Cannibal Creek, the new haunt from Black Casket Productions, is an immersive walk-through haunted house attraction. It is an independent haunt inside an abandoned bank in Yucaipa. It’s one of the best, most ambitious attractions I have been through in Southern California. This is an interactive walk-through haunt with scenes that include you in the action.
What to know before you go to Cannibal Creek
The story unfolds as you go through with your small group. The cast does a fantastic job of fully committing to their characters in this story of a family of backwoods cannibals. You meet the family’s matriarch, a commanding presence, with her adult daughter beside her. They size you up, deciding whether you are a good fit for the family or whether you might make a better snack. From there they send you down the storm cellar stairs to other members of the family as the story moves forward. They guide you through secret passages, spooky halls and even a rather terrifying bathroom. There are jump scares but they’ve also pulled off some special effects that rival what you would see at Knott’s Scary Farm. I am not going to tell you where those moments are because finding them yourself is half the fun.
One thing that always impresses me at Black Casket is how well they use the space. The design is excellent, the flow works perfectly, and the storytelling keeps you moving. They have constructed an impressive facade at the opening of a shack, porch and laundry line, with door that open into a storm cellar, all inside what I can only guess is the old lobby of the bank to set the tone. They are experimental with their attraction and want the audience to feel like part of the story without ever letting a group stall in one spot. I was there on media night, so I cannot speak to a packed Saturday, but I can tell you that they work hard to keep groups small so you can actually experience the story and the scares yourself without the conga lines of a theme park.
On the night I attended there was a band playing outside and Douglas Tait was there taking pictures with everyone after the walk-through, which was a genuine treat. He is an actor known for Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, Annabelle Comes Home, Halloween Kills, and plenty of creature and villain work across horror. Be sure to check their website and social media for any special announcements like this.
Do not miss an opportunity to attend Black Casket because the theme you see this season will not return next year. They build a brand-new experience every year and they build the sets and stories themselves. They have done Sweet Screams, Hellsgate Hotel, The Ripper and a Valentine’s haunt called Til Death. They even change the paths through the bank, so if you went last year, it is a completely different experience this time. If you miss Cannibal Creek, you miss it.
Yucaipa is a bit of a drive from the Los Angeles area, but this one is worth the trip. If you want to make a night of it, there is more to do in the area, so check out this guide to Inland Empire Halloween for other events nearby to build the whole evening around it.
For tickets, click here: https://blackcasketproduction.com
Thank you to Black Casket Productions for inviting me out for media night.