Linn’s Haunted House asks for donations after fire causes $20,000 of damage

DES MOINES, Iowa — Linn’s Haunted House is turning to the community for help after a fire caused $20,000 worth of damage less than a month before the opening day for its 40th season.

Since 1984, Merlyn Linn has operated a haunted house in the basement of Linn’s Supermarket in the Highland Park neighborhood of Des Moines. The haunted house has become a Halloween staple ever since. People from all over Iowa, and even out of state, come to Linn’s Haunted House every spooky season.

Now, the Linns are turning to the community for help by collecting donations through a GoFundMe .

On September 10th, a fire started in the basement of the grocery store, which is where the haunted house is set up. According to the GoFundMe, the fire was small, but there is “extensive damage” to the walls, wiring, and equipment due to water damage from the sprinklers. The GoFundMe is raising $20,000 to clean up and rebuild.

The Linns sold the grocery store in 2020, so while they operate the haunted house, they no longer own the building. Therefore, they’re unable to hold an insurance policy in the basement, which is why they started the fundraiser.

This spooky season is supposed to be Merlyn’s 40th year bringing scares to the Highland Park neighborhood. He said he’s seen three generations go through his attraction.

“It’s just been phenomenal. It makes me feel good that the people love it and they try to back me,” he said.

He was expecting to open the haunted house next Friday, October 4th, and had everything ready to go. Now, they’re unsure if they will be ready for opening day. They’re still in the process of cleaning up and rebuilding the scenes that were damaged.

Merlyn said he’s hoping the donations will help them rebuild faster, or they may have to delay the start of their haunted house this year.

Click here for a link to the GoFundMe .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.