Eloise Asylum Blends Haunted House Thrills With Real History in Its Sixth Season

As Halloween nears, Eloise Asylum in Westland is stepping up its effort to frighten visitors, with winding hallways, screams and elaborate special effects. The attraction is now in its sixth season.

What sets it apart from a typical haunted house is the setting. Guests walk through a building whose history reaches back to the 1800s, when the property was part of a complex that became a psychiatric hospital.

"It's one of a kind," General Manager Shirley Ann said. "You are in an actual asylum. You're walking through half sets, half asylum."

For Ann, the work goes beyond a good scare. "I'm very passionate about the art of the show," she said. "I love the creativity. It's like a big theatrical place."

The experience spans two floors packed with surprises and special effects, along with design touches inspired by the building's past. Operations Manager Mike Smith calls it "a haunted house in a haunted house," a nod to the property's history and its reputation for paranormal activity.

Smith also pointed to the site's ties to early medical developments. "One of the first X-rays took place here," he said. "We're also one of the founders of the lobotomy, shock therapy was invented here. It's a very interesting, very historical place."

The intensity is not for everyone. Asked whether staff must help guests out before they reach the end, Smith said it happens often. "We do have to take a lot of people out early, yes!" he said.

Visitors who want something beyond the haunted house can also try escape rooms and building tours. A new event joins the Halloween lineup this year as well: a rock concert featuring Mars Radio and Mob Opera, planned for Oct. 30. "We're expecting a really big turnout for that night," Smith said.

Tickets can be bought online or at the door. The attraction is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 1.