Forsaken Forest (Richmond, IN)
“Release the Kraken”
By Noah Wullkotte: jollypumpkin@aol.com
Forsaken Forest is a quite unique attraction with scenes and special effects you won’t see everywhere. You never know what to expect. The massive Kraken monster is surrounded by bubbles and it’s ready to attack. If you’re fan of the classic movie Little Shop of Horrors then you’re in for a real treat. You’ll face your deepest and darkest fears when you meet some killer plant monsters including the one and only flytrap known as Audrey 2. Press the button of a mulching machine and watch as a helpless girl is torn to shreds.
Forsaken Forest is very theatrical and doesn’t just resort to jump scares. This is an elaborate production with some twisted characters. Before you enter the haunt, you’ll meet Bozo the Clown who is fond of his chainsaw that he’s named Bertha. You’ll meet other characters such as blood thirsty vampires. This is a great opening scene that isn’t too gory. Watch your back at Forsaken Forest. The zombies want to eat your flesh. Luckily there was a sniper ready to fire upon these flesh eating freaks. The actors did a great job as they got closer and closer.
A violent tussle results in gunfire. Meet a fortune teller who wants you to choose a bottle that predicts your future. This scene is fun, but could be more intense. Having the floor vibrate or objects move would make it more memorable. Forsaken Forest has a mixture of adult actors and a few child actors. The little mimes were as creepy as can be. There are plenty of clowns and chainsaws along the way. But it’s no overdone. One of my personal favorite scenes features a butcher shack. Watch in horror as a poor girl has her face ripped off as she screams in horror.
Forsaken Forest is far from your typical haunted trail. Lots of time and effort has been made to create unique stories that are haunting and plain entertaining. We had an incredible time and we think you will too. We were in and out in 20 minutes and this attraction is pretty action packed. There’s always something entertaining that you’ll encounter. You never know what’s hiding. The scarecrows might even come alive.
Each night has its own theme. We visited on September 20th which was Forsaken Frenzy. There was a wrestling ring setup and a wrestling match was underway. Other nights include Biker Night, Horror Prom, Forsaken Dead Weekend and much more. We for the first time ever got to ride in a Monster Truck which was wild. Tickets are $10 per person.
General admission is $25 per person if paying with cash. Every Friday is Student Night. Show your Student ID to get a discount. General admission for Friday is $29.99. Ticket prices are a little steep for a second year haunt. A Roam and Relax Pass is available for those who just want to experience Forsaken’s themed areas and not get scared to death. Instant Access is $75. There’s also a VIP Chicken Tour to get a behind the scenes look at the haunt. For $100 you and your group get a guided behind-the-scenes tour, full access to the regular haunt, a chance to try on SFX makeup, and even the opportunity to step into the role of a scare actor to frighten your friends. With your own personal guide leading the way, you’ll enjoy a fully immersive, hands-on experience that’s truly one-of-a-kind!
There are concessions available like candy, chips, shirts, beanies etc. An animated Chucky Doll is ready to kill. Forsaken Forest is one of those haunts that’s somewhat in the middle of nowhere, but that adds to the scary atmosphere of the haunt. It’s well worth the drive out to Richmond, Indiana and it’s a great haunt for just about anyone. We definitely recommend Forsaken Forest and let the nightmares begin.
Length-9 Design-8 Props-8 Acting-9 Scare Effect-8
Final Stab: 8.4
www.forsakenhauntfearfest.com