2022 Question and Answer With Lake Hickory Haunts

Papa Legba in Voodoo Bayou at Lake Hickory Haunts 2022

NorthCarolinaHauntedHouses.com recently sat down with Ryan Settlemyre of Lake Hickory Haunts, to discuss what's new at Lake Hickory Haunts for the 2022 Halloween Season!

What's new at Lake Hickory Haunts for 2022? Do you have any new rides, attractions, or special features that Haunt Seekers should know about?

Yes, Lake Hickory Haunts features MANY new additions to the 2022 season! ALL-NEW Attractions include: Vodooo Bayou (a tree-top attraction elevated 20 feet in the air going through the tree-tops of Lake Hickory Haunts). Shipwrecked 2.0 is another all-new attraction, featuring an undead pirate village, alligators, and so much more! We have also totally overhauled, replaced, and re-vamped the inside of Extinction. Extinction has now been upgraded to Extinction 2.0! In each of these brand new attractions and all throughout the tour, we have made MANY additions and added MANY scares that you won't see coming no matter how hard you're looking!

What are you most excited about for the 2022 Halloween Season?

I'm most excited to see our customers and fans reactions once they've experienced Voodoo Bayou, Shipwrecked 2.0, and Extinction 2.0. I honestly believe fans will be blown away as much as any year in the history of Lake Hickory Haunts.

What differentiates Lake Hickory Haunts from other local haunts in North Carolina?

One of the reasons we're unique is because we are located right on the banks of Lake Hickory, which gives Lake Hickory Haunts an incredibly creepy and awe-inspiring back-drop throughout the outdoor attractions. In addition, we offer many unique attractions such as Aquaphobia, Descent, and Vodooo Bayou (these attractions bring you over-water, underground, and up in the air). These three attractions create a uniquely immersive experience in an awe-inspiring environment that gives me (the owner) goosebumps, in a good way!

How long has Lake Hickory Haunts been in business? Can you tell us a bit more about Lake Hickory Haunts's history?

This will be Lake Hickory Haunts' 11th season. I have been growing and expanding it every years since day one and the team and I will continue to do so for years to come! I'm more excited about where we're headed than where we've been!

What's your favorite experience since opening Lake Hickory Haunts?

There are too many to name, I love what I do!

How long is a typical haunt experience at Lake Hickory Haunts from start to finish?

Approximately 45 minutes to one hour, not including time spent on our midways. if you include our midway experiences, approximately 2 hours.

On a scale from 1 to 10, how scary would you say Lake Hickory Haunts is? Why?

I would say an 8.5, because I want our product to be enjoyed and appreciated by all Lake Hickory Haunts guests. Too scary is no fun after a while, we have scares, fun, and thrills!

Does Lake Hickory Haunts's property have any real haunted history? Do you have a spooky encounter you'd like to share?

Not any documented haunted history. However, there are MANY strange occurrences at the haunt regularly throughout each year.

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

I have acted in haunts since I was 7 years old. In addition, I have always been impressed by the immersion Disney World is able to deliver. These things combined with my passion for entrepreneurship is what inspired me to open Lake Hickory Haunts. My favorite part of this business is seeing our customers reactions after experiencing Lake Hickory Haunts!

How has new technology (i.e. animatronics, special props, etc) helped you to enhance Lake Hickory Haunts?

New technology has enabled us to enhance Lake Hickory Haunts in many ways. One example is our use of CGI TV FX, which you will see lots of this season!

Can Lake Hickory Haunts accommodate large groups? How many people can experience Lake Hickory Haunts together as a group?

Yes we can accommodate large groups in our midway areas. However, when it is time to enter through the main attractions, groups will be separated into smaller groups. This is for the sake of safety and immersion of the sets and scenes.

Does Lake Hickory Haunts offer any special deals, discounts, or coupons?

Yes, we offer a $3 discount for military, police, fire, and EMS workers... when purchasing on site (must show Badge/ID). Also, online tickets are discounted, while on-site tickets are not. Purchase tickets online and in advance for the best ticket price.

Anything else you'd like to let us know about Lake Hickory Haunts?

As always, we have worked like crazy to deliver an experience unlike anything you've seen before. You don't want to miss Lake Hickory Haunts 2022, featuring more than 3 brand-new attractions and so much more! Mark your calendar, we're open September 17th through November 5th, BE PREPARED TO BE SCARED!!