Bonner Springs Brings a New Level of Spookiness with EXILED: Crooked Rose Woods
As the shadows lengthen and Halloween draws closer, the city of Bonner Springs, Kansas is about to experience a thrilling new attraction that promises to take fright to a whole new level. Thanks to the efforts of local horror aficionado and filmmaker Darren Lynn Bousman, the area is set to unveil EXILED: Crooked Rose Woods this Friday. Bousman, who has made a name for himself in Hollywood directing well-known scary flicks like Saw II, III, and IV along with Spiral and Repo! The Genetic Opera, is bringing his unique vision home.
A Unique Interactive Experience
Bousman describes the experience as “nothing that I think Kansas City has ever seen.” He has partnered with the team behind EXILED: Trail of Terror to create a wonderfully eerie immersive storytelling experience. Once visitors step into the entrance, they will find themselves in what can only be described as a bizarre carnival filled with quirky, hilarious, and slightly insane characters.
Unlike traditional haunted houses, where you might simply walk through dark corridors filled with jump scares, this experience invites you to interact and engage with the characters you encounter. “Every time you talk to them and how you interact with them will change what happens,” Bousman explains. This makes each visit unique, keeping you on your toes!
A Community Affair
What’s even more exciting is that all the individuals helping to bring this chilling project to life are locals. Bousman mentions, “We have soccer moms, high schoolers, retirees, and horror lovers.” He loves casting ordinary people for their authenticity and relatability. There’s something incredibly special about a community coming together to make spooky magic happen.
A Personal Journey
For Bousman, this project is not just about the fright; it’s also deeply personal. He fondly recalls the times he spent in Kansas City’s haunted venues, particularly the West Bottoms, every autumn. It was a cherished tradition he had with his dad, who passed away last year. Bousman shares, “My dad would take me and my friends to pick out a few haunted houses, and then we would go home and watch horror movies.” For him, this new attraction is a heartfelt tribute to the man who helped nurture his passion for horror.
Bousman also hopes to pass the baton to his son. “I hope that when he’s old, he’ll be back here working with Dan [EXILED managing partner] to make the next haunted house,” he expresses, illustrating his desire for the haunted legacy to continue within his family.
Get Ready for the Experience
So, what can you expect from EXILED: Crooked Rose Woods? Bousman assures that it will be an unforgettable night. “Do not be scared because it is called EXILED from a director of a ‘Saw’ film. This is something that is fun, dark, playful, hilarious, scary—that is what Halloween is about.”
Mark your calendars! The preview nights will be hosted on September 13, 14, and 20, with the grand opening planned for September 21. The attraction will run through November 3. If you’re eager to dive into this unique horror experience, tickets are available and range from $59 to $199 based on the experience level you choose.
So, gather your friends, get ready to embrace the spooky season, and prepare for an immersive adventure that Bonner Springs is proud to offer. This is definitely one haunted house that you won’t want to miss!
