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…
Rock Creek Resort in Montana is making a big comeback in July 2025
Newly renovated with the needs of the modern traveler in mind
Rock Creek Resort

Rock Creek Resort in Montana, a 40-acre property along Rock Creek near historic Red Lodge, is set to reopen in July after an extensive renovation. The property has a foundation built upon a long and rich history, serving as a staple in the community for over 50 years. Now managed by Columbia Hospitality, the newly reimagined Rock Creek Resort will serve the modern traveler while still honoring its storied past. Some upgrades include refreshed dining experiences, versatile indoor and outdoor event spaces, and new design elements and amenities designed with modern needs.

The new renovation includes 78 upgraded rooms and suites, including creekside accommodations that feature clawfoot tubs, fireplaces, and private decks. These accommodations make the resort well-suited for all types of travelers, including solo travelers, families, and groups. The development team's focus for the upgrades includes comfort and connection, with upgrades like a thoughtfully designed communal space to unite people. Upgraded amenities like saunas and a heated indoor pool promote relaxation while on-site activities, such as axe throwing and fly fishing, celebrate the area's natural beauty.

Read more
Delta adds new global flights and lounges as it grows Seattle presence
Delta SkyClub, Seattle

This week, Delta bolstered its offerings at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), announcing two new lounges and direct service to Rome and Barcelona. The airline will also offer priority access to 18 gates throughout Concourses A and B, so travelers can enjoy a smoother experience from ticketing to touchdown.

Flights to Rome and Barcelona, and two new lounges

Read more
This Midwest city is the top trending spot for Fourth of July weekend
Chicago is this year's top Fourth of July destination
Chicago

Looking to get away this Fourth of July? According to a new travel trends report from Going, the flight deal app, Chicago is the top trending destination for Independence Day weekend, and it’s easy to see why.

The Windy City puts on one of the country’s most spectacular fireworks displays, lighting up the sky over Navy Pier in downtown Chicago. But that’s just the beginning. This year’s holiday weekend also brings the third annual NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend and the Independence Day Salute, a free, family-friendly celebration featuring patriotic music, Broadway favorites, and audience singalongs. And when it’s time to unwind, Chicago’s lakefront beaches offer the perfect spot to soak up the summer vibes. Flights to Chicago are averaging around $502 roundtrip.

Read more