The attraction opened in 1991 at Willow Glen Park and has become a holiday destination for teenagers and families throughout the Mid-Atlantic states during the Halloween season.

Over the years, it has grown from a single hayride into thirteen attractions and a number of special events on weekends over a two-month period.

The site of the attraction is situated adjacent to Route 422, outside Reading, Pennsylvania, buffered by a creek, Norfolk Southern railroad tracks, and a housing development.

Early land records show a much larger parcel than what is now called Willow Glen Park.

Some of the land became Graffius Burial Vault Company and other pieces became part of the housing development.

However, claims of the Graffius Burial Vault Company being a short walk away are true, although it is not a part of Shocktoberfest.

Beginning in 2000, a period of expansion began, with improvements to the two existing attractions, as well as the addition of a new haunt in 2004, The Prison of the Dead.

After choosing the "nude" or "prude" (underwear-only) option, guests are asked to sign waivers prior to a clothes-free fright.