The Eeriebyss is an abandoned factory-themed haunted house in Erie. The industrial look is part of the horror atmosphere and is apparent as you enter the foreboding doors. The entryway is dirty and dimly lit, leading to a fantastic realm of horrors.

At $20 per ticket, it may not be the cheapest choice, but it is a fantastic way to spend an evening.

The haunted house functions by taking groups with a “guide” to make sure they are going in the right direction. For most of the time, the guide seemingly vanishes into the darkness, and only reappears to give directions when the inky black is swallowing your vision.

However, the group dynamic makes for a difficult wait, as they can only maintain a certain number of tours going through the factory at once.

The downtime is made up for with roaming entertainers such as rowdy ghouls screaming at those in line and a freakshow clown with live pet snakes. If a patron mentions they are afraid of snakes, he will make an extra effort to bring it as close as possible to them. Screaming starts before you reach the entrance.

Eventually, a silent guide ushers the group into a narrow staircase to begin the ascent into the factory of terror. The stairs open into a smoky room of oppressive darkness, leaving the tourists free to venture into the unknown. It is a virtual maze of walls the group must work together to solve, made more terrifying by the jump scares lying in wait.

They said that actors can’t touch you, but they certainly touch your brain.

There are several jaw-dropping moments with LED lighting to make everything look horrifying. The escaped mental patients appear, inviting you to join them in their dreamlike world.
There are also a few wonderful set designs such as a witch’s hut and a man with eyes rolled into his skull, trying to paralyze the visitors to stay in his home.

When you sprint out of the final room, a staircase beckons ahead. The dim light is a relief, until you realize this was just the first floor.

Eeriebyss is open Oct. 26 and 27 from 7 p.m. to midnight, and Oct. 28 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The last night is Oct. 28.
It is located at 1053 W. 12th St., near the intersection with Raspberry Street.

Bookings can be made at (412) 496-5709. More information can be found on their Facebook page.