Iowa’s schools are pretty good, and they cover a whole lot of Iowa history. Chances are, you have heard the story of how Julien Dubuque founded the first settlement in Iowa with help from the King of Spain and neighboring Natives, and you might be familiar with Iowan abolitionists bringing the Underground Railroad through the state to assist runaway slaves. Unfortunately, not all of Iowa history is full of happy endings – here are a few of the darker stories of our state’s past that tend to get buried beneath the highlights. They are the things of which Iowa ghost stories are made.

1. The Flood of Rockdale
Rockdale, Dubuque, IA 52003, USA
Flickr / Photolibrarian
The town of Rockdale, near Dubuque, was once a bustling mill town. All of that changed on July 4th, 1876. The day was full of joy as the nation celebrated its 100th anniversary, and at around 10 p.m., it began to rain. It quickly turned to a deluge, and the Catfish Creek Mill Dam was broken by the rush of water. A 20-foot deep water wall rushed the village, and only one house was left standing along with the Mill. Forty-two people died in the flood. Some survivors were found washed into the treetops. The village was never the same, as most of its residents died, and it's now a ghost town.
2. The Gitchie Manitou Murders
Gitchie Manitou State Preserve, 52141, Adams Ave, Larchwood, IA 51241, USA
Google Local / Patrick Boburg
In November 1973, five young teenagers went on a hike through the Gitchie Manitou Preserve. The group was attacked by three brothers, and four of them were killed. One young girl managed to escape after being raped and held captive. Her testimony brought the evil Fryer brothers to justice, but the region has never forgotten the horror of their crimes.
3. The Villisca Axe Murders
Villisca, IA 50864, USA
Flickr / Tim Vrtiska
On the evening of June 9, 1912, six members of the Moore family and two of their children's friends went to bed in a peaceful southwestern Iowa town. By early morning, they would be found hacked to death by an unknown axe murderer. One suspect was tried twice and acquitted, and the mystery remains unsolved. The home where the murders occurred is said to be one of the most haunted places in Iowa. Learn more on the official website of The Villisca Ax Murder House.

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4. The Mathias Ham Home Deaths
Mathias Ham Historic Site, 2241 Lincoln Ave, Dubuque, IA 52001, USA
Flickr / SD Dirk
This home, built in 1856 by a Dubuque public figure named Mathias Ham, might be the most ill-fated home in the state. In 1874, Ham's wife died in the home, and he followed in 1889. Their daughter, May, passed away in the home in the 1890s. After May's death, Sarah, the last daughter of the house, had to defend the home from an armed intruder. She shot first, and the man's lamplight is still seen floating through the home, which is now a museum. Visit if you want to experience one of the most haunted places in Iowa. Here's the official website of the Mathias Ham Historic Site.
5. The Spirit Lake Massacre
West Okoboji Lake, Iowa, USA
Flickr / Boston Public Library
The Wahpekute Sioux lived near what is now known as Lake Okoboji when there was a terrible alteraction with white settlers from March 8–12, 1857. Inkpaduta was a renegade chief, and he was known for being a strong leader with a fierce attitude. When his brother was killed by a white settler, and his tribe was starving thanks to overhunting by immigrants who were stealing his land, he retaliated. Nearly 40 settlers were killed and four hostages were taken. It was one of the last violent battles between the Natives and immigrants in Iowa.
6. The Horrors of Edinburgh Manor
Edinburgh Manor, By Appointment Only, 13241 E23 County Home Rd, Monticello, IA 52310, USA
Facebook / Edinburgh Manor
Edinburgh Manor was first established as a "poor farm", and it ran as such from 1850 to 1910. During that time, there were many labor-related deaths and mistreatment was well documented. Over 80 former residents are buried in the creepy cemetery out back. After the poor farm closed, the manor was constructed to house the "incurably insane." As with most institutions in the 20th century, abuse was rampant and those at Edinburgh Manor lived inhumane and horrifying lives. Stop by the official website of Edinburgh Manor.
7. The Last Meeting of the Sioux and Sax and Fox tribes
Raccoon River, Iowa, USA
Flickr / Internet Archive Book Images
In 1841, members of a Sioux tribe attacked a village of 24 Delaware natives on the Raccoon River, killing all but one. The Sixou tribe lost 26 of their own in the bloody battle. The nearby Sac and Fox tribe heard of this massacre, and went off in retaliation against the Sioux. The Sac and Fox chief, Pashepaho, was 80 years old. His age did not stop him, though - he gathered 500 of his best warriors and followed a trail for nearly 100 miles before encountering the merciless Sioux warriors who had killed the Delaware natives. At the end of hours of battle, 300 Sioux lay dead on the battlefield, while the Sax and Fox tribes lost just seven warriors. The last meeting of the Sioux and Sac and Fox tribes was one of the bloodiest battles in Iowa history.

Are there any other Iowa ghost stories you’d like to tell? Or do you have any little-known tidbits about Iowa history? Share them in the comments below!

If you’ve got to lighten the mood after reading this, check out 10 Thrilling Iowa Adventures You’ll Want To Drop Everything For and get out of the house for a little fresh air.

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Iowa Ghost Stories

Beth Price-Williams | October 08, 2021

What are some of the most haunted places in Iowa?

Have you ever seen a ghost? If you haven’t yet but want to, try visiting some of the most haunted places in Iowa to increase your chances. Visit the Mathias Ham House in Dubque, for example, where quite a few members of the Ham family died. You might even hear their footsteps and their voices during your visit. You’d probably expect to run into the paranormal in a cemetery, and you’d be right if you visit Ashton Cemetery in Mingo. Built on a sacred Native American site, the cemetery is teeming with the paranormal. Don’t be surprised if you see orbs or hear strange sounds (when no one’s around).

Are there any creepy places in Iowa?

If you consider haunted spots creepy places in Iowa, you’re in luck. Iowa’s got its fair share of them, many of which are well worth a visit. In fact, you might even want to go on a road trip to the creepiest places in Iowa. Visit such chilling sites, for example, as The Singing Bridge in Twin Falls and the Stricker Ranch in Hanson. Did you know that Howells Opera House in Oakley is said to be haunted by a former actress from the early 20th century? She’s been known to show up during the middle of performances. If you visit Ammon Park in Pocatello, you might run into the girl in the blue dress, who spends most of her time on a swing.

Are there any ghost towns in Iowa?

Can you think of a better way to spend a day than discovering the ghost towns in Iowa? A road trip’s perfect any time of the year, especially one that leads you to Iowa’s ghost towns. Begin your journey in Elkport. It was a thriving community until 2004 when floods devastated it. Two years later, the town was demolished. Sunbury, an old railroad town, provides a glimpse into the past with its abandoned structures, including the town bank. You won’t see too much in Kimross, but it’s well worth a stop to check out the lone remaining buildings – an old brick school and a gas station, both of which are now abandoned.

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