Tunnel of Terror Thanks You for 23 Years of Halloween Haunts

Dear visitors and customers,

Thank you to the thousands of volunteers and visitors who made the Tunnel of Terror a hauntingly good time for everyone! Solely coordinated and produced by the Saint Paul Jaycees from 1982-2004, the Tunnel of Terror was an annual Saint Paul Halloween tradition held in the caves near Crosby Park. We greatly appreciate the wonderful 23 years of support and Halloween fun!

We regret to inform all visitors and volunteers that the Tunnel of Terror is officially closed. During a routine inspection in 2003, the St. Paul Fire Marshals’ office cited a need for a second emergency exit. The City of St. Paul granted us a two year variance, which allowed the Saint Paul Jaycees to continue Tunnel of Terror operations in 2003 and 2004 while we explored the feasibility of installing another emergency exit.

Hopeful in reopening the Tunnel of Terror, we worked with dozens of individuals and organizations, researched various options by meeting with Saint Paul City Council, engineering firms, and the City of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation department. However, in March of this year, the spring weather finally put a proverbial “nail in the Tunnel’s coffin” when a rockslide occurred outside the Tunnel, damaging the main entrance area. In light of this development, the reality of reopening (or restoring) the Tunnel of Terror is no longer possible.

The annual Tunnel of Terror scared thousands of guests each year thanks to the time and talents of approximately 100 volunteers each evening. The event was 100% coordinated and staffed by volunteers who designed and created the dozens of sets, acted as frightening and comical characters, set up all lights, sounds, and props, coordinated all logistics, and most importantly, were the “spirit” of fun and teamwork that made every year more successful! The proceeds raised by the Tunnel of Terror benefited dozens of local non-profits and community events and projects in the Saint Paul area, including annually collecting tons of food donations for Second Harvest.

Again, thank you for your support of the Tunnel of Terror and the community and leadership development activities of the Saint Paul Jaycees. We hope you have a spooky and safe Halloween!

Happy Haunting!