Briar Cliff’s haunted tunnels offer Halloween fun

The haunted tunnels are back on the Briar Cliff campus this fall. This event has been a favorite for students, staff, and the community. 

The haunted tunnels have been around since the early 1990s. Some alumni who participated in the first haunted tunnels have come back with their families so they can explore the changes and similarities. 

Ashley Pawlowski, director of student activities, has been helping the university with this event for over 10 years. 

“At first, it was a task given to me,” says Pawlowski. “But getting to see people coming back every year is amazing. I loved getting to see the kids when they were only four come back again when they are in high school. It’s a great feeling.” 

Pawlowski started the tunnels’ family hour in 2015, for those who would like to explore them with the lights on, scary stuff out, and no one scaring them. Pawlowski believes it is a great first haunted tunnels experience to take children to. 

Although a lot of fun, the haunted tunnels do take a lot of work to prepare. 

“Volunteers can be scarers. They can also help with decorating the sets and help bring new ideas to the group.” says Pawlowski. “This year, Art Club and planning committee will be helping, but anyone can join in with the tunnels.” 

On Oct. 25, a new event was held with the Crittenton Center, a group whose mission is to shelter, educate, and empower children, individuals, and families. Crittenton Center residents will be coming to campus to be scarers. 

Pawlowski believes the haunted tunnels are important for the community and the school. 

“For many families, the haunted tunnels are a tradition,” says Pawlowski. “They come back every year. Also, the money we raise from the haunted tunnels help fund other events on campus, especially the Christmas party for people with disabilities and buying gifts for that event.” 

The event will be available for BCU students and Siouxland community until Oct. 31. For anyone interested in volunteering, please contact Ashley Pawlowski at ashley.pawlowski@briarcliff.edu.

Briar Cliff’s haunted tunnels attraction, located in the underground tunnels connecting Alverno Hall and Heelan Hall.