History

The history of the Fright Farm goes back even further than when we opened the doors for the first time at our haunted event in 1996.
The barn we reside in was opened in 1918 to be used as the Ramsey County “poor farm” barn. This is where some of the local indigent came to work off their debts. On the north side of the barn is old Potters Field, the large mass grave which is the final resting place for nearly 3000 souls! This cemetery was established in 1893 and was used not only for the “poor farm” dead, but other homeless peoples and patients of Ancker Hospital, who died without family or friends with the means to pay funeral costs. No provision was made for headstones so the graves were unmarked. Over the years there have been many changes to this property, including the creation of “Heritage Park” which now wanders through the old cemetery. The barn currently houses the U of M extension services and Master Gardeners year round. The 4H group and us, the Fright Farm shares the upstairs portion of the barn.
It is because of the properties history that we often hear stories from many people, including our very own construction crew, actors, and patrons about “haunting” experiences. Many people report a “cowboy” shaped shadow. Others just see unusual shadows and objects moving. Maybe you have felt a presence or have seen something unusual here, other than us of course?
Brad Camitch started the Fright Farm in 1996 after years of home haunts. First, as he was growing up sharing in his father’s love of the holiday, then at his own home. Brad met Glenn Roeder of the St. Paul Police’s “Dungeon of Horrors Haunted House” that ran in an East Side fire station, and later on Harriet Island along the Mississippi River in St. Paul. Glenn offered advice from his years of experience at the Dungeon that helped form the emerging Fright Farm. Second, Glenn introduced Brad to Mark Lopez, who had also worked at the Dungeon. Mark quickly showed his talents in creating outstanding scenery, lighting and make-up at the Fright Farm. Over the years Mark has grown very influential in the overall design and appearance of the Fright Farm. Brad and Mark work as a team each year in bringing the Fright Farm to life, and as fans of the Fright Farm will tell you “Every year just keeps getting better than the last!”
Unlike other haunted events in the twin cities, The Fright Farm has a totally new layout every year! It helps us stay “fresh” and allows us to try to out do ourselves every year. Many times we have heard “What will they think of next?”
Thanks for visiting! Scare you soon at The Fright Farm!




		The history of the Fright Farm goes back even further than when we opened the doors for the first time at our haunted event in 1996. The barn we reside in was opened in 1918 to be used as the Ramsey County “poor farm” barn. This is where some of the local indigent came to work off their debts. On the north side of the barn is old Potters Field, the large mass grave which is the final resting place for nearly 3000 souls! This cemetery was established in 1893 and was used not only for the “poor farm” dead, but other homeless peoples and patients of Ancker Hospital, who died without family or friends with the means to pay funeral costs. No provision was made for headstones so the graves were unmarked. Over the years there have been many changes to this property, including the creation of “Heritage Park” which now wanders through the old cemetery. The barn currently houses the U of M extension services and Master Gardeners year round. The 4H group and us, the Fright Farm shares the upstairs portion of the barn. It is because of the properties history that we often hear stories from many people, including our very own construction crew, actors, and patrons about “haunting” experiences. Many people report a “cowboy” shaped shadow. Others just see unusual shadows and objects moving. Maybe you have felt a presence or have seen something unusual here, other than us of course? Brad Camitch started the Fright Farm in 1996 after years of home haunts. First, as he was growing up sharing in his father’s love of the holiday, then at his own home. Brad met Glenn Roeder of the St. Paul Police’s “Dungeon of Horrors Haunted House” that ran in an East Side fire station, and later on Harriet Island along the Mississippi River in St. Paul. Glenn offered advice from his years of experience at the Dungeon that helped form the emerging Fright Farm. Second, Glenn introduced Brad to Mark Lopez, who had also worked at the Dungeon. Mark quickly showed his talents in creating outstanding scenery, lighting and make-up at the Fright Farm. Over the years Mark has grown very influential in the overall design and appearance of the Fright Farm. Brad and Mark work as a team each year in bringing the Fright Farm to life, and as fans of the Fright Farm will tell you “Every year just keeps getting better than the last!” Unlike other haunted events in the twin cities, The Fright Farm has a totally new layout every year! It helps us stay “fresh” and allows us to try to out do ourselves every year. Many times we have heard “What will they think of next?” Thanks for visiting! Scare you soon at The Fright Farm!