They took a leap of faith — now their Menan property is a Halloween tradition
Published at | Updated at
MENAN — What began as a risky leap of faith has grown into a Halloween tradition, with James and Teresa Stoker transforming their property into a mile-long haunted trail where screams, surprises and spooky stories await around every turn.
The Haunted River, a seasonal attraction that runs every Friday and Saturday through October 31, launched in 2019 at 3148 East 530 North in Menan.
In a conversation with EastIdahoNews.com, the Stokers recalled how it all began.
James says his goal was to create something that he and his family could do together so he didn’t have to work for someone else.
James says the area around their home has always had a special feeling that he felt was ideal for a haunted attraction, and it’s something had had in the back of his mind for years.
Teresa said it wasn’t until they were pregnant with their sixth child, William, that they started turning the idea into a reality. When James told her he was going to quit his job, she asked him if he was kidding.
“I was super stressed about it because I’m not a risk taker. He is, and I’m not,” Teresa said.
When Willy was born, Teresa said he needed constant medical supervision. She was at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City when James opened The Haunted River.
Family members and neighbors helped watch their other five children while the haunt was ongoing.
“It was definitely a big risk in a stressful time, but I think when you go big, it’s worth it,” Teresa said.
The inspiration stemmed from a haunted attraction at the Polynesian Cultural Center, a museum and tourist attraction on the north shore of Oahu. It had a haunted boat ride with actors that came out of the water to scare participants.
The Stokers decided to create a similar haunt on their property, which borders a dry bed that flows into the Snake River. The way it functioned had to be tweaked and adapted for their location.
Today, The Haunted River is a mile-long attraction. Several bridges cross a nine-acre island in the dry bed, along with a dense scattering of willow trees in the area.
They’ve developed a progressive story that moves through specific eras inspired by history or folklore, which they say makes it unique from other haunted attractions.
Through the years, they’ve incorporated more than 20 building facades that mirror old saloons and other structures. A team of about 60 employees aim to frighten patrons each night, with a few managing other aspects of the attraction.
Teresa said they are fortunate to live close to several universities and colleges, which gives them a pool of actors and talent to draw from. She said several actors have returned year after year, with some being there since 2019.
John said the actors often call Teresa Mother Teresa because she makes sure they’re taken care of and fed.
“They do feel like they’re part of a family because of Teresa,” James said.
James says taking down and setting up the haunt has become easier over the years. It now takes him about a month to get the place ready.
During the holiday season, The Haunted River is transformed into a Christmas attraction called The Christmas River.
“We shut down the haunt, all the monsters go home, and then it’s Christmas,” James says.
Low turnout that first year due to an early snow gave them the idea for The Christmas River.
Today, both ventures have become an annual tradition for many families. In retrospect, James believes he was inspired by God to open both attractions, and he’s glad that people enjoy it.
“It’s been really cool to see what a great and supportive community we have. We definitely couldn’t do it without all the people of Southeast Idaho that are so amazing,” Teresa said.