Dark Prison Haunted House will return to the historic Nevada State Prison this fall under a new five-year agreement with the Nevada State Prison Preservation Society.

The attraction will operate for 19 nights from Sept. 25 through Nov. 1. Organizers said attendance was “record-breaking” after 15,000 tickets were sold during their inaugural season.

They also said the attraction will employ more than 100 local actors and staff this season, and is expanding activities outside the haunted house.

An entertainment area in the prison yard will include interactive games, live music and performances, themed bars, food trucks and roaming costumed performers.

New this year, artists involved in creating the attraction will lead behind-the-scenes tours focused on the sets, props and other production elements.

“I’m most proud of our set detailing this season,” said Holly Spahr, owner and CEO of Dark Prison Haunt.

Spahr said many of the props used in the attraction are produced in-house by the company’s VEXA Studios.

“We added a level of world-building beyond anything we’ve done before,” said Ryan Loetscher, chief strategy officer and vice president of production. “We’re really going for a true, immersive experience that puts you into a story.”

Dark Prison is produced by Dark Corner Creative LLC, which also operates VEXA Props. VEXA Props received the Best New Exhibitor award at TransWorld 2026, and Dark Prison was included on the Haunted Attraction Association’s 2025 “Iconic Haunts” list and received the association’s Platinum recognition.

The Nevada State Prison opened in 1862 and operated until 2012. The Nevada State Prison Preservation Society, a nonprofit organization founded in 2012, works to preserve the property and offers historical tours, ghost walks and educational programs.

“Fans who joined us last year can expect a completely refreshed experience with new twists, new frights, and even more reasons to brave the prison after dark,” said Lucia Maloney, general manager of the Nevada State Prison Preservation Society.

Because attendance is limited by capacity, organizers recommend purchasing tickets in advance. Tickets and additional information are available at darkprison.com.

Kelsey is a fourth-generation Nevadan, investigative journalist and college professor working in the Sierras. She is an advocate of high desert agriculture, rescue dogs, and analog education.