CHIEFLAND, FL (352today.com) – For several autumns, a family farm in Chiefland became something entirely different after dark: a haunted destination known as Eerie Acres. With hayrides, haunted trails and a family-friendly atmosphere, the attraction built by Phillip and Susan Watson quickly became a Halloween staple in Levy County.
Records suggest Eerie Acres first opened around 2010, though the exact year is difficult to confirm. Each fall, visitors made their way to the farm for a mix of scare and small-town charm. For about $10 a ticket, families could enjoy a haunted hayride, a winding haunted trail and a dedicated Kid Zone that made the event accessible for younger guests.
The Watsons were at the center of it all. Though not stated specifically, it is recounted on social media that Susan welcomed families and helped coordinate operations, while Phillip took on much of the creative work. Sadly, Phillip’s passing marked a turning point. While the exact reason for the closure isn’t exactly clear, Eerie Acres shut down before the 2016 season, and has not returned since.
Despite its relatively short run, the attraction made a lasting impact on those who attended. Former visitors still recall hayrides through the dark woods, homemade decorations and the thrill of being scared by neighbors dressed in costumes. It stood apart from larger commercial haunts, relying on creativity, community and affordability rather than elaborate budgets.
Today, no signs remain at the site, and much about Eerie Acres’ history remains a mystery. But for locals, the memory lingers as part of the area’s seasonal folklore, a reminder of how small-town traditions can leave a big impression.
Like other now-defunct attractions in the region, Eerie Acres lives on in the very few stories, photos and nostalgia that remains. Its legacy is less about screams in the dark and more about the way it brought people together – one hayride, one haunted trail and one Halloween night at a time.