This Halloween season, everyone will be going to haunted houses. Why not amp up the scare-factor? Ditch the chainsaw sounds and zombie costumes and make a trip to a place that is actually haunted. The following is a list of the most haunted places in Iowa that are open to the public. Enter if you dare!
Mason House Inn
The Mason House Inn is a haunted Bed & Breakfast in Bentonsport, Iowa. The 'Today Show' named this quaint family-owned home one of America’s most haunted houses in 2006. It was built as a place for steamboat travelers to stay in 1846. It is said to be inhabited by at least 20 ghosts, a few of whom are past owners who have died inside.
Aside from staying overnight, there are other ways to explore and maybe see some spirits. Annual Halloween Ghost Dinners and Ghost Hunting classes are held at the Mason House Inn to let visitors have a chance at interacting with the ghost residents. Past guests at the B&B report hearing voices and having their feet tugged at.
Mathias Ham House
Currently a museum, the Mathias Ham House is an old Victorian-style mansion located in Dubuque, Iowa. Mathias Ham built the biggest home in town with the fortune he made selling lumber and lead products. Mr. Ham himself is said to haunt the premises, along with a pirate captain who was shot by Mr. Ham’s daughter after he broke into the mansion.
Guided tours are given throughout the Mathias Ham House discussing the history and paranormal beings of the grounds.
Edinburgh Manor
Edinburgh Manor is an abandoned mental institution in Scotch Grove, Iowa, built in 1908. Over 80 people have died in the building, many of whom still haunt the area. This creepy building has had confirmed ghost sightings. Many visitors have seen mysterious faces in their photo’s backgrounds and faint whistling can be heard in audio clips that were taken.
Anyone is welcome to conduct paranormal investigations at the institution. Day tours are also given by appointment.
Villisca Axe Murder House
The story of the Villisca Axe Murders are infamous, and many professionals say that this is one of the most haunted places in America. The unsolved brutal murder of two adults and 6 children is a chilling tale that changed the town forever.
Learn more about the crime, suspects, and victims who continue to haunt the family home by taking a tour. You can also spend a night in the Villisca Axe Murder House! You’re sure to notice you won’t be the only one there.
Hotel Blackhawk
The Hotel Blackhawk is a historic, beautiful, and luxurious hotel located in downtown Davenport, Iowa since 1915. It is thought to be haunted by actor Cary Grant, who suffered a stroke on the 8th floor and died in a nearby hospital. Many have also reported seeing a woman in a dress floating through the hallways.
If you don’t plan on getting a room for overnight, visitors a welcome to tour and explore the haunted hotel.
Whatever you chose to do this Halloween, be careful! You never know what you’ll find...
