Conveniently nestled at the end of a dark, dead in road sitting on a cliff across from a cemetery, lies the Raven’s Grin Inn! Just the site of the building is enough to gives visitors chills. The front of the old Victorian home is covered in gnarled tree limbs, a large metal skull anchors one end, half of a taxi cab hangs off the other. There is also a mannequin firing the machine gun and the miniature steel tank. That’s just the outside.
Inside the house, gets even creepier. There is a labyrinth of twists and turns that would be easy to get lost in. One of the passages was dug through the hard stone ground by the owner/tour guide. Another was constructed from old doors. There is also a hidden slide that drops down into the wine cellar.
But the twists and turns are only one part of the tour, the other is the unique storytelling of the tour guide. Most of the narration, given by the guide is stories from past guests experiences inside the house. To add to the terror, the house is neatly decorated to celebrate the macabre.
Don’t Miss: The drop slide, so many people opt out of this part of the tour and take the stairs instead. This is the highlight of the tour, don’t pass on it.
Logistic’s: 411 N Carroll St, Mt Carroll, IL 61053
Best Time: The Ravens Grin Inn is open year round. The only really bad time to visit is around Halloween. Its around this time of year that the crowds get really big, and the lines are long.
Pit Stop: There is a Dairy Queen just up the road from the Inn, open year round.
Extended Play: Enjoy a dinner theater at Timber Lake Playhouse.
Travel Smart: Be sure to allow yourself enough time. Tour times vary from 1 hour to 3 hours long, with no rhyme or reason to it. Also dress according some parts of the tour do take you outside. You will be on your feet so comfortable shoes are a must.