The Olde Courthouse Catacombs and House of Lecter Offer Patrons a Psychological Thriller Experience with New Theme ‘Bates Motel’ [SPONSORED]

Unlike some haunted houses that rely on gore and gross-outs to freak out customers, the Bates Motel works on a more psychological note (much like Hitchcock's work), using the elements of darkness and sound to build up dread until someone pops up behind you with a knife. The tension is finally broken when you encounter the actors who have been waiting for you in the darkness, but only temporarily.

Phil Wolter has been in the business for 34 years now, and he knows how to use his art and theater background to maximize scares.

The Bates Motel is very much like a theatrical production, with high energy actors and a carefully arranged setting. Some scenes from the film are recreated down to the last detail. His beautiful airbrush artwork is featured throughout, providing a few interludes from the terror where you can appreciate how much work and planning went into the setup.

Wolter is very mindful of the psychological element of haunted houses. He cites a 1981 University of Evansville psychology study explaining that the reason people readily pay to be frightened is because they get to experience fear in a controlled environment that, underneath the sensation of being out of control, they know they can escape at any time.

So, if you are at all hesitant about visiting the Bates Motel, just remember that you have control over the situation. Although, according to Wolter and the Indiana Ghost Trackers Association, the Courthouse is haunted, possibly by escaped convicts from 1890. So, just keep that in mind, too.

The Olde Courthouse Catacombs are located at NW 4th St and Vine St. If you buy a combo ticket, you'll be able to visit the House of Lecter on the same night, and you'll be able to go through both haunted houses as many times as you want.

If you haven't been to the Olde Courthouse Catacombs yet, this year's haunted house is based on Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho (1960). And under the direction of creator Phil Wolter, you will scream. While you are there, visit the Horror Museum, located on the 3rd Floor of the House of Lecter.