The Best Ghost Hunting Spots In Iowa This Year

It's the beginning of that time of the year. Ghost hunters come out to find the next big spot where they can prove that ghosts exist. Now that things are starting to open again, many amateur ghost hunters start right here in the Midwest since there are so many great spots to "find ghosts."

Some of these spots are only open during the day or only allow tours. Please do not trespass on property when hunting for ghosts... You could be finding an officer waiting for you instead.

Ghost Hunting Spots in Iowa

Many states have their own local legends and iconic haunted spots, but Iowa has some nationally famous locations that locals can visit today.

Crybaby Bridge

This one has a few rumors from a bus crashing off the bridge to a mother throwing her baby off the bridge. No matter what people think happened in Madison County, some say if you stop in the middle of the bridge and put your car in neutral, an invisible force will slowly push you safely across the bridge, or even off it.

Villisca Axe Murder House

This spot is historic and has been visited by some of the most famous ghost hunters in the world. Anyone can visit this spot.

The tragic story is as follows,

On a quiet residential street in this small town sits an old white frame house. On a dark evening, the absence of lights and sounds are the first indication to visitors that this house is different from the other homes that surround it. Upon closer inspection, you'll notice the doors and windows are tightly closed and covered. An outhouse in the backyard suggests that this house does not occupy a place in the 21st century but somehow belongs in another era or another story. A weather-beaten sign warns rather than welcomes. This is the "Murder House".

You can learn more on the website.

Oakdale Cemetery

A cool spot I have personally been to is Oakdale Cemetery. Graves like "Limb Of Unknown Child" and "Baby Boy Fear" have a long history of ghost stories. locals say If you stand by this section on Halloween night, you can hear the screams of the orphans.

Edinburgh Manor

Places like Edinburgh Manor are once again open for those who want to explore abandoned asylum. They have openings starting in July. Their website states,

PLEASE NOTE THAT RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED TO VISIT FOR EITHER THE DAY TOURS OR THE OVERNIGHT VISITS
The building does not have heat or running water. There is electricity. There is a house on site that is used for the bathroom and guests may use that to sleep in. Has fridge, micro, toaster, coffee pot, stove, etc...no beds, but carpeted. Please feel free to bring air mattresses and sleeping bags.

13 Steps

Another spot I've been to many times is 13 steps, though I'd recommend making sure you are allowed there first.  A few stories and legends that fill this area are that of EVP ghostly voices. Sightings of a red-eye growling dog. A witch that haunts the area, and floating orbs of light. Many of the headstones date back to the 1800s which just adds to the legends.

The "witch" legend comes from an infamous cracked tombstone,

Have a fun and safe adventure this year!