[Haunts] Set Sail on the USS Nightmare and See Just Why They Call it the "Death Dredge"

Ah, the USS Nightmare. One of those haunts where you just can't replicate the atmosphere any other way than an actual historical landmark. In this case, the busted up wreckage of the William S. Mitchell steam boat dredge along Riverboat Row in Newport, KY. Which, as chance may have it is already open now and will be on select nights through Nov 2nd!

Comissioned it 1933, it quickly became a nightmare in and of itself, earning the nickname "Death Dredge" by it's crew. Going so far as to say that they believed the large dredge and it's clearing the long uncovered riverbed, was in some way disturbing the eternal rest of past mariners and an ancient people’s sacred burial ground. This disturbance has released the resting souls that haunt the William S. Mitchell, and they have cursed the souls of the boat’s crew to an eternity of unrest within the ship.

So, you don't find that in your local strip mall, farm or parking lot now do ya? While the history may not be able to be 100% confirmed, there's definitely something amiss with the William S. Mitchell to say the very least.

What do you with the wreck of a vessel as infamous as this? You turn it into a haunted attraction of course! I mean what else did you think I was writing this for, a history lesson? Oh no, the folks behind the madness of USS Nightmare have latched onto the history of the ship, her crew and the mysteries around it to bring out one helluva haunt. 

So, what's new for the 2013 season? Forgive me for saying it, but a boat load of new things are in store for anyone brave enough to enter the dark infested confines of this ship...


For 2013 they've gone and made an all new tour path that's promising to be darker and more sinister than ever! Part of this new path of fear is the first ever chance to explore The Crew quarters and crew head as well as an expanded galley and new pantry area as well.

This is all on on top of some of the old favorites such as the Rat Lady's quarters, Pump Well, Cargo Hold, Dredge Engine Pit, Engine Room, Infirmary, Wheel Wells, Galley, Freezer, Crypt, Pantry, Vortex, Anna's Bedroom, Torturer's Chamber, Machine Shop, The Captain's Private Quarters, and many others.

Just a few things to keep ya busy, eh? Over 40 different sections of the ship are there for your exploration...or you're final resting place, as the case may end up being...


Overall it sounds they're definitely fleshing things out a bit more and bringing the terror to a whole new level aboard this pleasure cruise to hell. What else would you expect? This ain't Gilligan...

Especially not if you're insane enough to head down for the "Extreme Night" on October 26th. This ages 17+ event promises an all out unrated tour through the madness never seen or experienced before.

The fact that's 17+ definitely shows that they're going to pull out all the stops with this event. I can't think of a better way to do it either....one night of completely over the top insanity. What more could ya ask for? Though, I'd order these quick if you're interested...it is only for one night after all.

Not to fret though, they do also offer a special children's friendly version of the haunt as well on October 20th with the lights on. So, there's an option for the kiddies as well...nice of them to do that, don't ya think?


Sadly we didn't get a chance to make it out to USS Nightmare last year when we were in the area reviewing The Dent School House but I'm pretty sure on this one. You can take my word that it's easily one of the best haunts around from what I've heard and seen from other reviewers and haunt addicts out there.

For more information like ordering tickets, the full schedule and hours, etc head on over to the official USS Nightmare website for all that and more!

As always, you can follow along with us on Twitter @KitsuneHazard and Google+ for all the latest updates, news and more from haunts all over the US!