Terror on the Square

Terror on the Square has been haunting for over 30 years. It is a unique, professional haunted tour with Disney-style illusions set in an actual 1930s funeral home. This is a guided tour with many ghost illusions and special effects that bring people from all over the state and farther to experience this show. Terror on the Square has won numerous awards and is ready to entertain and terrorize this October!
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Terror on the Square
Shows & Events

Upcoming Shows & Events

Salem on Seventh, the beautiful theatre on the ground floor, hosts a variety of events each year. For the 2025 Terror season, we are showing silent horror films, at no charge, while Terror on the Square is open. The art deco styling will have you feeling like you’ve stepped back in time, from the vintage woodwork on the stage to the theatre seats refurbished from an old Petersburg movie theatre. Come and go as you please, and be sure to stop by the concession area for a snack.
 
Check back each year to see what different events we will be hosting. In the past, we have had incredible performers in illusion shows, vintage style ghost shows, and even original short films.
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Terror Shoppe
The Terror Shoppe

Open nightly while haunt tours are running

When your tour ends and the screaming subsides, catch your breath as you exit through the most unique Shoppe. Our Terror Shoppe offers a wide variety of  spooky items such as skulls and gargoyles, toys and trinkets, official Terror shirts and hoodies, and more.
 
If you are waiting for your time slot to enjoy the show, you are more than welcome to proceed up to the Shoppe to look through our unique selection. If you purchase something before your show time, we will gladly hold your items and you may retrieve them when finished.

We accept cash and all major credit cards.

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Terror Shoppe
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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Information

General Information

  • Our line for Terror on the Square general admission will open at 6:30 pm.
  • Please get in line during your time slot. Exact entry times are not guaranteed and wait times will vary depending on how busy we are.
  • Tickets subject to convenience fee collected by third party service vendor.
  • Groups will be guided and will be limited to 6 people maximum.
  • No touching of the actors or props will be allowed. We have video surveillance and will look back if we need too.
  • We do not allow visitors to wear costumes or bring props.
  • Taking photographs/video will be prohibited.
  • We have the right to remove you from the tour at any point in time. Follow the rules and enjoy the show.
  • No one under the age of 12 will be permitted without an adult.
  • ALL SALES ARE FINAL, IF YOU MISS YOUR DATE AND TIME YOU ARE NOT ENTITLED TO A REFUND AND WILL BE DENIED ENTRY UNLESS NEW TICKETS ARE PURCHASED.
  • Be aware, the tour includes strobes, fog and loud noises.

Concessions

  • Available next to Salem on Seventh Theatre.

  • Concessions will open at 6:30 PM

  • A variety of snacks and drinks will be available for purchase.

Gift Shoppe

  • Terror Shoppe is at the end of the tour, with many souvenirs and Terror items.

  • We do accept credit cards and cash

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Terror on the Square
Our History

The History of
Terror on the Square

You step from the comfort of a well-lit foyer into a darker room, the door slamming shut behind you. “Good evening and welcome to Terror on the Square,” longtime fans may remember this chilling greeting from the start of the tour. How enjoyable the night becomes depends entirely on how much you like to be scared.

Our fearless leader, Shawn McKinney, has been building haunts since childhood, first creating walkthroughs at his parents’ home and later running the local Jaycees haunted house. In 1993, he opened Terror on the Square, where he could unleash his full creativity. Inspired by the illusions of Disney World, Shawn and the team continue to refine their craft with cutting-edge effects that make ghosts appear before your very eyes. Every detail matters, and new ways to terrify our guests are always in the works.

After being shut down in 2013 due to state codes, we carried on at the Menard County Fairgrounds with Terror in the Graveyard until 2020, when the pandemic forced us to pause for safety. Many might have retired then, but we pressed forward, determined to return home. In 2021, we proudly announced during our stage show Illusions Magic and Spirits On Stage that we would finally be coming back to the square in 2022. Join us on the historic Petersburg Square, where we hope to entertain and terrorize for many years to come.

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