The Soul Taker stands with his acolytes, waiting for you to visit his labyrinth of screams. (Photo by Alyssa Richardson)

Friday evening prepare for a night filled with fright and fun as Soul Taker’s Acres comes back from the afterlife for 10 grueling nights of fear. Kosciusko County Fairgrounds will fill with sounds of terror every Friday and Saturday in October as the Soul Taker, also known as “Wanetaqua” or “taker of life,” retakes his hold on the premises, stalking unsuspecting victims, seeking to quench his thirst for new souls.

Each fall, when the autumn moon came full, the “Soul Taker” would rise up from the bowels of the earth and stalk unsuspecting victims, returning them to his netherworld kingdom deep below the lakes of northern Indiana. Now he is back, and he is looking for new victims to claim.

The once harmless Beef Barn has been transformed into a terrifying attraction that not only terrifies patrons through the typical “jump-out at-you-moments” but through pushing guests minds to the limit through a series of clever psychological scares. A total of 4,392 guests visited the haunted attraction last year. This year, Soul Taker’s Acres will offer even more twists, turns and darkness than ever before, and promises to take guests to their limit and leave them wanting more.

Maggots, rotting smells and tight corridors await at the haunted attraction.
(Photo by John Faulkner)

For those looking for a reprieve from the horrors of the haunted attraction, a kids’ carnival will be offered with a family friendly hayride on Saturday, Oct. 4. T-shirts, sweaters and memorabilia will be sold for those looking to take a token of their fear home with them. A fire where families can roast s’mores will also be available to enjoy.

All proceeds from the haunted attraction benefit the Horse & Pony Club, who are also instrumental in creating and manning the haunted attraction. The children, ages kindergarten through seniors, not only get to practice their acting skills, but learn several behind the scenes skills that help make the attraction a success. Proceeds also benefit the fairgrounds and help to provide improvements to the grounds.

Soul Taker’s Acres is open from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays in October and 8 p.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays in October. The park will also be open from 8 p.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1. Admission is $10 per person with a limited number of fast pass tickets being sold each evening for $15 that allow guests to skip to the front of the line.

The attraction is wheelchair accessible and a standby wheelchair will be available for those with an electric chair. Those interested in volunteering to work at the attraction are advised to contact the Kosciusko County Fairground’s office at (574) 269-1823.

Be there if you dare, when the Soul Taker makes his return on Friday, Oct. 3.