Horror Show: Nevada's Labyrinth of Fear garners top-rated haunted house honors

Friday, October 9, 2020
Labyrinth of Fear owner-operator, Dr. Russell Kemm. See the Daily Mail’s Facebook page for a Labyrinth of Fear photo gallery.
Photo by Matt Resnick | Daily Mail

Featuring more than 1,200 square feet of sheer terror, Nevada's Labyrinth of Fear was named the top-rated haunted house attraction in the state of Missouri by www.missourihauntedhouses.com last year.

Under the category breakdown, Labyrinth of Fear is rated as 'scary,' the highest mark achievable. "Tales of hauntings are deep in the history of Nevada," reads a description on the Labyrinth of Fear website. "With the souls that never came to peace from the Blue and Gray battles, to the hangings on the courthouse lawn, to the death of Madame Blitz at Cottey College — the potential for spirit unrest is great."

Labyrinth of Fear owner Dr. Russell Kemm recently sat down with the Daily Mail to discuss the haunted digs. Kemm said the accolades of being voted the No. 1 attraction was an amazing feeling.

One of the props featured at Labyrinth of Fear.
Photo by Matt Resnick | Daily Mail

"It made me feel great," he said. "I feel like we have an extremely good, and (unique) product, and I'm glad it was recognized."

Labyrinth has been open for a (single) annual private showing since 2011. This year marks the

first time it has opened to the general public for showings throughout the month. It's open each Saturday evening through October, as well as Halloween eve — Friday, Oct. 30.

"I was told that this was something the public needed to be able to enjoy," Kemm said. "So, we tried it last year, and it went over very well." Kemm noted that after opening it to the public last year, Labyrinth drew many visitors from the four-state area, including Kansas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, in addition to Missouri.

A Labyrinth of Fear prop.
Photo by Matt Resnick | Daily Mail

Kemm said he strives for realism and authenticity, as some of the bells and whistles include skits with actors.

"If I had to describe it to somebody who had never been here, I would call it 'Halloween theater,'" Kemm explained. "People go through, we tell a story that involves them, and they will interact with actors along the way."

Kemm said he's cultivated his ideas for Labyrinth via his attendance over recent years at the haunted attraction show in St. Louis. "It's the premier show, with the latest-and-greatest of technology, and ideas are brought forward," Kemm recounted.

Kemm said some of the ideas he incorporated from the haunted attraction show include everything from illusions to props, with each showing running 40 to 45 minutes in length.

Many of the props featured at Labyrinth are the real deal. For example, a skeleton in a casket, positioned upright against a wall, is actual skeletal remains. Other items include caskets and sign-in books from funeral homes, as well as large cauldrons on display. Labyrinth also features an imposing electric chair, similar to the one seen in the film Green Mile. During the showing, a brave volunteer is asked to take a seat in the electric chair.

Strap up: Labyrinth of Fear's electric chair.
Photo by Matt Resnick | Daily Mail

"For something to be believable, it also has to look believable," Kemm said. "And, having a believable history behind it is also very important."

Due to the terrifying nature of Labyrinth, Kemm said he prefers that children 10-and-under should enter with a parent, or receive parental approval to attend.

IT!
Photo by Matt Resnick | Daily Mail

"It's pretty intense," summed up Kemm. "This is not something to be taken too lightly. Every weekend we have one couple, at least, leave because of the intensity."

Additional information, including showtimes and pricing, can be found at www.labyrinthoffear.com. Labyrinth of Fear is located next to Champion Diamonds.

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