2025 Question and Answer With Thrashers House of Terror

A new nightmare awaits — rebuilt, reimagined, and ready to terrify.

IowaHauntedHouses.com recently sat down with Grant Davidson of Thrashers House of Terror, to discuss what's new at Thrashers House of Terror for the 2025 Halloween Season!

What's new at Thrashers House of Terror for 2025? Do you have any new rides, attractions, or special features that Haunt Seekers should know about?

o The entire attraction is new for 2025. That’s the beauty of how we operate — we completely rebuild the haunt every year. We start construction just two days after Labor Day and have only four weeks to design, build, and bring the new version to life before opening night. Because our building hosts other events throughout the year, we have to tear everything down after the season ends. It’s a lot of work, but it guarantees a fresh experience every October. So if you’ve visited before, come back — it’ll be a totally new nightmare.

What are you most excited about for the 2025 Halloween Season?

o We’re excited to be back for another season of screams, continuing our mission to bring top-tier Halloween thrills to Southeast Iowa. One thing we’re especially looking forward to in 2025 is once again sharing the property with Midwest Haunted Rails — a fantastic family-friendly event organized by our partners at Midwest Central Railroad and Midwest Old Threshers. It’s the perfect complement to what we do: while we deliver the scares, they offer a more lighthearted Halloween experience, making the entire grounds a destination with something for everyone. You can learn more about Midwest Haunted Rails at www.midwesthauntedrails.com

What differentiates Thrashers House of Terror from other local haunts in Iowa?

o What truly sets Thrashers House of Terror apart is that we start from scratch every single year. The entire layout, theme, and design are completely reimagined each season, meaning no two years are ever the same. This constant reinvention keeps things fresh for returning guests and adds an exciting layer of unpredictability for new visitors. It’s more than just a haunted house — it’s a new experience every fall, which is why so many haunt fans make it a yearly tradition.

How long has Thrashers House of Terror been in business? Can you tell us a bit more about Thrashers House of Terror's history?

Thrashers House of Terror has been delivering scares since 2007. It all started when a previous haunted attraction that operated on the grounds for two years chose not to return. That left an opening — and we saw the perfect opportunity to launch something new. Since then, we’ve grown into one of Southeast Iowa’s most anticipated Halloween events. Every year, we’ve continued to evolve, rebuilding from the ground up and pushing ourselves to offer new, thrilling experiences for our guests. What started as a replacement quickly became a tradition.

What's your favorite experience since opening Thrashers House of Terror?

It’s tough to choose just one favorite — every year brings something different. The creative process of building a brand-new haunt from scratch each season is incredibly rewarding, but the real payoff is seeing guests’ reactions when they encounter something totally unexpected. That moment of surprise or fear — that’s the magic. But honestly, one of my absolute favorite parts is the crew. Over the years, we’ve built a family here. Everyone pours their heart into this place, and that shared passion is what makes Thrashers House of Terror truly special.

How long is a typical haunt experience at Thrashers House of Terror from start to finish?

Most guests spend around 15 to 20 minutes making their way through Thrashers House of Terror — though that can vary a bit if you get turned around inside! We space out groups every 90 seconds, which helps create a more intimate, immersive experience without the distraction of a crowd. It’s just you, your group... and whatever’s lurking in the dark.

On a scale from 1 to 10, how scary would you say Thrashers House of Terror is? Why?

It's tough to put a specific number on it because everyone’s fears are different. For instance, I personally love clowns, so they don't scare me at all, but snakes? That’s a different story. The scares at Thrashers House of Terror are designed to tap into a variety of fears, so how intense it feels really depends on what gets under your skin.

Does Thrashers House of Terror's property have any real haunted history? Do you have a spooky encounter you'd like to share?

No, there isn’t any real haunted history tied to the property. While we create plenty of spooky encounters for our guests, the chills you feel are all part of the carefully crafted experience, not from any real ghosts!

What inspired you to open up a haunted attraction? What's your favorite part of the business?

The inspiration came in 2007 when we saw an opportunity to add a new attraction to Mount Pleasant and enhance the Midwest Old Threshers organization's offerings beyond the annual Midwest Old Threshers Reunion. My favorite part of the business is seeing the community come together each year to create something special that brings people from all over to experience the thrill.

How has new technology (i.e. animatronics, special props, etc) helped you to enhance Thrashers House of Terror?

One of the most exciting aspects of running Thrashers House of Terror is the chance to evolve alongside emerging technology. Tools like animatronics, special effects, and high-tech props have given us new ways to immerse guests in the experience. Each season, we explore new tech to add fresh scares, elevate realism, and create moments that really stick with people. It’s all about pushing the boundaries to make every year more intense and unforgettable than the last.

Can Thrashers House of Terror accommodate large groups? How many people can experience Thrashers House of Terror together as a group?

We can accommodate groups, but to ensure the best experience, we limit each group to 6 people at a time. This size allows everyone to fully immerse themselves in the attraction without feeling crowded, ensuring that each scare lands just right.

Does Thrashers House of Terror offer any special deals, discounts, or coupons?

Yes — we’ll have a few special coupon codes available during the 2025 season, but they’re released exclusively through our social media channels. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram so you don’t miss out on those limited-time offers!

Anything else you'd like to let us know about Thrashers House of Terror?

One thing we always like to say is — get out there and explore all the haunted attractions Iowa has to offer. While we’re proud of what we do at Thrashers House of Terror, we’re just one piece of a much larger haunt community. It takes all of us to make Halloween in Iowa something truly special. So yes, come see us — but make time to support other local haunts too. The more places you visit, the more unforgettable your spooky season will be.