Never saw it coming. The beauty of this scene is that it can be used to introduce new scenes set in different eras since it implies time travel.
This transported us directly into Widow's Walk Cemetery, outside of the building. With the new location, the cemetery now has a perfect backdrop of dark fields and woods. Here we wandered through graves and crypts to eventually encounter Heinrich, who foreshadowed the need of a sacrifice within the Cathedral which we were soon to enter.
The Cathedral of Souls (my favorite part), much like the Cemetery, is rebuilt from the previous location but in a slightly different configuration. This portion of the haunt is inside the new structure and I think it works well. While it was unique to look up and see stars in the cathedral before, you would also get some light bleed from the general area. Now indoors, the cathedral feels more enclosed and natural. As in past years, the dark priest welcomed us and explained that a sacrifice would need to be made. He left it up to us who to choose but assured us it would be a true bonding experience! Further in we passed confessionals and a hallway straight out of a nightmare - long windows along the walls, lightning strobing outside, figures in white on either side leading to a pedestal with prayer candles. I want this to be the foyer of my house one day. We then encountered Sister Helga who said we looked wicked and deserved to be punished, followed by Esther whose sister was sacrificed to the master by Heinrich.
After a few more corridors of darkness and skeletons, we encountered the master. Paul was pardoned since I was the sacrifice, which meant he advanced to the next room while I waited in a small holding area. Soon after, I was released to go through the opposite door to rejoin Paul and the end.
Next up was Mine #13, an area Heinrich would use to deposit exhumed corpses. Inside we encountered a number of characters including miners still speaking of the sacrifice, ghouls roaming the mine's shafts and most memorably, the Spider Queen. To this day she continues to be suspended in her dome of webbing giving her quick, 360 degree access to her domain (and you). She was eager to remind us that the only escape is death - which is simulated in a following room that is 200% immersed in fog with zero visibility. Our only guide was the sound of a heartbeat getting closer with each step - and then: purgatory.
Purgatory is the finale which by comparison to the rest of the haunt, it's a light-hearted comedic encounter. You find yourself in a hazy, indiscernible waiting room staffed by a lone secretary behind a glass backed desk. Based on her accent, I'm guessing Purgatory is New Jersey. She hilariously could care less that we were there and nonchalantly directed us to a coffin propped against the wall, which served as the final exit.
The Thirteenth Hour is an enormously immersing haunt built on a continuously-growing storyline. It's one of few haunts that I would love to be able to casually walk through, taking my time and admire the builds. It should easily be a consensus that it looks fantastic but if you like gothic atmosphere then you will surely love this haunt. The lighting throughout is top notch and the programming of the lighting and audio sequences work so well with with the environments. There are a lot of talented actors as well. Each area has featured actors with speaking roles to support the story and they are excellent. I would say that some of the supporting scare actors at times could have a little more gusto, but the "top billed" actors are among the best I've seen anywhere.
I couldn't be happier that The Thirteenth Hour is back and has moved to the most ideal location imaginable for it's theme (unless maybe it was located in some real underground catacombs or something). The design team's talent is extraordinary and I can't wait to see how the haunt grows now that it has the space to do so.
Since our first visit I have been enamored with the gothic theme and builds of The Thirteenth Hour. I've never seen a haunt come close to capturing the feel of wandering through decrepit, centuries-old structures (or at least how I imagine it would feel). The theme and presentation are in perfect alignment creating a narrative that is superbly supported by great actors.
The haunt's previous outdoor location posed some challenges, primarily spatial limitations preventing the haunt from growing. Wedged between neighboring buildings, the gorgeous Cathedral of Souls looked amazing, but out of place. As much as the outdoor cemetery could feel cold and lifeless, you couldn't help be aware on some level that there was a modern brick building just yards away. Not that I would ever fault the haunt for this. I mention it because after not operating for the 2021 season, The Thirteenth Hour has found the most amazing new home - which is absolutely perfect - and I'm thrilled to death about it!
The new plot of land is 25 acres, I believe surrounded by fields, trees and ponds. Though it feels like it's in the middle of nowhere, it's actually close to the interstate, but you would never know. Set far back from the road is the ticket booth and entry gate. There's plenty of parking too! As we approached, my first thought was, "Uh..where is it?". We saw the gate where the line was formed, but nothing else.
Fitting perfectly with this haunt, the entry gate opens to a lengthy torch-lit path carved between two tree lines. A few decorative pieces are staggered along the path, accompanied by a few actors there just to ensure you're not totally as peace as you advance.
As we came around the bend in the pathway, the haunt's structure revealed itself as a massive metal building which houses the Cathedral of Souls. A new entry facade as been built in the form of a giant mechanical clock to support the newest segment, Cartocker Expeditions. This steampunk-influenced segment serves both as a secondary queue for groups as well as the introduction to the haunt. Centered between the bays groups are instructed to wait in is a catwalk of sorts. Ahead of each group's admission, the cartocker enters through a pair of double doors, onto the catwalk and gives a brief welcome.
As we waited, I looked around just mesmerized by the consistency of the room's build. Rusted corrugated pipes were affixed to the concrete walls by giant screw heads. The catwalk was lined with welded metal plating and instead of any high tech gizmos, simple wooden crates were here and there lending to an old yet advanced era. Centered above the double doors was another mechanical clock, smaller but similar to the one outside.
When our turn came, the cartocker directed us through a door to the side of the catwalk and inside we found ourselves in another room with a lone, large, grandfather clock. The cartocker stood on a platform and began to fire up whatever we were about to be introduced to, except things so awry, misdirecting us from our intended destination. Fog flooded the room and the walls behind the clock split apart and we were told to advance to the unknown. It was a pretty bad ass sequence. For those of you that remember the old Nintendo movie, "The Wizard" from the 80's - at the end when Super Mario Bros 3 is revealed at Armageddon and the backdrop of the stage lifts up while the lights are going crazy and fog is shooting out - it reminded me of that. Never saw it coming. The beauty of this scene is that it can be used to introduce new scenes set in different eras since it implies time travel.
This transported us directly into Widow's Walk Cemetery, outside of the building. With the new location, the cemetery now has a perfect backdrop of dark fields and woods. Here we wandered through graves and crypts to eventually encounter Heinrich, who foreshadowed the need of a sacrifice within the Cathedral which we were soon to enter.
The Cathedral of Souls (my favorite part), much like the Cemetery, is rebuilt from the previous location but in a slightly different configuration. This portion of the haunt is inside the new structure and I think it works well. While it was unique to look up and see stars in the cathedral before, you would also get some light bleed from the general area. Now indoors, the cathedral feels more enclosed and natural. As in past years, the dark priest welcomed us and explained that a sacrifice would need to be made. He left it up to us who to choose but assured us it would be a true bonding experience! Further in we passed confessionals and a hallway straight out of a nightmare - long windows along the walls, lightning strobing outside, figures in white on either side leading to a pedestal with prayer candles. I want this to be the foyer of my house one day. We then encountered Sister Helga who said we looked wicked and deserved to be punished, followed by Esther whose sister was sacrificed to the master by Heinrich.
After a few more corridors of darkness and skeletons, we encountered the master. Paul was pardoned since I was the sacrifice, which meant he advanced to the next room while I waited in a small holding area. Soon after, I was released to go through the opposite door to rejoin Paul and the end.
Next up was Mine #13, an area Heinrich would use to deposit exhumed corpses. Inside we encountered a number of characters including miners still speaking of the sacrifice, ghouls roaming the mine's shafts and most memorably, the Spider Queen. To this day she continues to be suspended in her dome of webbing giving her quick, 360 degree access to her domain (and you). She was eager to remind us that the only escape is death - which is simulated in a following room that is 200% immersed in fog with zero visibility. Our only guide was the sound of a heartbeat getting closer with each step - and then: purgatory.
Purgatory is the finale which by comparison to the rest of the haunt, it's a light-hearted comedic encounter. You find yourself in a hazy, indiscernible waiting room staffed by a lone secretary behind a glass backed desk. Based on her accent, I'm guessing Purgatory is New Jersey. She hilariously could care less that we were there and nonchalantly directed us to a coffin propped against the wall, which served as the final exit.
The Thirteenth Hour is an enormously immersing haunt built on a continuously-growing storyline. It's one of few haunts that I would love to be able to casually walk through, taking my time and admire the builds. It should easily be a consensus that it looks fantastic but if you like gothic atmosphere then you will surely love this haunt. The lighting throughout is top notch and the programming of the lighting and audio sequences work so well with with the environments. There are a lot of talented actors as well. Each area has featured actors with speaking roles to support the story and they are excellent. I would say that some of the supporting scare actors at times could have a little more gusto, but the "top billed" actors are among the best I've seen anywhere.
I couldn't be happier that The Thirteenth Hour is back and has moved to the most ideal location imaginable for it's theme (unless maybe it was located in some real underground catacombs or something). The design team's talent is extraordinary and I can't wait to see how the haunt grows now that it has the space to do so.
Paul - After a short hiatus due to a relocation, The Thirteenth Hour is back for 2022 -and do they have some surprises in store for you!!
The Thirteenth Hour has always been one of my favorites. Elite tier set design, creativity, and acting always made them one I really look forward to seeing each year. We knew there was a relocation in their future when we last visited in 2020, and sure enough, it happened. Long story short -They've reopened in 2022 in a brand new location near Interstates 74 and 465 on the East side of Indianapolis. When I say brand new, I'm not kidding. The old location did well for them for years, but they were extremely land-locked and literally had to take the entire haunt down at the end of every season, then put it up again the next. The new property is a massive 25 acre plot with plenty of room to space things out and build to their evil hearts content.
Upon pulling up and parking in their free lot, there's almost zero indication of what you're in store for. It's a dark lot where the only things you see are a small ticket booth, the queue line, and a really cool looking entrance gate. Once you have your tickets and are admitted through the gate... you walk. Start following the path through the woods for a while. As you follow the path you'll encounter a few characters to keep you on your toes, some well-placed sound effects, and just enough light to make sure you know you're in the right place. A couple of minutes in and you'll start seeing signs that this isn't just an ordinary walk through the woods.
There's a gigantic building back here!?! There's zero indication of it until you get fairly close, but it's a massive building. And there's haunted goodness in and all around it! You approach the huge clock that is the front door and they admit you inside one of the craziest haunt fantasy lands you've ever seen.
There are four different segments to The Thirteenth Hour and they all fluidly flow into each other. You begin inside of the very futuristic Cartocker Expeditions, where they'll get you prepared for your voyage into the Thirteenth Hour experience. Don't worry, it's plenty safe. Probably.
The Cathedral of Souls is what made us rave over The Thirteenth Hour from the beginning. It's a beautiful gothic nightmare of evils unlike anywhere else, and it's been re-worked for 2022!
Inside the gates of Widows Walk Cemetery you'll meet the very upset widow. Her anguish is apparent and she's not afraid of letting you know. I wish there was a way to pull images from my mind because walking into this scene, the widow in wait gave me a visual that's burned into my mind.
Finally, Mine Number 13. A dark, underground lair of twists, turns, and uncomfortable encounters that you'll be lucky to escape. Yes, the fog is back!
The Thirteenth Hour is absolutely stunning to me every time we go, and now that they're in a permanent location where they won't have to tear down every scene at the end of each season, I think the creative freedom is starting to ramp up even more. The crazy builds along with some almost unbelievable acting (Ms Cartocker and the Spider really stood out to me this year) this is just a horror fantasy land you shouldn't miss.
The Thirteenth Hour has always been one of my favorites. Elite tier set design, creativity, and acting always made them one I really look forward to seeing each year. We knew there was a relocation in their future when we last visited in 2020, and sure enough, it happened. Long story short -They've reopened in 2022 in a brand new location near Interstates 74 and 465 on the East side of Indianapolis. When I say brand new, I'm not kidding. The old location did well for them for years, but they were extremely land-locked and literally had to take the entire haunt down at the end of every season, then put it up again the next. The new property is a massive 25 acre plot with plenty of room to space things out and build to their evil hearts content.
Upon pulling up and parking in their free lot, there's almost zero indication of what you're in store for. It's a dark lot where the only things you see are a small ticket booth, the queue line, and a really cool looking entrance gate. Once you have your tickets and are admitted through the gate... you walk. Start following the path through the woods for a while. As you follow the path you'll encounter a few characters to keep you on your toes, some well-placed sound effects, and just enough light to make sure you know you're in the right place. A couple of minutes in and you'll start seeing signs that this isn't just an ordinary walk through the woods.
There's a gigantic building back here!?! There's zero indication of it until you get fairly close, but it's a massive building. And there's haunted goodness in and all around it! You approach the huge clock that is the front door and they admit you inside one of the craziest haunt fantasy lands you've ever seen.
There are four different segments to The Thirteenth Hour and they all fluidly flow into each other. You begin inside of the very futuristic Cartocker Expeditions, where they'll get you prepared for your voyage into the Thirteenth Hour experience. Don't worry, it's plenty safe. Probably.
The Cathedral of Souls is what made us rave over The Thirteenth Hour from the beginning. It's a beautiful gothic nightmare of evils unlike anywhere else, and it's been re-worked for 2022!
Inside the gates of Widows Walk Cemetery you'll meet the very upset widow. Her anguish is apparent and she's not afraid of letting you know. I wish there was a way to pull images from my mind because walking into this scene, the widow in wait gave me a visual that's burned into my mind.
Finally, Mine Number 13. A dark, underground lair of twists, turns, and uncomfortable encounters that you'll be lucky to escape. Yes, the fog is back!
The Thirteenth Hour is absolutely stunning to me every time we go, and now that they're in a permanent location where they won't have to tear down every scene at the end of each season, I think the creative freedom is starting to ramp up even more. The crazy builds along with some almost unbelievable acting (Ms Cartocker and the Spider really stood out to me this year) this is just a horror fantasy land you shouldn't miss.
Questions? Have a story to share? Leave it in the comments!