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Do you have a taste for the supernatural? Iowa offers a collection of haunted places, each with its own eerie history. From abandoned schools to grand, Victorian-style mansions, the state holds many mysterious spots rumored to be inhabited by spirits from the past. Whether it's apparitions or strange sounds, these locations promise a thrilling experience. Here are ten haunted places in Iowa that will surely send shivers down your spine.
10. The Cresco Theatre and Opera House
First opened in 1915, the Cresco Theatre and Opera House is still active today, 108 years later. While it primarily shows current films, it once hosted aspiring performers who dreamed of fame. In its heyday, one of its main attractions was the Trocadero Vaudevilles, a lively performance featuring dancers, clowns, trapeze artists, and even talented dogs. Locals now believe that the spirits of those Vaudeville performers return to the theater after death, continuing their shows beyond the grave.
Over the years, the Cresco Theatre has become the center of many ghostly tales, attracting both curious tourists and dedicated paranormal investigators. Strange happenings are often reported, such as sudden cold drafts and the faint sounds of disembodied voices, adding to the already mysterious atmosphere of the theater. Visitors have also described seeing lights flicker unexpectedly and hearing footsteps echo through otherwise empty hallways, further deepening the theater's haunted reputation.
9. The Independence Mental Health Institute
The Independence Mental Health Institute in Iowa is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of former patients and staff. Opened in 1873, this facility was once used to treat individuals with mental health conditions, but its history is tainted by the inhumane treatments that patients endured, such as lobotomies and shock therapy. Many of the individuals who suffered here tragically passed away during their time at the hospital.
Countless reports of supernatural activity have surrounded the hospital over the years. Some visitors claim to have encountered the spirit of a nurse who died while working at the facility, while others have heard chilling sounds like screams and moans echoing through the empty hallways. There are also accounts of people spotting the ghost of a patient who died while being restrained.
The Independence Mental Health Institute closed its doors in 1991 and has remained abandoned since. Despite its closure, the location continues to attract visitors, drawn by its tragic history and the numerous ghost stories attached to it. Though the site is no longer open to the public, it remains a popular destination for ghost hunters and those intrigued by the paranormal.
8. The Villisca Axe Murder House
The Villisca Axe Murder House in Iowa is the site of one of the most horrific and unsolved mass murders in U.S. history. On June 10, 1912, eight people, including six children, were brutally murdered in their beds with an axe. The shocking crime stunned the small town of Villisca and the nation, and the killer was never identified.
The house where these horrific murders occurred still stands today and is open for tours, offering visitors a spine-chilling look into the past. Guests can view the rooms where the murders took place, and the actual axe used in the killings is on display. The house is believed to be haunted by the spirits of the victims, and many visitors have reported unsettling experiences, such as ghostly apparitions, unexplained noises, and a general feeling of unease while inside.
7. The Oakland Cemetery in Iowa City
Cemeteries can be inherently unsettling, but some are said to be far more haunted and malevolent than others. The Oakland Cemetery in Iowa City is considered one of the most haunted cemeteries in the Midwest.
It is said that the spirits of former residents and Civil War soldiers haunt this cemetery. Established in 1843, the site serves as the final resting place for many of Iowa City’s earliest settlers and Civil War veterans. Numerous reports of ghostly sightings and unusual occurrences have surfaced here. Some visitors claim to have seen the ghost of a Civil War soldier wandering the graves, while others report hearing eerie noises and experiencing an unsettling sensation while visiting the cemetery.
One of the most well-known ghost stories tied to Oakland Cemetery is that of the 'Black Angel.' This eerie statue is believed to be haunted by the spirit of the woman it was crafted to honor. Erected in 1913 by local businessman Nicholas Feldevert, the statue commemorates his late wife, Theresa, who is buried in the cemetery. The black bronze statue portrays a winged angel standing atop a stone pedestal.
The Black Angel statue quickly became a local landmark and has inspired countless ghost stories and legends. Many believe the statue is cursed, bringing misfortune to anyone who gazes upon it.
6. Farrar Elementary School
The abandoned Farrar Elementary School in Iowa serves as a haunting reminder of the past. Once alive with the sounds of children and teachers, the school now stands empty, shrouded in an eerie silence.
Built in the 1920s, the school was a hub of education until it closed its doors in 2001 due to the declining population of Farrar, Iowa, where the dead soon outnumbered the living. Though the building is now abandoned, many claim it never feels truly empty, with some saying they always feel watched.
Upon entering the school, you can almost feel the lingering presence of the past students and staff. Some claim to hear the faint echoes of children’s laughter, while others speak of seeing the spirit of a young girl who tragically passed away within its walls. It is also said that the ghost of a janitor, who once worked there, continues to roam the school, his spectral presence often felt by those who visit.
The school carries with it a dark history, and many who venture inside have reported a sense of unease or dread. Some even describe physical sensations, such as sudden cold spots or the eerie feeling of being touched by invisible hands.
5. The Maple Hill Mansion
The Maple Hill Mansion, also known as the Haunted Mansion of Jasper County, is an imposing Victorian-style residence in Iowa. It is believed to be haunted by the vengeful spirits of former inhabitants and their servants. Built in the late 1800s, the mansion was home to a wealthy businessman and his family. This grand, three-story building boasts intricate architectural details and lush gardens, and it is rumored to have served as a stop on the Underground Railroad, with a hidden underground tunnel linking the house to the barn.
Over the years, both visitors and staff have reported a variety of eerie events, including ghostly apparitions, strange noises, and even physical encounters with spirits. Some claim to have witnessed the ghost of a former resident at the upstairs windows during the night, while others have heard the unsettling sound of doors slamming in empty rooms.
4. The Mars Hill Church
Mars Hill Church in Iowa is an abandoned historical church, believed to be haunted by the spirits of past congregants and ministers. Built in the late 1800s, it was once a lively hub for local worship. Over time, as the congregation dwindled, the church was eventually deserted.
Now, the church remains empty, a relic from another time. Yet, it is far from abandoned, with many visitors reporting sightings of ghostly figures and hearing strange noises echoing throughout the church. Some have even claimed to witness the spirit of a former minister, still preaching to an invisible congregation, while others have heard the faint sounds of hymns from a choir that no longer exists.
One of the most intriguing ghost stories connected to Mars Hill Church is that of the 'Phantom Bell Ringer.' Legend has it that the bell was last rung by the spirit of a congregant who passed away before he could perform the act one final time. Numerous visitors and staff members have reported hearing the bell tolling by itself, even though it hasn’t been rung in decades.
3. The Mason House Inn
The Mason House Inn in Iowa is believed to be haunted by the spirits of former owners and guests. Built in 1846, the inn has a rich history of hosting travelers and has remained a popular destination for years.
Over the years, three of the inn’s owners passed away on the property, and one guest was tragically murdered. Their restless spirits are said to linger, haunting the grounds. The inn also served as a hospital during the Civil War, witnessing countless deaths and tragedies.
Today, both guests and staff report strange phenomena, including ghostly apparitions and eerie noises. Some guests claim their bags mysteriously unpack themselves and items are scattered throughout the room. The inn’s reputation for ghostly activity has attracted ghost hunters, who frequently visit and even host special paranormal events there.
2. Geigel Woods
Geigel Woods, also known as 'Little Africa,' is said to be a hotspot for paranormal activity. The woods are believed to be haunted by the spirits of former residents and soldiers who perished in the area. Located near a former military training ground, the woods have a dark past dating back to the Civil War. Many soldiers who died during training exercises were buried in the woods, and their spirits are said to still haunt the area.
There have been numerous reports of ghostly apparitions and eerie events within the woods. Some claim to have seen spirits wandering among the trees and even witnessed objects levitating. Many visitors to the woods report a chilling sensation of being watched, accompanied by an overwhelming sense of dread.
1. Chuck and Edna’s Maid-Rite
From the outside, Chuck and Edna’s Maid-Rite looks like any typical mom-and-pop diner. However, a visit there not only offers a tasty Maid-Rite sandwich and an ice cream cone, but also the chance to encounter a ghost. Yes, a ghost.
According to local reports, Maid-Rite is haunted. Since its grand opening, unexplained events have been a regular occurrence. One notable instance was captured on camera, where a strange apparition appears to stand at the dishwashing station and disappears, even though no one was there.
In another strange incident, a stack of Styrofoam cups sitting on a shelf suddenly slid off on its own and struck an employee on the head. The hauntings became so persistent that the owners eventually brought in ghost hunters to investigate the phenomenon.
