The USS Nightmare is a haunted house attraction built upon an actual steam-powered dredge boat located in Newport Kentucky on the Ohio River.

Death Dredge:
"Home away from home is how a lot of us thought of her when we first got aboard…and then we would find out differently as she would show her dark side."

112 Crewmember Deaths
Named after its Captain, the William S. Mitchell is among a fleet of four steam-powered, side-wheel dredge boats designed to carve through the river’s erosive and treacherous path clearing way for commercial travel. From the very beginning however, the Mitchell seemed to have a much more sinister purpose that would remain in existence to this day. Three men were killed during its construction along with another death and dozens of injuries during its inaugural launching ceremony. In just 45 years of active service, the boat is responsible for over 112 crewmember deaths. Those who endured grueling shifts unearthing the river’s bottom and whatever else was awakened from its depths gave the ship a fitting moniker: Death Dredge.

The Dredging Machine
Built in 1934 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, these 1,300+ ton machines could move 80,000 cubic yards in just 24 hours. But as river passage became more stabilized, three of the four boats were retired and the Mitchell was left as the only dredge still in service. Although the Captain and his crew were still operating infrequent dredging missions, the William S. Mitchell’s retirement was also imminent.

Captain william s. Mitchell
Crewmembers described Captain Mitchell as a "peculiar" and, at times, "maniacal" leader who would collect bones and other items that were dredged up from the river’s bed. An apparent journal he began writing in the days leading up to his death offered even more ominous insight into life on the boat. One caption noted "various accounts […] of odd circumstances" surrounding his beloved daughter, Anna, who also lived on the boat.

Anna
Anna was the only child between the Captain and his late wife. Although he was very protective of her, one can only imagine what the life of a young girl aboard a dredging vessel could have entailed. During its missions, the boat would make infrequent stops to refuel and restock onboard supplies. It is noted the Captain would allow "clowns" from local carnivals to come aboard to entertain Anna and his crew.

The Mitchell Massacre
On a seemingly quiet summer day, the William S. Mitchell mysteriously broke free of its moorings and wreaked havoc for miles down the river. Although no one was thought to be aboard at the time, the boat's eventual demise revealed a much different story.

The Aftermath
Upon entering the ship after its erratic journey, search team members would be sickened by the sinister macabre in front of them. What they found was not only that there were people aboard but that their bodies had been tortured and mangled to an unimaginable degree.

Haunted Dredge Boat Tour
The USS Nightmare is the resurrection of the William S. Mitchell. The boat is in the exact condition it was left in the aftermath of the Mitchell Massacre. To this very day, anyone who enters is tormented by the sinister past of this former dredging vessel – including the cast and crew of our haunted dredge boat tour.

First Deck
20+ Scenes Enter at your own risk. You'll find your way through the engine room and the boiler room, among others, riddled with remnants of the Mitchell's dark, sinister past.
18+ Characters Experience the aftermath of the Mitchell Massacre firsthand as you look into the dead eyes of the William S. Mitchell's crewmembers. Pray your fate doesn't end like theirs.
4 Escapes The sprawling first deck of the Mitchell is terrifyingly expansive which makes finding your way to the closest escape point nearly impossible.

Second Deck
20+ Scenes If you make it this far, you'll make your way up a corridor situated around the Mitchell's enormous paddlewheel. This is where dead bodies were found hanging in the freezer after the Mitchell Massacre.
15+ Characters The second deck is where the infamous "clowns" were discovered burned and mangled in the wake of the Mitchell Massacre. Captain Mitchell and Anna also await you here.
2 Escapes The second deck unnervingly twists and turns, disorienting anyone and everyone trying to find their way out. You will welcome the idea of jumping ship early.

Schedule:

Sunday, October 22, 2023
4:00 p.m - 6:00 p.m: Lights on Matinee
The lights are on, the crew is away, and most of the spooky surprises are on break. It is a perfect way to see lots of details of the show and the massive equipment of the historic dredge. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. For regular show time of 7-11 p.m., purchase standard show tickets or RIP show tickets.

November 3-4, 2023
8:00 p.m - 1:00 a.m: Captain's Extreme Tour
The crew is unleashed for our most intense and extreme tour! Be prepared to face your greatest fears. You can expect adult situations and language, more extreme special effects, cast & crew can touch you, separation from your group, more darkness and intense horror, and the potential to get wet and dirty (so please dress accordingly). *This event is not recommended for kids under 17.

Date: September 15 - November 4, 2023

Location:

The USS Nightmare
101 Riverboat Row
Newport, KY 41071

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