Todd - We were "booked in" for the first time at Newark's Jail of Terror this year and I'm glad we came. Jail of Terror had not been on our radar until it became part of the Sindicate Haunted House Group so I can't compare our experience with how this attraction was presented prior. However, I think they're headed in the right direction.
This haunt resides in the Licking County (Ohio) Historic Jail which admittedly made it intriguing to begin with. We were told it's referred to as a "mini Mansfield" and it's easy to see why. The stonework and outside architecture carry a mild resemblance. As we met with the haunt manager, we were offered a bit of the history of the building and learned that he is involved with the building year-round. Despite it's smaller size (compared the larger prisons that are more widely known), it's a cool location with obvious authenticity. I really enjoyed learning that this building and the haunt alike are a staple for the area.
On approach, my first question was - how much can they do in here? It doesn't look too big. Knowing it was obviously a historical site, I knew there were likely limits on the degree of construction that would be permitted - and there are. However, like any haunt in a unique location, it's best to capitalize on what's already there and that's exactly what Jail of Terror does.
It's my understanding that prior to this year, the haunt was fairly standard with props, actors and obviously some form of a jail theme. I assume this means that you went through the three accessible levels (and apparently some tented outdoor areas at times) experiencing more of the same concept throughout. This year a narrative direction was implemented to establish a story and I think that's the right move, especially if they build upon it.
Right away upon entering the stage is set. A fantastic actress posing as a paranormal investigator spoke of happenings taking place within the jail and demonstrated how various tools of the ghost hunting trade work, including dowsing rods, laser thermometers, etc., and how each would indicate spiritual energy. The equipment was actually passed out to people in our group to examine. Once the story and preparations were set, the equipment was taken back and we were set on our way.
The third and second floors are cell blocks, so most of what we encountered were crazed inmates. Unlike the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, the cells are arranged in close quarters leaving little room between you and the actors roaming the narrow aisle between them. The walkways go around both sides of the cells so the actors can not only get you coming, but they can get you going as well.
As far as the cell blocks go, I thought they were a little too lit. The lighting was colored, but it still didn't leave much to the imagination, nor any chance of an actor sneaking up to you undetected. Since lurking in the shadows wasn't really an option, the actors took the other route and were loud, boisterous and imposing. As I listed back to the audio recording used for notes, there are just minutes of screaming and wailing; it would sound VERY authentic, out of context.
Other actors had opportunities to interact as well. One concerned, outspoken resident pulled us into a side room, instructing us to duck down and hide from her husband who clearly didn't have good intentions. As he was spotted outside of a small window, she ushered us to the steps to the next level down. Here we met an older man asking us if we had weapons or contraband and warned us that the next group of inmates we would encounter wouldn't be so kind. He alluded that we may leave with a few less teeth! This cell block was a little darker and the residents were clearly more deranged. One girl repeatedly asked if we wanted to play with her "baby" which was a severed foot. Very stable, clearly.
The basement was even darker. It was a legit, dark, dank basement with bunks rather than cells, full of pandemonium and without limits. As we navigated our way out and around what appeared to be a makeshift firepit for human barbeque, the guys occupying this space, resembling a barbaric version of The Purge, stalked us until the end.
I felt that this haunt could clearly be amplified by building off of the opening presentation. It felt a little lost by the end. Going in it was a lot of talk about the paranormal but by the end it was clearly a very physical threat. Since space is always going to be a factor here, I think more story and interaction is where substance can be gained. I feel there's real potential if they do something with the level of interaction that Zombie City at the now-closed Asylum haunt (in Louisville) had. If groups had objectives to complete in the jail while still having to navigate through the chaos imposed by the actors, this haunt could be a real double threat.
We were told that there are two more floors that could potentially be utilized the lengthen the haunt, as well as a outdoor space behind the building. Knowing there is room to grow makes me even more compelled to make future visits. I found Jail of Terror to have a fantastic foundation to build the new concept of an interactive themed haunt on and I'm eager to see what they'll do next.
This haunt resides in the Licking County (Ohio) Historic Jail which admittedly made it intriguing to begin with. We were told it's referred to as a "mini Mansfield" and it's easy to see why. The stonework and outside architecture carry a mild resemblance. As we met with the haunt manager, we were offered a bit of the history of the building and learned that he is involved with the building year-round. Despite it's smaller size (compared the larger prisons that are more widely known), it's a cool location with obvious authenticity. I really enjoyed learning that this building and the haunt alike are a staple for the area.
On approach, my first question was - how much can they do in here? It doesn't look too big. Knowing it was obviously a historical site, I knew there were likely limits on the degree of construction that would be permitted - and there are. However, like any haunt in a unique location, it's best to capitalize on what's already there and that's exactly what Jail of Terror does.
It's my understanding that prior to this year, the haunt was fairly standard with props, actors and obviously some form of a jail theme. I assume this means that you went through the three accessible levels (and apparently some tented outdoor areas at times) experiencing more of the same concept throughout. This year a narrative direction was implemented to establish a story and I think that's the right move, especially if they build upon it.
Right away upon entering the stage is set. A fantastic actress posing as a paranormal investigator spoke of happenings taking place within the jail and demonstrated how various tools of the ghost hunting trade work, including dowsing rods, laser thermometers, etc., and how each would indicate spiritual energy. The equipment was actually passed out to people in our group to examine. Once the story and preparations were set, the equipment was taken back and we were set on our way.
The third and second floors are cell blocks, so most of what we encountered were crazed inmates. Unlike the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, the cells are arranged in close quarters leaving little room between you and the actors roaming the narrow aisle between them. The walkways go around both sides of the cells so the actors can not only get you coming, but they can get you going as well.
As far as the cell blocks go, I thought they were a little too lit. The lighting was colored, but it still didn't leave much to the imagination, nor any chance of an actor sneaking up to you undetected. Since lurking in the shadows wasn't really an option, the actors took the other route and were loud, boisterous and imposing. As I listed back to the audio recording used for notes, there are just minutes of screaming and wailing; it would sound VERY authentic, out of context.
Other actors had opportunities to interact as well. One concerned, outspoken resident pulled us into a side room, instructing us to duck down and hide from her husband who clearly didn't have good intentions. As he was spotted outside of a small window, she ushered us to the steps to the next level down. Here we met an older man asking us if we had weapons or contraband and warned us that the next group of inmates we would encounter wouldn't be so kind. He alluded that we may leave with a few less teeth! This cell block was a little darker and the residents were clearly more deranged. One girl repeatedly asked if we wanted to play with her "baby" which was a severed foot. Very stable, clearly.
The basement was even darker. It was a legit, dark, dank basement with bunks rather than cells, full of pandemonium and without limits. As we navigated our way out and around what appeared to be a makeshift firepit for human barbeque, the guys occupying this space, resembling a barbaric version of The Purge, stalked us until the end.
I felt that this haunt could clearly be amplified by building off of the opening presentation. It felt a little lost by the end. Going in it was a lot of talk about the paranormal but by the end it was clearly a very physical threat. Since space is always going to be a factor here, I think more story and interaction is where substance can be gained. I feel there's real potential if they do something with the level of interaction that Zombie City at the now-closed Asylum haunt (in Louisville) had. If groups had objectives to complete in the jail while still having to navigate through the chaos imposed by the actors, this haunt could be a real double threat.
We were told that there are two more floors that could potentially be utilized the lengthen the haunt, as well as a outdoor space behind the building. Knowing there is room to grow makes me even more compelled to make future visits. I found Jail of Terror to have a fantastic foundation to build the new concept of an interactive themed haunt on and I'm eager to see what they'll do next.
Paul - Well Jail of Terror was a hell of a surprise...
2022 marks our first trip to Jail of Terror in Newark, OH (a half hour East of Columbus) and it definitely won't be our last. Jail of Terror is a haunt conducted inside of the old Licking County Jail which was constructed in the late 1800s and housed inmates for almost 100 years. It's a beautiful old building right in the middle of Newark and is the perfect setting for a haunted attraction.
Looking a bit like a miniature Mansfield penitentiary on the outside, Jail of Terror similarly sends you through the cells of the old Jail. The theme this year was exploring the paranormal activities that remain in the building, and it was perfectly fitting for their attraction. You'll head up the stairs to the second floor, then take a trip through that and the first floor. Those two levels are filled with twists and turns through the old jail cells, while the "guests" still residing there make you question your decision to come inside.
After completing those two floors you head to the basement. The first two floors were nothing like the basement. That dungeon is much darker, tighter, and more intense than the first two floors, but keep with it and you'll make it out unscathed... Probably.
While the Jail is a bit shorter in duration than some other haunts, it packs quite a bit into the time you spend inside those walls. There were a few fantastic acting performances, and the scare actors were energetic and creative as well. Their scare tactic variety was excellent- anticipation scares where you see them but still have to walk toward them, jump scares, cling-ons, and lots of multi-scare opportunities for each actor. The lighting and audio were just right, and there's the bonus of being in a really cool old building that's perfect to theme with -instant immersion factor!
I really enjoyed Jail of Terror and would absolutely recommend heading to Newark to check them out- especially if you're a resident of the Columbus area or will be there for other haunts. It's one I'll definitely want to visit again in the future.
2022 marks our first trip to Jail of Terror in Newark, OH (a half hour East of Columbus) and it definitely won't be our last. Jail of Terror is a haunt conducted inside of the old Licking County Jail which was constructed in the late 1800s and housed inmates for almost 100 years. It's a beautiful old building right in the middle of Newark and is the perfect setting for a haunted attraction.
Looking a bit like a miniature Mansfield penitentiary on the outside, Jail of Terror similarly sends you through the cells of the old Jail. The theme this year was exploring the paranormal activities that remain in the building, and it was perfectly fitting for their attraction. You'll head up the stairs to the second floor, then take a trip through that and the first floor. Those two levels are filled with twists and turns through the old jail cells, while the "guests" still residing there make you question your decision to come inside.
After completing those two floors you head to the basement. The first two floors were nothing like the basement. That dungeon is much darker, tighter, and more intense than the first two floors, but keep with it and you'll make it out unscathed... Probably.
While the Jail is a bit shorter in duration than some other haunts, it packs quite a bit into the time you spend inside those walls. There were a few fantastic acting performances, and the scare actors were energetic and creative as well. Their scare tactic variety was excellent- anticipation scares where you see them but still have to walk toward them, jump scares, cling-ons, and lots of multi-scare opportunities for each actor. The lighting and audio were just right, and there's the bonus of being in a really cool old building that's perfect to theme with -instant immersion factor!
I really enjoyed Jail of Terror and would absolutely recommend heading to Newark to check them out- especially if you're a resident of the Columbus area or will be there for other haunts. It's one I'll definitely want to visit again in the future.
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