You may have been speaking with your friends about the haunted houses and haunted hayrides you plan to visit this October when someone mentioned the 13th Floor Haunted House.  This urban legend is said to be the world's scariest haunted house.  Is the 13 story haunted house real or just a rumor?

Common factors in the rumor of the 13th floor haunted house include, of course, multiple levels of terror, increasingly violent or dangerous passages as customers come closer to completion, and the stipulation that anyone who reaches the thirteenth floor of the haunted house will receive a refund of their ticket.  Naturally, no one has ever been able to brave this monstrously terrifying haunted house.

Short answer: no. For all intents and purposes, this is entirely an urban myth. Perpetuated mainly by the idea that somewhere, there's an extreme haunted house out there that even the bravest have been unable to conquer. As with many urban legends, the tale of the 13 story haunted house features a few regularly reoccurring variables. Those brave enough to take on the haunted house often have to deal with gross-out challenges like holding parts of a cadaver, eating or touching bugs, and walking through rooms full of snakes.

Although the story usually involves a 13 story haunted houses, not every version includes this typically "spooky" number. However, almost all versions of the urban legend include the promise of a free visit for anyone brave enough to make it through. Naturally, no one has ever been able to make it all the way through. Of course, you're totally brave enough to make it, right?

Sadly, no such haunted house exists. It would be a nightmare for insurers and finding event space for 13 stories of haunted house is a bit difficult. There are plenty of great haunted houses all over America, however. Just none that have customers risking life and limb just to earn a free ride.

Your friend is mistaken, confused, or playing you.  There have been some haunted houses that have played on the rumor, but none that are actually the real deal.  You might occasionally see haunted houses or haunted tours offering a ticket refund to anyone brave enough to make it all the way through.  These events usually feature confusing mazes with "quitters" exits conveniently placed so anyone frustrated with the near-impossible labyrinth can easily leave and go home without their refund.

The fires stoking the 13th Floor Haunted House rumors were only increased when a Philadelphia morning radio show created an elaborate Halloween prank based off the myths surrounding impassible 13 floor haunted houses.  Featuring a DJ "really going through" this secret haunted house, he played up all the rumors of gross stunts and terrifying events to the hilt.  While this was an utterly lie, Philly residents do have the best haunted house in the nation to keep them company: the Eastern State Penitentiary's  Terror Behind the Walls is easily one of the scariest haunted houses ever.

Disagree?  Still steadfastly claiming that you've managed to visit the elusive 13th floor haunted house?  Prove it!  Post pictures, video, ticket stubs, or any other physical proof that will finally bust the urban myth of the 13 story haunted house wide open.

Otherwise, just enjoy the Halloween holiday.  There are plenty of real haunted houses out there, so don't stress over this fake one.   And, hey, why don't you share a few of your favorites, too?