Frankenstein’s Castle

«World’s #1 Haunted Attraction!»
(circa 1958)
Frankenstein’s Castle might’ve been novel in its time, but the charm has faded and what we’re left with are dark, musty hallways and poorly-​timed scares.
While I can’t say that it’s fallen into a complete state of disrepair, Frankie’s Place is in dire need of an updating. But maybe Indiana Beach is intentionally NOT updating it for the sake of nostalgia. Regardless, entry isn’t included with park admission, so you’ll have to shell out $ 3.50/person. So is it worth it? Nope.
Many of the animatronic «pop-​out» scares were mistimed or inoperable, and most of the long dark hallways were devoid of anything spooky at all. In fact, a great deal of the wallspace was empty, and on more than one occasion I had to walk with my arms outstretched to find my way around in the pitch blackness. But there were several ‘fun house’ elements that I enjoyed, like moving floors, a rickety bridge, a room full of misleading (dead-​end) doors, and a balcony that suddenly tilts forward when you stand on it. THAT was cool and a very original concept.
Perhaps back in the heyday of Indiana Beach this haunted (fun)house garnered a lot more accolades and attention, but in 2014 it’s kinda falling apart at the seams.