Mysterious Mansion
Step into a chilling Victorian mansion for year-round scares, featuring live actors and disorienting darkness.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
Mysterious Mansion
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a chilling Victorian mansion for year-round scares, featuring live actors and disorienting darkness.
"Terrifying in the best way possible, with surprises around every corner that will make you scream!"
🎯 Embrace the Darkness
The mansion is very dark; use the fluorescent tape for guidance but be ready to feel your way through.
😱 Be Ready for Scares
Live actors and effects create intense jump scares. Not for the faint of heart!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Victorian Eerie Atmosphere
Exterior and Interior
Step into a chillingly authentic Victorian mansion, where every shadow and creak adds to the suspense.
Interactive Dark Hallways
Throughout the Mansion
Navigate dimly lit corridors, feeling your way through with minimal guidance, encountering unexpected scares.

Live Actor Jump Scares
Various Rooms
Be prepared for live actors who excel at delivering heart-stopping jump scares around every corner.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Prepare for the Scare
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Embrace the Darkness
The mansion is very dark; use the fluorescent tape for guidance but be ready to feel your way through.
😱 Be Ready for Scares
Live actors and effects create intense jump scares. Not for the faint of heart!
👟 Watch Your Step
Some areas have slanted slopes and twisting steps; move carefully.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Option
Great first haunted house for kids who scare easily, but some find it too intense.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Embrace the Darkness
The mansion is very dark; use the fluorescent tape for guidance but be ready to feel your way through.
😱 Be Ready for Scares
Live actors and effects create intense jump scares. Not for the faint of heart!
👟 Watch Your Step
Some areas have slanted slopes and twisting steps; move carefully.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Option
Great first haunted house for kids who scare easily, but some find it too intense.
💰 Great Value
Enjoy a fantastic atmosphere and scares for a reasonable price.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Mysterious Mansion's ability to deliver genuine scares with dedicated actors and a chilling Victorian atmosphere. While some find it too intense for young children, most agree it's a terrifyingly fun experience with great value, making it a must-visit for thrill-seekers. The darkness and jump scares are consistently praised, though a few mention feeling rushed or wishing for slightly more lighting in certain areas.
"Staff and actors were so nice and done a spooktacular job at making me scream. This was kid friendly so if your little ones get scared easily,then this should be one of their first haunted houses to begin their haunts and horrors. I loved the beginning where we had to find the opening door to begin our tour. It had a few slanted slopes so take your time and be careful. It’s very dark with some fluorescent tape for guidance. It has heavy bags hanging from the ceiling that swing. They had some steps that turn and twist. It was a fantastic atmosphere and very enjoyable with great prices."
Brandy Testerman
"Great time here. We are grown adults and did enjoy this a lot. I would say people that are easily terrified should skip, also this is not for young little kids at all. Lots of dark spaces where you will be feeling your way through with live actors jumping out and other effects to scare you. I enjoy this stuff and laughed often at the great amount of detail they put into this."
James M
"If you’re looking for a good scare in Gatlinburg, the Mysterious Mansion is the place to go! Our group of two went through and it was terrifying in the best way possible. From the very beginning, the creepy atmosphere pulls you in, and every twist and turn kept us on edge. The actors and the surprises around each corner made sure we got our money’s worth. We screamed, we laughed, and we came out with our hearts racing. Definitely worth visiting if you want a spooky and unforgettable experience! Absolutely loved it"
Bobbie Sue Bennett
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mysterious Mansion is located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It's easily accessible by car and is a popular stop for visitors exploring the Great Smoky Mountains. Parking is typically available nearby, though it can be busy during peak times.
Yes, there is usually parking available near the Mysterious Mansion. However, during peak tourist seasons and weekends, parking can become limited and may require a fee. It's advisable to arrive early or consider alternative transportation if possible.
If you are staying in the downtown Gatlinburg area, the Mysterious Mansion is within walking distance for many. Its central location makes it convenient to reach on foot from various hotels and attractions.
Driving your own vehicle is common, but Gatlinburg also has a trolley system that can be a convenient way to get around and reach attractions like the Mysterious Mansion without worrying about parking.
The mansion has slanted slopes and twisting steps, and is very dark, which may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues. It's recommended to contact the attraction directly for specific accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for the Mysterious Mansion are generally considered to be great value for the experience. While specific prices can vary, reviews indicate they are reasonable for the scares provided. It's best to check their official website or inquire upon arrival for the most current pricing.
The Mysterious Mansion typically operates year-round, but hours can vary depending on the season and day of the week. It's highly recommended to check their official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
While advance ticket purchase might be available, many visitors purchase tickets upon arrival. Given its popularity, especially on weekends, buying in advance could save time. Check their website for online ticketing options.
Occasionally, coupons or discounts might be available, especially during the off-season or through local tourism partnerships. Searching online for 'Mysterious Mansion coupon' before your visit could yield savings.
The entry process involves finding an opening door to begin your self-guided tour. The experience is designed to be immersive from the start, with a creepy atmosphere that immediately draws you in.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect a variety of scares including intense jump scares from live actors, disorienting darkness, swinging props, and unsettling atmospheric effects. It's designed to be a genuinely terrifying experience.
While some reviews suggest it can be a 'kid-friendly' first haunted house for easily scared children, others strongly advise against it for young kids due to the intensity of the scares and darkness. Parental discretion is advised.
The self-guided tour typically takes around 15-20 minutes, but this can vary depending on how quickly you move through the dark hallways and how much you pause to take in the atmosphere. Some groups may feel rushed if they are with a faster-moving group.
Comfortable shoes are recommended as you'll be walking through dark, potentially uneven areas. Dress for the weather if you're visiting during cooler months, as you might have to wait outside.
Generally, flash photography and video recording are prohibited inside haunted attractions like the Mysterious Mansion to maintain the immersive atmosphere and prevent disruption. It's best to ask staff or look for signage regarding their photo policy.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the Victorian mansion itself offers a great photo opportunity, especially with its spooky ambiance. Inside, due to the extreme darkness, capturing clear photos is challenging, and often not permitted. Focus on the atmosphere and your reactions!
Flash photography is typically not allowed inside haunted attractions like the Mysterious Mansion. The darkness is a key element of the scare, and flash can ruin the effect for everyone.
The entrance area and the exterior of the mansion are prime spots for photos before or after your tour. Inside, the challenge is part of the experience, so focus on enjoying the scares rather than capturing images.
For exterior shots, especially in low light or at dusk, use a wider aperture (lower f-number) to let in more light and a slightly higher ISO if needed. A tripod can help with sharper images if you're patient.
While you can use your phone camera, be mindful of the no-flash policy and the extreme darkness inside. The best phone photos will likely be of the exterior or candid shots of your group's reactions afterwards.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If your family enjoys a good scare and can handle the intensity, the Mysterious Mansion provides a fun and memorable experience with great value. The actors are praised for their performance, and the Victorian atmosphere adds to the spooky charm.
👻 Thrill-Seekers & Horror Fans
This attraction is designed to be genuinely frightening, so if you're looking for a mild thrill, this might be too much. However, if you relish heart-pounding moments and a truly immersive horror experience, you'll find the great prices and spooky surprises well worth the visit.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting on a weekday evening to potentially avoid larger crowds and ensure a more immersive experience without a significant wait. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as you'll be navigating dark, uneven paths.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of the Scare
What truly elevates the scares are the live actors who are strategically placed throughout the mansion. These performers are skilled at delivering jump scares at precisely the right moments, ensuring that guests are constantly on edge. The reviews consistently praise the actors for their dedication and effectiveness in making visitors scream. The experience is designed to be a self-guided tour, allowing each group to move at their own pace, which can sometimes lead to feeling rushed if you're with a faster group, but also allows for more personal encounters with the scares.
Beyond the actors, the mansion employs various special effects to enhance the atmosphere. These can include disorienting sounds, sudden movements, and props that swing unexpectedly. The combination of these elements creates a multi-sensory assault that aims to leave a lasting impression. It's this commitment to a comprehensive scare strategy that makes the Mysterious Mansion a standout attraction.
Navigating the Darkness
This deliberate lack of light is a core component of the attraction's scare tactics. It heightens anticipation, makes it difficult to anticipate what's around the next corner, and amplifies the impact of any sudden movements or sounds. Visitors often describe having to feel their way through certain sections, adding a tactile element to the fear. While some find this challenging, it's precisely this immersive darkness that contributes to the attraction's reputation for being genuinely frightening.
For those who find the darkness particularly disorienting, it's important to remember that the attraction is designed for this. Take your time, stay aware of your surroundings, and trust the minimal guidance provided. The goal is to surrender to the experience and let the atmosphere work its magic.
Family Fun or Fright Fest?
Many reviews suggest that while some children might enjoy the thrill, others can become overwhelmed and frightened, leading to tears and distress. The experience is described as having 'lots of dark spaces' and 'live actors jumping out,' which are classic haunted house elements that can be too much for younger or more sensitive children. Therefore, it's crucial for parents to assess their children's tolerance for fear before purchasing tickets. If your children are easily startled or have a low threshold for scary content, this attraction might be better suited for older teens or adults.
For families looking for a spooky but less intense experience, it might be worth exploring other attractions in Gatlinburg. However, if your family enjoys a good scare and can handle the frights, the Mysterious Mansion offers a memorable and thrilling adventure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit