Skip to main content

Haunted House, Schmaunted House: Try a Haunted Cave Instead

Looking for something scarier than the standard haunted house this year? Look no further than Big Cedar Lodge in Missouri. The resort is transforming its Top of the Rock attraction — a high bluff  complete with a museum, hiking trails, a views of the Ozarks — into a “haunted cave experience”called Haunted Lost Caverns.

To create a premise for the haunt, the property set up a mock archeological dig that alludes to the heritage of the region. Guests ride through a four-story cave complete with more than 100 animatronic displays and plenty of other promised “spooky sights and frights.” There’s even a cocktail bar at the end so you can properly cool down after you’ve been scared.

Haunted Lost Caverns at Top of the Rock

The adventure, which lasts 45 minutes, has proven to be one of the more popular attractions at the property; Haunted Lost Caverns is entering its third year.

Recommended Videos

The critically acclaimed Big Cedar Lodge has a very real and very storied past. In the 1920s, two prominent Missourians were building lavish homes on the Long Creek arm of the White River near the modern-day resort. Shortly after, the two businessmen acquired 300 acres of forest nearby. As the area began to prosper post-Depression and post-WWII, the White River was dammed to form Table Rock Lake, which set aside land for the Lodge. The compiled history of the property adds to the overall mystique and appeal of the Haunted Caves Experience.

Once you’re done being scared silly, you can head 10 miles north to Branson to experience a record-breaking roller coaster (and do some old-fashioned gambling, of course). It’s a great opportunity to experience the beauty and splendor of the Ozarks in two distinctively different ways. Talk about a new twist on late-season travel.

Tickets for the Haunted Lost Caverns are on sale now and you can reserve your tour here.

Geoff Nudelman
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Geoff is a former contributor to The Manual. He's a native Oregonian who’s always up for a good challenge and a great hike…
Hotel Supetar Cavtat reopens with SupetART, a living gallery of Croatian contemporary art
Enjoy immersive art installations at this Dubrovnik hotel
CAVTAT

If you’re visiting Croatia and want to immerse yourself in culture, start with a stay at Hotel Supetar Cavtat. The boutique hotel officially reopens for the season on April 19, and with it comes the return of SupetART, an artist-in-residence program that transforms the property into a living gallery.

Launching in May and curated in collaboration with Croatian art consultancy SHPIGL, SupetART features month-long exhibitions by rising contemporary artists from the Dubrovnik region.

Read more
A Florida campground just won top “hidden gem” in North America—here’s why
Campspot names The Cove Resort & Pub as the best "hidden gem" campground in North America
The Cove Resort & Pub in Inverness

Are you planning your summer camping trips? The 2025 Campspot Awards have been announced, and a resort in Inverness, Florida, just snatched the coveted title of North America's Top "Hidden Gem" campground. The Cove Resort & Pub captured the hearts of the public through a rigorous analysis of over three million data points, including glowing guest ratings, reservation trends, and standout park features. Let's dive into what makes this campground a must-visit.

One of the major highlights of The Cove is the waterfront access to Lake Henderson. Visitors can drive or float or drive in, and once you're there, you'll never want to leave. With boat rentals and free kayak use for visitors and the Withlacoochee Bike Trail nearby, there's plenty to keep you and your crew busy. Don't forget to stop in the town of Inverness, which is a short three-mile drive away, with all kinds of shops and dining.

Read more
Cunard reveals part one of its 2026 Event Voyages, featuring exclusive onboard experiences
The new lineup includes musical guests, wellness sessions, and more
Cunard

Cunard is setting the stage for another unforgettable year at sea with the reveal of part one of its 2026 Event Voyages program. Known for its immersive, themed sailings curated in collaboration with leading names in the arts, literature, music, and beyond, the luxury cruise line has announced the return of several fan-favorite voyages aboard its iconic Queen Mary 2 and the newly launched Queen Anne.

These special itineraries are designed to go beyond the traditional cruise experience, offering guests unique opportunities to engage in hands-on workshops, attend exclusive performances, and interact with world-renowned talent across a range of disciplines.

Read more