Terror on Tillson: Everything You Need to Know

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.

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 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 see upwards of 2,000 trick-or-treaters per home, and thousands more in the weeks leading up to Halloween!

Growing up in Romeo, just two streets away from Tillson, it was so exciting to see the homes transform. Every year my family and I plan a day to walk Tillson and take in all of the spooky sights and sounds. It is so fun to now have the chance to share that tradition with my son!

 Here’s everything you need to know to plan a trip over to Terror on Tillson!  

Timing: Displays begin to set up in early October, and there is no official opening day. Devils’ Night (October 30th) serves as the dress rehearsal, and Halloween itself is the grand finale. You can view displays at day or night, rain or sunshine! Most displays stay lit until 10 or 11 PM each night.

Parking: 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). You could also park on Pleasent, 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! Some of the displays are interactive, and there are a lot of great photo ops! Do not attempt to drive and view the displays: the foot traffic will block most of the viewing, and it is a safety concern for those on foot if drivers are distracted

Halloween Night: Trick-or-treating on Tillson (and all of Romeo) runs from 6-8 PM. Roadblocks go up around 5:30 PM and the street will remain closed until trick-or-treating has completed, around 8:30 PM. There will be volunteers in bright shirts to help answer any questions if needed

Other Notes: There are no public restrooms. Midway on Tillson, there are t-shirt and sweatshirt sales with all funds raised going to the Buzz Lee Memorial Scholarship Fund. Candy donations are welcome at any home!

Local Dining: There are a lot of great options both in and out of Downtown Romeo! In town, you can visit The Office Pub or Youngers Irish Tavern, and 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 to see: A lot more residents of Romeo are getting in on the Halloween fun, check out displays across town, including Pleasent Street, which is next door to Tillson. There is also a lot of other fall activities happening nearby! Check out Blake’s Farms or Westview Orchards for hayrides, outdoor play areas and even alcoholic cider based beverages.