Most Spooky Spots Worth Visiting in Iowa
In the heart of the Midwest, Iowa houses some of the most intriguing and eerie locations, making it a hotspot for paranormal enthusiasts. Here are some of the most famous and chilling places that have been reported to be haunted.
First on our list is the Villisca Axe Murder House in Villisca, Iowa. This house, infamous for the 1912 axe murders of the Moore family, is one of Iowa's most haunted locations. Preserved as it was at the time of the crime, visitors report experiencing eerie connections to the brutal and unresolved murders.
Another haunted site worth visiting is the Banwell (Terror) Bridge in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Known as one of the state's most haunted bridges, it has been the scene of numerous eerie tales since the 1800s. Visitors have reported hearing phantom train sounds, seeing shadowy figures, and experiencing unexplained physical phenomena.
The Franklin Hotel, a Victorian Hotel built in the 1900s, is another haunted location in Iowa. The hotel has accommodated many tourists and is now one of the most haunted places to visit. Two ghosts, a woman named Lily and a man named Leo, are reportedly present. Lily is often seen in the lobby, and Leo is known to ring the old bell message system of the hotel.
The Oakland Cemetery in Iowa City is a historic cemetery reputed for ghost sightings and paranormal activity. The Black Angel statue, originally golden and intended to watch over a family's grave-site, is said to have turned black after the death of its creator, Teresa Feldevert, in 1924. Visitors have reported hearing voices and seeing mysterious lights near the statue.
For those seeking a truly immersive haunted experience, the Villisca Axe Murder House even offers overnight stays, offering a direct connection to its haunted history.
Edinburgh Manor, initially a courthouse, then a home for poor and disabled farmers, and later a home for the elderly and mentally ill, is another haunted site in Iowa. A spirit named "The Joker" is known to be actively haunting the place and can be violent. Overnight stays are available, but visitors should be aware of the potential for unusual encounters.
Lastly, Edinburgh Manor in Iowa also has a cemetery where about 80 farmers were buried. Some believe that one of the buried, Teresa Feldevert, was a witch and cursed the Black Angel statue to protect the grave-site.
For those interested in supernatural investigations, these haunted sites in Iowa offer a unique and thrilling experience. Whether you choose to visit the Villisca Axe Murder House, Banwell (Terror) Bridge, the Franklin Hotel, the Oakland Cemetery, or Edinburgh Manor, be prepared for an unforgettable journey into the unknown.
- After an exciting day of exploring haunted locations, one might want to unwind with some fashion-and-beauty tips or try out new food-and-drink recipes found in lifestyle magazines.
- For sports fans, taking a break from traveling between haunted sites can be enjoyable, especially catching up on the latest entertainment news or watching a game in a local sports bar.
- As night falls and the haunted adventure continues, the ever-changing weather may lead to chills running down the spine due to paranormal encounters or the cool breeze outside.
- After an overwhelming day filled with eerie experiences, returning to a cozy home-and-garden environment provides a reassuring feeling of comfort and normality.
- On the way back from visiting Edinburgh Manor, one could stop at a historic site or museum to learn about the rich Iowa culture and history – a stark contrast to the paranormal activity experienced at the haunted locations.
