In the late 1870s, a woman named Mrs. Wallace burned to death in her home on a 160-acre farm just south of the tiny Catholic community of St. Mary’s. Since that time, a glowing red and orange fireball 15-20 inches in diameter has been seen skirting the perimeter of the farm, which came to be owned by a family named Storz. One local farmer, Orval Berning, spotted the light as he was walking home from a card game in the wee hours of the morning. Floating along the fence line, its bright glow perfectly contrasted with the newly fallen snow. He sometimes saw the light from the window of his farmhouse, nearly a mile away. Stranger still, in 1947 an Indianapolis man named Roy Whitehead claimed to hear a voice emanating from the St. Mary’s light as it hovered above the road.
Showing posts with label Iowa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Iowa. Show all posts
The Villisca Axe Murder House in Villisca, Iowa
On June 10, 1912, Josiah and Sarah Moore were bludgeoned to death inside of their home in Villisca. Their four children—and two friends who were spending the night—were also killed, and to this day, the crime remains a mystery. Their home is considered one of the most haunted houses in the country, and guests are drawn to it. People even pay $400+ to stay for one night.
"Tours have been cut short by children's voices, falling lamps, moving ladders and flying objects," says the Villisca Axe Murder House website. And, in 2014, a paranormal investigator stabbed himself after spending the night. "Skeptics have left believers," adds the website.
Tedrow - Mount Ayr,Iowa
Tedrow is a small cemetery in the
country. In the daytime, there is a tree that contains an evil face.
But at night, the spirits frequently make themselves known. It is not
the cemetery but it is the woods that surrounds the cemetery that is
haunted. Apparently about fifty to a hundred years ago, a small cult
came the cemetery and did ceremonies. Now whenever you drive at night
into the cemetery, you may enter but you may not be able to get out.
The reason for this is because there is a glowing object in the woods
and if this glowing object gets too close to you, you will not be able
to start your car. But in order to witness the strange happenings you
need to have your car turned off and lights turned off. You can have a
flashlight with you but that is it. While you are in complete silence
and complete darkness, something might run passed you several times and
when you look nothing will be there. Sometimes you might hear moaning
in the woods, sometimes you will hear what sounds like somebody
pounding a metal sheet against a tree. Sometimes you will see a dark
figure staring at you from a tree. And if you are really lucky, you
will witness the strangest and scariest experience that you ever had.
At times you might wait for a good five or ten minutes and nothing will
seem to happen, but when you have given up all hope and decide to
leave, all at once there will sound like a herd of elephants are all
around you and make the loudest racket. You are guaranteed to jump in
your car and take off, but that is just the beginning. If you leave
your window open, while your driving, you will hear the object
following you until you have reached the end of the pathway leading to
the cemetery. Also the weather is completely different there, it could
be a hot day and when you reach the cemetery, it will be cold. And it
could be the clearest day and when you reach the cemetery it will begin
to rain. And there could be no wind at all and when you reach the
cemetery there will be ten to twenty mile an hour winds.
Read more >>
country. In the daytime, there is a tree that contains an evil face.
But at night, the spirits frequently make themselves known. It is not
the cemetery but it is the woods that surrounds the cemetery that is
haunted. Apparently about fifty to a hundred years ago, a small cult
came the cemetery and did ceremonies. Now whenever you drive at night
into the cemetery, you may enter but you may not be able to get out.
The reason for this is because there is a glowing object in the woods
and if this glowing object gets too close to you, you will not be able
to start your car. But in order to witness the strange happenings you
need to have your car turned off and lights turned off. You can have a
flashlight with you but that is it. While you are in complete silence
and complete darkness, something might run passed you several times and
when you look nothing will be there. Sometimes you might hear moaning
in the woods, sometimes you will hear what sounds like somebody
pounding a metal sheet against a tree. Sometimes you will see a dark
figure staring at you from a tree. And if you are really lucky, you
will witness the strangest and scariest experience that you ever had.
At times you might wait for a good five or ten minutes and nothing will
seem to happen, but when you have given up all hope and decide to
leave, all at once there will sound like a herd of elephants are all
around you and make the loudest racket. You are guaranteed to jump in
your car and take off, but that is just the beginning. If you leave
your window open, while your driving, you will hear the object
following you until you have reached the end of the pathway leading to
the cemetery. Also the weather is completely different there, it could
be a hot day and when you reach the cemetery, it will be cold. And it
could be the clearest day and when you reach the cemetery it will begin
to rain. And there could be no wind at all and when you reach the
cemetery there will be ten to twenty mile an hour winds.
Slater Hall - Iowa City,Iowa
Legend has it
that in the 1800's, a man they called "Penguin man" roamed the vicinity
looking for young babies whose brains he liked to feast on. Legend has
it that the "Penguin man" has been reincarnated into a fat, black,
first floor RA. She roams the halls of Slater looking for innocent
young students to eat.
SLATER HALL IS VERY DANGEROUS. BEWARE THE
WADDLER.
Read more >>
that in the 1800's, a man they called "Penguin man" roamed the vicinity
looking for young babies whose brains he liked to feast on. Legend has
it that the "Penguin man" has been reincarnated into a fat, black,
first floor RA. She roams the halls of Slater looking for innocent
young students to eat.
SLATER HALL IS VERY DANGEROUS. BEWARE THE
WADDLER.
The Legend of Terror Bridge: Fort Dodge, Iowa’s Most Haunted Crossing - Fort Dodge,Iowa
Deep in the woods of Fort Dodge, Iowa, lies a weathered structure known to locals by a bone-chilling name: Terror Bridge. Tucked away near the Des Moines River, this bridge has become a rite of passage for urban explorers and paranormal enthusiasts across the Midwest.
If you’re looking for a destination that combines eerie atmosphere with dark local folklore, Terror Bridge is a must-see.
The Legend: A Mother’s Grief
Every great haunted location has a "White Lady" or a tragic backstory, and Terror Bridge is no exception. The most enduring legend involves a distraught mother from decades ago.
The Folklore: Local lore tells of a woman who, in a fit of madness or despair, took her children to the bridge and threw them into the path of an oncoming train (or into the waters below). It is said that she then took her own life, and her spirit remains trapped at the site, forever searching for her lost children.
Paranormal Encounters: What Visitors Report
Those brave enough to visit the bridge after sunset often return with stories that defy explanation. Common reports include:
The "Handprint" Phenomenon: Much like other famous haunted spots, visitors often coat their car bumpers in baby powder or flour. Many swear that after crossing or stopping near the bridge, tiny handprints appear in the dust—as if children are trying to push the car away from danger.
Disembodied Screams: On quiet nights, locals claim you can hear the faint, high-pitched screams of children or the mourning wail of a woman echoing through the trees.
Shadow Figures: Apparitions are frequently spotted standing at the edge of the bridge, only to vanish when a flashlight or headlight hits them.
The Atmosphere: Why It’s So Eerie
Even without the ghost stories, Terror Bridge is naturally unsettling.
The Isolation: The bridge is located in a heavily wooded, secluded area where cell service can be spotty and the sounds of the forest feel amplified.
The Decay: The rusted metal and weathered wood of the structure give it a "stuck in time" feeling that perfectly sets the stage for a paranormal encounter.
Planning Your Visit
If you're planning a trip to investigate Terror Bridge, keep these tips in mind:
Location: The bridge is located on a gravel road (often identified as 170th Street or near Lizard Creek) northwest of Fort Dodge.
Respect the Property: While the bridge is a popular local spot, always be mindful of private property signs and local ordinances.
Safety First: The structure is old and the surrounding terrain can be uneven. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a reliable flashlight.
Go with a Group: It’s always safer (and less terrifying!) to explore haunted locations with friends.
Final Thoughts
Whether Terror Bridge is truly home to restless spirits or is simply a masterpiece of local imagination and atmosphere, it remains one of Iowa’s most fascinating urban legends. It serves as a reminder that history isn't always found in textbooks—sometimes, it’s whispered in the dark corners of our own backroads.
Have you ever dared to cross Terror Bridge at midnight? Did you hear the whispers, or was it just the wind through the girders?
Writer's Tip: When visiting Fort Dodge, consider stopping by the Fort Museum and Frontier Village to learn more about the documented history of the area before heading out to the legends of the woods!
Mars Hill - Davis County,Iowa
It's the only extant log church in Iowa now.
There is a graveyard to the right of the church. Rumors are that is a
hot spot for seeing UFOs, but other things have gone on there
too--Black Mass has been held in the abandoned church; evidence has
been left behind, like inverted pentagrams in red paint or blood on the
floor. I've been there and there is a positively suffocating force
there--it's like you can't breathe and you get the impression there are
tons of eyes watching you. Very creepy! And, just down the hill from
the church is Crybaby Bridge, where at midnight if you turn off your
car on the bridge, you can hear the sounds of babies and small children
crying.
Read more >>
There is a graveyard to the right of the church. Rumors are that is a
hot spot for seeing UFOs, but other things have gone on there
too--Black Mass has been held in the abandoned church; evidence has
been left behind, like inverted pentagrams in red paint or blood on the
floor. I've been there and there is a positively suffocating force
there--it's like you can't breathe and you get the impression there are
tons of eyes watching you. Very creepy! And, just down the hill from
the church is Crybaby Bridge, where at midnight if you turn off your
car on the bridge, you can hear the sounds of babies and small children
crying.
Morningside College / Dimmit Hall - Sioux City,Iowa
There is said to have been a girl that committed suicide on her hall on the girls side of the building. Her hall is called the "hidden" hall because the is no entrance to the outside so you have to go up a level or down a level to get out therefore leaving her trapped on her hall.
It is said she committed suicide by hanging herself on old heating pipes in the rooms. Residents of her room have reported recently of hearing a girls voice and gagging choking sounds at night while they're studying. They've opened up their doors and yelled down the halls at their hall mates thinking it was a joke and no one was out there and the sounds continued. Other girls of the hall reported seeing a moderately dressed young woman walking slowly down the hall sniffling and crying and walking through the door into the haunted room.
Vegor's Cemetery - Stratford,Iowa
In the middle of three miles of woods, is a cemetery that is over 150 years old. It was once the ancient burial ground of the local Indian tribe. When the settlers came, they dug the Indians' graves and placed them in five mounds throughout the hilltop. In retaliation, the Indians killed a white woman names Mrs. Henry Lott. She was the first white woman killed in Webster County. She was buried there. Over fifty small children are buried there along with many soldiers. If you go there at night, you can hear children laughing and the sound of Indians. If you roll down the hill three times, you will see the stairway to heaven. Also, legend has it if you desecrate and Indian mound, you will be cursed. I have known two men to have done so, and they were involved in serious car accidents within a week of visiting the cemetery.
Springbrook - Urbandale,Iowa
There is a legend told about this scary
dead guy called Uncle Charlie.You can see him running through the woods
late at night. An elementary school student saw a flesh eaten face at
her window staring. If you have a camera i tell you right now don't
turn the flash on.? But if you have the flash on you will see a guy
standing behind the thing you took a picture of. Late at night you are
the only one up you can hear people running and screaming high pitched.
Sometimes you can feel cold trembling fingers on you when know one is
behind you.? You have your covers torn off by nothing.
Read more >>
dead guy called Uncle Charlie.You can see him running through the woods
late at night. An elementary school student saw a flesh eaten face at
her window staring. If you have a camera i tell you right now don't
turn the flash on.? But if you have the flash on you will see a guy
standing behind the thing you took a picture of. Late at night you are
the only one up you can hear people running and screaming high pitched.
Sometimes you can feel cold trembling fingers on you when know one is
behind you.? You have your covers torn off by nothing.
Wal-Mart Store on Flammang Dr- Crossroads shopping center - Waterloo,Iowa
Haunted by the ghost of a small boy of about twelve
years of age named Jeremiah. He loves to play small pranks on people
such as moving merchandise from one spot in the store to another,
tugging on employee's smocks, tapping on your shoulder, and causing
mischief. He was seen one time by an employee who described him as
small, very pale and thin, wearing black trousers with suspenders,
white shirt, and an Amish looking straw hat.
Read more >>
years of age named Jeremiah. He loves to play small pranks on people
such as moving merchandise from one spot in the store to another,
tugging on employee's smocks, tapping on your shoulder, and causing
mischief. He was seen one time by an employee who described him as
small, very pale and thin, wearing black trousers with suspenders,
white shirt, and an Amish looking straw hat.
Plum Creek Pits - Algona ,Iowa
Back in the far corner there has been a little
boy said to be playing near the waters edge legend has it that the
little boy was running back to the river on the other side of the pits
when he tripped on a stone and was stabbed by a stick he had fallen on.
The local fisherman who use to fish their say they have seen this boy
walking on the bank of the pit when they yelled to him he seemed to
have looked up and ran back towards the river and disappear nobody
knows what this boys name is or even his age.
Read more >>
boy said to be playing near the waters edge legend has it that the
little boy was running back to the river on the other side of the pits
when he tripped on a stone and was stabbed by a stick he had fallen on.
The local fisherman who use to fish their say they have seen this boy
walking on the bank of the pit when they yelled to him he seemed to
have looked up and ran back towards the river and disappear nobody
knows what this boys name is or even his age.
Gypsy Grave Yard - Algona ,Iowa
Just north of town is a small graveyard with
an even smaller graveyard fenced off toward the back. It is said that
when the Gypsy wagon trains would pass through town back in the 1800's,
and one of their flock was sick and dying, instead of taking them
further on the journey and not having Gypsy hollowed ground to bury
them in they would just bury them there, while still alive. Many
ghostly figures have been seen hanging around, and if you cross the
small fence and walk on the hollowed ground you will be cursed. This is
a favorite haunt for the local teens.
Read more >>
an even smaller graveyard fenced off toward the back. It is said that
when the Gypsy wagon trains would pass through town back in the 1800's,
and one of their flock was sick and dying, instead of taking them
further on the journey and not having Gypsy hollowed ground to bury
them in they would just bury them there, while still alive. Many
ghostly figures have been seen hanging around, and if you cross the
small fence and walk on the hollowed ground you will be cursed. This is
a favorite haunt for the local teens.
Rogue’s Hollow - Clinton, Iowa
This whole area of town is haunted by the victims of a derailed train. Sometimes the light of the train may be seen. The main complaint, however, is that if one is crossing the tracks, his car will stall. The only thing he can do is sit there and let the phantom train pass through his vehicle. The nearby mill, which has been abandoned for many years, is said to start up every Halloween.
Read more >>
Spontaneous Combustion - Des Moines, Iowa
This house is said to be haunted by two men, a woman, and a child -- arsonists who killed a total of six people through their blazes. Today, the house is known to randomly burst in to flames, though no damage is sustained. There are also cold spots and strange odors. Some have even been pushed down the stairs while in the house alone.
Read more >>
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