One of the nation’s biggest Halloween displays is right here in Metro Detroit! The small town of Romeo gets extra spooky every year and brings in thousands of visitors to view the elaborate decorations at the homes on Tillson Street. This attraction is known as Terror on Tillson.
Terror on Tillson started several years ago with residents of the street creating over-the-top displays at their homes. Year after year, the displays grew larger, and more neighbors joined in on the seasonal fun. Participation in the neighborhood is on a volunteer basis, and there is no organization that puts on the event. All decorations, displays, and candy are done by the homeowners themselves. Homes participating with Terror on Tillson displays see upwards of 2,000 trick-or-treaters per home, and thousands more in the weeks leading up to Halloween!
Here’s everything you need to know to plan a trip over to Terror on Tillson!
When should we go?
Displays begin to set up in early October, and there is no official opening day. Final displays are not up until the week leading up to Halloween. Devils’ Night (October 30) serves as the dress rehearsal, and Halloween itself is the grand finale. You can view displays day or night, rain or sun! Most displays stay lit until 10:00 or 11:00 p.m. each night. We had just as much fun walking during the day.
Our favorite time to go is a week or two before Halloween, and keep in mind that the darker it is, the spookier it is! With displays being built up until the last minute, you’ll see more if you wait a little longer, but the crowds will also be much larger.
Where should we park?
Do not attempt to park or drive down Tillson Street! There are several parking lots in the area that have a small fee (they usually go to a local sports team or organization) OR you may get lucky with FREE parking. You could also park on Pleasant, Croswell, or Sisson Streets, which all surround Tillson.
How does it work?
There is no cost associated with viewing the homes–just pick an end of the street and start walking! There are a lot of great photo ops you won’t want to miss. Do not attempt to drive and view the displays, though. The foot traffic will block most of the viewing, and it is a safety concern for those on foot if drivers are distracted. And, please remember not to touch the displays!
What happens on Halloween night?
Trick-or-treating happens on October 31 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The street will be closed to all vehicle traffic from 5:30-8:30 p.m. to keep those trick-or-treating safe!
Where can we grab a bite to eat before or after?
There are a lot of great options both in and near Downtown Romeo! In town, you can visit Thee Office Pub or The Rustic Bluebird (only open Tuesday through Friday until 3:00 p.m.). Just outside of town, you can check out Art and Jakes. There is also a Dairy Queen on Tillson Street so you can get treats while you walk!
What else is there to see?
A lot more residents of Romeo are getting in on the Halloween fun, so check out displays across town, including Pleasant Street, which is next door to Tillson. There are also a lot of other fall activities happening nearby! Check out Blake Farms or Westview Orchards for hayrides, outdoor play areas, and even alcoholic, cider-based beverages.
Other Important Information for Terror on Tillson
- There are no public restrooms.
- Midway on Tillson, there are t-shirts, cookbooks, and coozies for sale with all proceeds raised going to the Buzz Lee Memorial Scholarship Fund.
- Candy donations are welcome at any home, as families see a lot of trick-or-treaters on Halloween!
