New Universal Studios Attraction Opening In Midwest

If you want a world-class theme park-style experience, you’d typically need to head to California or Florida for Disney or Universal Studios, but that's about to change.

In a surprise announcement, Universal Studios revealed plans to open a brand-new attraction in the Midwest by 2027. The project is expected to create 400 jobs and generate $1 billion in economic impact.

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Universal Studios Announces a Big Midwest Expansion

Chicago, will become home to the second-ever year-round immersive horror attraction known as Universal Horror Unleashed.

This massive 114,000-square-foot horror attraction is being described by Universal as a “world-class horror attraction and entertainment destination.”

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The first Universal Horror Unleashed opens in Las Vegas on August 14. The Chicago version, expected to follow a similar model, already has horror fans buzzing.

Haunted Houses and Horror-Themed Fun

The Las Vegas location includes four haunted houses themed around The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Universal Monsters, Scarecrow: The Reaping, and Blumhouse’s The Exorcist: Believer. Chicago’s version may feature entirely different themes, as Universal has an extensive library of horror properties.

In addition to haunted houses, the attraction will include immersive entertainment areas, plus horror-themed food and drink options.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Universal Horror Unleashed to the City of Chicago,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “This is exactly the kind of creative, high-impact investment we’re working to attract.”