Are you looking to have a spooky family outing that’ll also be a scary adventure? Well, if you’re in Iowa, make time to check out what we’ll call here—“Haunted Dubuque.” As you’ll soon learn, there are a lot of creepy things and places to check out. And, there’s no need to wait until Halloween to explore!

Dubuque is located along the Mississippi River and is in the eastern part of Iowa.
John Elk/The Image Bank Collection via Getty Images
To begin your spooky adventure here, take either Route 52, 61, or 20 to reach the city limits.
The Old Jail, built in 1857, has a creepy history filled with stories about rowdy criminals jailed there.
Tripadvisor/Shawni_and_Buck
Today, the Old Jail is a museum, one of many museums in town, and open to the public. Head to the basement to spend time in the eerie dungeon and gain more of a sense of what haunted Dubuque may be all about.
Ghosts have been seen roaming the halls of the Ham House. Many people believe that one of the ghosts is Mr. Ham; the owner of the home.
Tripadvisor/Kate Illinois1
Since Mr. Ham was very business savvy, it's thought that he's stopping by to see how things are going each time he appears. The Ham House is also one of the stops on a haunted Iowa road trip itinerary.

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The Redstone Inn was built in 1894, by Augustin Cooper, as a wedding gift for his daughter.
Tripadvisor/John N.
Since then, the inn has become a landmark for locals and tourists in search of haunted sightings in Dubuque, Iowa.
Legend has it that Mr. Augustin still spends time at the Inn.
Tripadvisor/Heidi
Guests have shared that they've seen a well-dressed ghost meandering the halls during their stay. If you keep a close enough eye, maybe the ghost will join you for breakfast. Some guests have also heard sounds that can't be explained. This includes shuffling feet, knocking on doors, and other muffled noises. Imagine having that kind of a dining companion when you go out to breakfast or brunch!
You'll find these mystical Terror Trees as you wander around Dubuque County.
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But don't worry, there are still places to hike in Dubuque that are not that scary!
And, perhaps, you might notice a creepy image or two while you explore Haunted Dubuque.
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If you still want more paranormal opportunities, you'll find plenty of other haunted places in the state!

If you’ve already been to Dubuque, feel free to share your spooky experience in the comments section below. And, if you’re planning to visit, go to the official Dubuque Visitor’s Bureau website for more information about what to see, do, and experience. There is also a city Facebook page.

For an idea of something to do in Dubuque to get you started, read this article about where to enjoy the best views in town.

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Haunted Dubuque

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | September 26, 2022

I’m looking for a haunted place in Iowa suitable for children.

Well, you know your kids better than anyone else, and what may be suitable for them depends on a lot of factors, like their age, personality, and so forth. But one idea you might consider is embarking upon the Stony Hollow Road. It covers several places of paranormal interest.

Are there any haunted places in Des Moines?

Oh boy, are there! The capitol city is full of haunted places. Some of them include the old Lincoln High School, Dowling Catholic High School, the Drake University Observatory (there seems to be a scary educational theme here), and believe it or not, The Cloud Room at the Des Moines International Airport, among numerous others.

Where can I find a unique museum in Des Moines?

You’re in luck because Des Moines is very proud to be the home of some very unique and quirky museums. For example, the Bily Clocks Museum in the town of Spillville focuses on beautiful hand-carved clocks. And the Herbert Hoover Museum is the birthplace of our 31st President. These are just a few to get your museum musings going.

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