A Tribute to 50 Years of Haunt/Scary Farm

Have you stepped into the realm of all things Haunt within the highly immersive and meticulously curated Legacy Haunt Store and Museum honoring the 50th Anniversary of Knott’s Scary Farm? Located, and accessible from the Knott’s Marketplace, you don’t need a ticket to experience this incredible nod to haunts past and present! From the moment you step through the door, I promise you will lose all sense of the outside world.  Dare to enter?

I had the rare opportunity to chat with Ted Dougherty (Knott's Scary Farm historian and author of The History of Knott's Scary Farm)recently and we delved into all things Scary Farm! But more specifically, the making of The Legacy Haunt Store and Museum that is open now through October 31, 2023. Designed and constructed by talented members of the haunt industry, the bulk of the construction and planning occurred off-site over the course of a year yet only took a few short weeks to completely install. From deciding on the location, to which props would make the cut, the space planning of the Emporium Store was nothing short of brilliant. Below is a snapshot of what went into making this store come to life.

If you are any level of haunt fan, the following names and their contributions to the haunt industry will definitely be familiar to you. Jon Cooke, Ray Zupp and Ted Dougherty were the minds behind this one of a kind attraction. From conception to the final installation, this mixed use space was created using the same techniques just as those used in building a maze. Pulling from the vast in-park props of mazes past, other key elements included a commissioned prop from RibFX and securing a distinct red velvet settee used by an infamous Mistress. 

The store is brilliantly divided into areas themed after signature Scary Farm elements. As you enter the store, you’ll come face to face with all things Green Witch including the iconic staircase from Trick Or Treat. Feel free to take pictures as this is just one of many photo opportunities you will experience. This is also where you will find the first of several Interactive Lantern opportunities scattered throughout the store. Passing into the main room cloaked in darkness by ominous trees, you’ll find merchandise recessed beneath the earth covered alcoves. Take time to look up and pay homage to some of the builders' favorite haunts as they line the rooms perimeter in the form headstones. You may experience the occasional sound of thunder, this too is another Interactive Lantern effect.

As you walk deeper into the store, you’ll find further references to Ghost Town Streets, Carnevil and a lair with a pair of special photo opportunities. Note: Knott’s photographers are on hand to capture that perfect picture if desired.

With many iconic characters and props, the confines of the space played a big role in what was displayed. Elvira and Seymour were two figures that are, and will forever be, synonymous with the haunt for their unique contributions. With her trademark red velvet settee, deep plunging dress and wig, Elvira claims the attention of every visitor to the museum section of the store. Seymour was a bit more of an undertaking. His likeness was commissioned for the museum display and created solely off photographs by the very talented RibFX prop shop. The TV showcasing rare footage of him on stage can only be activated by a limited edition Interactive Lantern. Along with these two quintessential haunt icons, you will find many memorable props from past mazes.

There are many “Easter Eggs” paying tribute to talent and props of the past. Be sure to take a moment to check out the "Live Peek-in'' outside of the Ghost Town Streets display, you never know who or what you’ll see lurking in the fog. Checking out, there is also an opportunity to go down memory lane and watch a compilation of past haunts playing on a loop. And in case you were wondering, there are no jump scares to be had inside the store.

The Legacy Haunt Store and Museum offers guests of all ages a unique opportunity to shop and explore this stand alone destination for free. During Scary Farm, it is accessible with an event ticket/pass from within the park via backstage access. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this store, October 31 is the last day. Note: The store closes 30 min. prior to the official posted time so plan accordingly as you will want to take your time when visiting this store.

I want to express my gratitude to Ted Dougherty for sharing the backstory and providing a tour through his eyes of this amazing project brought to life. It truly honors the 50 years of Haunt/Scary Farm, the builders and above all the talent that brings it to life year after year.