Haunted Hotels in Iowa You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Iowa with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
Cities in Iowa with haunted hotels
11 Haunted Hotels Found in Iowa
Edinburgh Manor
11948 130th St, Scotch Grove, IA 52331, USA
Edinburgh Manor, operating from the mid-1800s until 2010 primarily as a county home for the poor, mentally ill, and elderly, has a grim history of hardship and death. After its closure, it quickly gained notoriety for intense paranormal experiences. It's believed to be haunted by former residents. The most prominent entities include 'The Joker,' a hostile presence often felt in the basement, and numerous others in various rooms exhibiting personalities from playful to angry. Reports include disembodied screams, shadow figures, objects being thrown, physical touches/scratches, and intelligent responses via EVP.
The Mason House Inn
21982 Hawk Dr, Bentonsport, IA 52565, USA
The Mason House Inn is considered one of Iowa's most haunted places, built before the Civil War and reportedly serving as a hospital during that time. Room 5 is said to be haunted by a young boy who tugs at clothing. Room 7 is associated with Mr. Knapp, allegedly murdered within, and Room 8 is notorious for sightings of a 'floating head.' Other spirits include an elderly lady seen on the third floor and potentially residual energies from its time as a hospital and stop on the Underground Railroad. Many unexplained noises and events contribute to its haunted reputation.
Farrar Schoolhouse
11129 NE 134th Ave, Maxwell, IA 50161, USA
The Farrar Schoolhouse, closed since the early 2000s after operating since 1922, is reported to be highly haunted, possibly due to residual energy from former students and staff, and rumors of tragic events connected to individuals associated with the school. Investigators and guests report seeing shadowy figures, including children and a taller male figure nicknamed 'Principal'. Common experiences include hearing disembodied voices and children giggling, footsteps in empty hallways, balls moving on their own in the gymnasium, and feelings of being watched or touched.
The Villisca Axe Murder House
508 E 2nd St, Villisca, IA 50864, USA
The Villisca Axe Murder House is not a hotel but the site of a horrific unsolved crime in 1912, where eight people, including six children, were murdered in their beds. It's considered one of the most haunted locations in America due to this tragic event. Visitors and overnight guests report a range of intense paranormal activity: hearing children's voices, disembodied whispers, doors opening and closing, moving objects, strong emotional feelings (sadness, anger), and even physical sensations like scratches or being pushed. Audio recordings often capture Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP), particularly believed to be the voices of the young victims.
Decker Hotel And Bar
119 S Main St, Maquoketa, IA 52060, USA
The Decker Hotel, also known locally as 'The Decker House,' dates back to 1875 and is considered haunted. The main legend centers around a former owner or long-term resident named 'Charlie' or similar, who is said to occupy one of the upstairs rooms. Guests report typical poltergeist activity: items moved, doors opening/closing, noises, and occasionally seeing an older male figure. The bar area also reputedly hosts some spiritual energy, possibly from past patrons.
Hotel Blackhawk, Autograph Collection
200 E 3rd St, Davenport, IA 52801, USA
The Hotel Blackhawk carries a reputation as one of Iowa's notably haunted locations, with several spirits reportedly residing within. The most famous spectral guest is said to be the legendary actor Cary Grant. Although accounts vary on whether he passed away directly in the hotel or in a nearby hospital after falling ill on the premises in 1986, numerous guests and staff have reported sightings and feelings of his presence, particularly associated with room 907, described as benignly observing activities. Another recurring apparition is that of a woman dressed elegantly in either a red or blue evening gown, seen floating contentedly through the hotel's halls, perhaps en route to a grand event from the hotel's storied past. Adding to the eerie ambiance, mysterious piano music has occasionally been heard emanating from the ballroom when no living person is present, suggesting a phantom musician still performs.
Hotel Julien Dubuque
200 Main St, Dubuque, IA 52001, USA
Hotel Julien Dubuque is rumored to be haunted, most notably by the spirit of Al Capone, the infamous gangster, who supposedly favored the hotel and may have even part-owned it or used it as a hideout. Guests and staff have reported strange occurrences, unexplained noises, and shadowy figures, particularly on the 8th floor. Some claim to see Capone himself or feel cold spots. Another tale involves a ghostly chambermaid or other female spirits from different eras of the hotel's long history lingering within its walls.
Franklin Hotel
102 Elkader St, Strawberry Point, IA 52076, USA
The Franklin Hotel in Strawberry Point is believed to be haunted by the spirit of a woman, purportedly a prostitute from the 1920s. Guests often report hearing unusual noises and feel a sense of presence, suggesting they are not entirely alone. A notable account from one of the owners describes seeing a lady dressed in a lavender gown moving through the bar area. When approached and informed that the venue was closed for the night, the figure mysteriously vanished instantly.
Redstone Inn & Suites
504 W Main St, Dubuque, IA 52001, USA
The Redstone Inn is reported to be haunted by several spirits, most notably the ghost of a well-dressed gentleman believed to be related to the original owners or builders. Guests and staff have reported seeing this apparition, hearing disembodied voices, phantom footsteps, and experiencing unexplained cold spots, particularly in common areas and certain guest rooms. The atmosphere often feels active, suggesting spirits are content residents alongside living guests.
Hotel Ottumwa
107 E 2nd St, Ottumwa, IA 52501, USA
Hotel Ottumwa is known for paranormal activity, including strange noises, disembodied voices, and shadowy figures seen in hallways. A frequently reported presence is a female entity in a white dress haunting the area where the ballroom once existed, possibly connected to past events or tragedies. Some guests report feeling watched or uneasy, and objects are said to move on their own. The basement area is also considered a hotspot for unexplained phenomena.
Meskwaki Bingo Casino and Hotel
1504 305th St, Tama, IA 52339, USA
While primarily known as a casino resort, Meskwaki Bingo Casino and Hotel has had reports of unexplained occurrences. Some claims revolve around feelings of being watched or touched, particularly in less crowded areas or late at night. Given its location on tribal land with deep history, some speculate these feelings or minor phenomena might be connected to ancestral spirits or energies associated with the land itself, rather than specific traumatic events within the modern building.