The Inland Empire’s hidden gem at Castle Dark

Simple, but effective; that’s how I’d describe Castle Park’s haunt event Castle Dark.

Located in Riverside just off the 91 Freeway, you won’t get the same big theme park feel like you would at Knotts Berry Farm’s Halloween Haunt or Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights.

Maze’s aren’t lavishly decorated or supremely detailed. Rides and other entertainment are akin more to what you might find at a carnival or county faire.

Yet I never felt underwhelmed as I wandered around during Castle Dark’s opening weekend media night. In fact, just the opposite – I had some of the most fun I’ve had so far in this albeit still relatively young haunt season.

This year, Castle Dark offers three mazes, three scare zones, and a stage show, along with most of the venues usual attractions – including rides, arcade, and minigolf – remain open. The Antique Car ride has also been decked out in its spooky best, taking on the form of the Haunted Highway.

Of the three mazes – Feary Tales, Midnight Manor, and Containment Breach – probably the most notable would-be Midnight Manor, where guests are given a dim, faulty flashlight to wander the dark, sometimes pitch-black rooms and hallways.

Again, the sets are nothing to rant and rave over. What was impressive was how the talent inside utilized the space.

Scareactors used the darkness and our next-to-useless flashlights to their advantage. They, along with their simple backdrop, created a sense of unease and tension. I am not ashamed to admit that some of my biggest scares so far of 2025 took place inside Midnight Manor.

And while maybe not as scary as the former, the other two mazes were fun, largely due to the engagement and creativity of their casts. 

Scare zone wise, there were no shortage of monsters. Let me add that if you’re a fan of the chainsaw scare, there is plenty to be had at Castle Dark.

To be fair and honest, the zones themselves did feel a little muddled, as like the mazes, there was little set design and theming to be had. However, the story of the three zones was carried by the cast, each contributing to either the medieval or fantasy themes.

And overall, I think that’s what Castle Dark’s biggest strength is: despite it’s perhaps simple and unassuming exterior, it dives headlong into telling an overarching story throughout the haunt. This year, the mysterious storyteller has deleted the old monarchy in a bid to write a new - and potentially final - chapter in the tale of Castle Dark.

Excitingly, this haunt experience is not nearly as expensive as other options. A haunt enthusiast can pick up a ticket and front of the line privileges for roughly $60; even less if online sales are taken advantage of.

Ultimately, Castle Dark doesn’t take itself too seriously, and proves that sometimes the best things come in smaller packages. While not the most elaborate haunt, the scares and the fun is there, and any Halloween fanatic can easily have a spooky good time without completely breaking the bank.

Castle Dark is open now, running weekends through Nov 2. 

Photos and words by: Alex Dominguez