Haunted Places in Colwell, Iowa



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    Children of Iron Hill

    Charles City, Iowa

    6.5 miles from Colwell, IA

    According to local lore, in the 1920s there was a fiery train crash that killed many passengers. One car was full of orphan children who perished in the fires. It is said that the ghost children can still be heard crying, and sometimes the smell of burning is detected. Some ...


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    Riverside Cemetery

    Charles City, Iowa

    7.2 miles from Colwell, IA

    Visitors here have reported dark figures and a feeling of being watched. The ghost of a Native American is said to have been seen -- perhaps it is he who keeps an eye on the place.


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    Satan's Hollow Bridge

    Shell Rock, Iowa

    32.3 miles from Colwell, IA

    According to reports, those who go underneath the bridge may see tall white figures and hear strange sounds. The figures and a feeling of general unease are said to follow you the further you go.


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    Camp Ingawanis

    Waverly, Iowa

    33.4 miles from Colwell, IA

    It is said that a 12-year-old boy died here when he jumped from a swing and hit his head on a rock. Folks in the area have noted a moving swing when there is no breeze, and some have heard the boy's giggle.


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    Conover Road Ghost Family

    Ridgeway, Iowa

    35 miles from Colwell, IA

    Acoording to local lore, a family of four once died near a group of evergreen trees along the road. Their four shadowy apparitions have been seen near the place.


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    Buddy Holly Memorial

    Clear Lake, Iowa

    39.9 miles from Colwell, IA

    Buddy Holly may be alive beyond the grave. According to reports, some have seen a phantom plane crashing that matches the one involved in the 1959 tragedy. Also, 3 orbs have been caught on tape in the spot where Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens died.


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    Regents Center - Luther College

    Decorah, Iowa

    41.1 miles from Colwell, IA

    Students tell the story of an unfortunate janitor at this sports facility who committed suicide in the 1990s. Staff members have reported seeing his ghost.


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    Larsen Hall - Luther College

    Decorah, Iowa

    41.1 miles from Colwell, IA

    The third floor is said to be haunted by Gertrude, a ghost who likes to pull fire alarms and hide students' belongings, or replace students' clothing with old-fashioned versions. She is reported to be the spirit of a prospective student of the college who was killed by a car while ...


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    West Union Hardee's

    West Union, Iowa

    41.6 miles from Colwell, IA

    Reports say that highways were built over the old cemetery, which lies about where the Hardee's stands. Employees have heard their names being called when they were alone, have felt cold spots, and have had things misplaced. Some accounts tell of a Ouija board incident in which a spirit inhabited ...


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    Porter House Museum

    Decorah, Iowa

    41.7 miles from Colwell, IA

    Actual details of this haunting are vague and hard to come by. Most accounts simply refer to "playful spirits" who inhabit this estate, without any specifics on the actual details. If you've encountered any ghostly activity while visiting the museum, drop us a line and share some details!


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  • Haunted Iowa
    Kathleen Vyn
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    Lawther Hall - University of Northern Iowa

    Cedar Falls, Iowa

    44.7 miles from Colwell, IA

    According to some reports, a soldier named Augie is said to haunt the building. It is said that he passed away there when the hall was used as the infirmary. Students have reported cold spots, strange sounds, and moving objects. Other reports say that the place was never an infirmary ...


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    Bartlett Hall - University of Northern Iowa

    Cedar Falls, Iowa

    44.7 miles from Colwell, IA

    Students tell of a Halloween haunted house that was to be set up in the hall, but the resident spirits must have liked the idea and were willing to lend a ghostly hand. During the setup, so many eerie things happened, flickering lights, slamming doors, temperature changes, that the students ...


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    Strayer-Wood Theatre

    Cedar Falls, Iowa

    44.8 miles from Colwell, IA

    Zelda is the nickname students have for a ghost who plays the piano, makes strange noises, or causes some of the equipment to work by itself.


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    Mrs B's Bed and Breakfast Inn

    Lanesboro, Minnesota

    49.8 miles from Colwell, IA

    It just wouldn't be a haunted inn without a famous ghost, and this delightful historic bed and breakfast is allegedly haunted by Buffalo Bill, where he stayed the night on several occasions. In Room #001 (River Song Room), a curious apparition has been reported. Guests have reported seeing a shadowy ...


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    Walmart - Flammang Drive

    Waterloo, Iowa

    50 miles from Colwell, IA

    Even Wal-Mart is not immune to spirits. Employees say Jeremiah, a 12-year-old boy, haunts the store by playing pranks, moving merchandise and tugging on the employees' smocks. He also taps them on the shoulder at times. Those who have seen him say he is pale, thin, and wears black pants ...


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    Hazel Green Cemetery

    Ackley, Iowa

    53.2 miles from Colwell, IA

    The gazebo in this old cemetery seems to be the central spot for the spiritual activity. In it, visitors have reported seeing an elderly woman's ghost sitting in a rocking chair, holding a baby. It is said that those who see her feel sadness, rather than fear. Reports say that ...


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    Thompson Hall Dormitory

    Iowa Falls, Iowa

    55.2 miles from Colwell, IA

    The dorm at Ellsworth Community College and Union Cemetery across the street are both said to be haunted. The spirit of town benefactor Mr. Ellsworth himself has been seen, and footsteps and voices have been heard in the dorm's basement.


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    Buchanan County Court House

    Independence, Iowa

    59.3 miles from Colwell, IA

    It is said that in the late 1800s or early 1900s a man was hung here, but something went awry with the process and he died a slow, painful death. His ghost is said to haunt the place at night; it has been seen hanging from a rope.


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    The Kahler Hotel

    Rochester, Minnesota

    60.3 miles from Colwell, IA

    The ghosts of former Mayo Clinic patients are said to haunt the hotel, causing eerie sounds and smells and quick temperature changes.


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    Quarry Hill Nature Center

    Rochester, Minnesota

    60.9 miles from Colwell, IA

    The wooden "dead man's bridge" is, according to local legend, where a man hanged himself in the 1960s. Other eerie things on the premises are a small cemetery and several caves that are rumored to be haunted.


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  • Dubuque's Haunted History
    Richard Barker

    Haunted Iowa City
    Vernon Trollinger
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    Franklin Hotel

    Strawberry Point, Iowa

    62.7 miles from Colwell, IA

    This 1900’s hotel is believed to be haunted by two ghosts, including that of a woman named Lily and of a former merchant. Singing voice, and the apparition of a woman in a ballroom outfit (most likely Lily) have been seen on various floors of the hotel. Objects move around ...


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    Lover's Leap

    Elkader, Iowa

    63.3 miles from Colwell, IA

    Local legend says that in the early 1830s, a young man named Lou Millville became friendly with the Native Americans who lived nearby, especially the chief's daughter White Cloud. One day, Lou followed two braves into the woods to learn the whereabouts of some nearby lead mines. He was discovered, ...


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    Mantorville Opera House

    Kasson, Minnesota

    63.4 miles from Colwell, IA

    Built in 1918, the Mantorville Opera House building has been a club, a speakeasy, a silent movie house, a skating rink, a city hall and a civic center. It is believed to be haunted by several spirits, including former actors and entertainers and a woman who the staff nicknamed Ellen. ...


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    Mossy Glen Hollow

    Strawberry Point, Iowa

    66 miles from Colwell, IA

    Pearl Shine, a woman who in 1936 conspired with her hired hand to kill her husband, is said to haunt this peaceful area. Pearl was caught, tried, and convicted, and she died in prison. Other ghosts here include a man who committed suicide by walking into the muddy bog, and ...


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    J L Reece Memorial Park

    New Providence, Iowa

    69.1 miles from Colwell, IA

    According to reports, a young woman committed suicide in the cornfield at this site. Witnesses have seen her appear in the field and have heard her screaming.


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    Stagecoach Inn Museum

    Manchester, Iowa

    70.3 miles from Colwell, IA

    The Stagecoach House, formerly an inn and a museum, is now a private residence, so please respect the owners' privacy. The building is said to be haunted by the Baker family, who used to own and run the museum and are buried in a nearby graveyard.


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    Effigy Mounds

    Harpers Ferry, Iowa

    71.3 miles from Colwell, IA

    The historic Indian Mounds are said to be haunted by the spirits of the Native Americans. Residents who live nearby have reported ghostly moans on the wind at night.


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    It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere

    Owatonna, Minnesota

    71.5 miles from Colwell, IA

    The bar called It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere is said to be haunted. Reports say the apparition of a man in old-fashioned duds and a puddle of blood appear out of nowhere. The bar was a funeral home and a used furniture store in past incarnations.


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    West Hills

    Owatonna, Minnesota

    72.1 miles from Colwell, IA

    Ghosts of orphaned children are rumored to linger in this former orphanage, laughing audibly. Witnesses also have seen the floor move and warp and smelled phantom cigar smoke. Books also have moved, temperature has been known to change drastically, and phone calls have been made to the police department from ...


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    Pettlon Family House

    Manchester, Iowa

    74.3 miles from Colwell, IA

    This home was built by the Pettlon family back in 1913, and has been in the family all that time. It is now for sale as of 2014. A member of the Pettlon family has shared with us her paranormal experiences there: "Visiting my Grandmother in the family home ...


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    Big River Inn

    Genoa, Wisconsin

    74.6 miles from Colwell, IA

    This 1879 inn has a haunted restaurant. The ghost is said to be a former employee named Kenny who makes himself known by hiding things in the kitchen and turning on the TV.


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    Evergreen Cemetery

    Vinton, Iowa

    74.8 miles from Colwell, IA

    This cemetery is home to a ghostly woman on horseback who wears a white dress and rides up and down the train tracks. There are also reports of strange phenomena surrounding a statue and apparitions of military men who wander in the portion of the cemetery for unknown soldiers.


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    St. Mary's College - Heffron Hall

    Winona, Minnesota

    76.2 miles from Colwell, IA

    Heffron Hall at St. Mary's College is known to have a ghost, that of Father Louis Lesches, who murdered Bishop Patrick Heffron in 1915, and who may have been involved in the suspicious burning death of Rev. Edward Lynch in 1931. Witnesses have seen apparitions, experienced cold spots, and had ...


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    362 Cummings Street

    Winona, Minnesota

    77.4 miles from Colwell, IA

    The house at 362 Cummings Street is rumored to be haunted. Some of the things witnesses have experienced here include shadowy figures, moving objects, locked doors opening on their own, crashing sounds, and banging from the basement.


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    Riverside Cemetery

    Marshalltown, Iowa

    77.6 miles from Colwell, IA

    It is said that in the older part of the cemetery there was a chair that looked as if it had been made of wood, although it was concrete. Urban legend said that those who sat in the chair would die within a year. There are contradicting reports as to ...


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    Winona State University

    Winona, Minnesota

    77.9 miles from Colwell, IA

    At Winona State College, two halls are rumored to be haunted. On Lourdes Hall's 3rd floor, posters and pictures have been moved or taken off the wall, doors close and lock on their own, and voices can be heard when no one is there. On the 4th floor, which was ...


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    Pieces of the Past

    Winona, Minnesota

    78.4 miles from Colwell, IA

    Pieces of the Past is an antique store housed in an 1850s building that's the setting for many a local legend. It has housed many businesses, including a law office and a brothel (and at the same time). At the brothel, so the stories say, one of the women was ...


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    Meskwaki Bingo Casino and Hotel

    Tama, Iowa

    80.2 miles from Colwell, IA

    Screams and arguing voices have been heard when no one is around. (Submitted by Callum Swift)


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    Warehouse Concert Venue

    La Crosse, Wisconsin

    81.1 miles from Colwell, IA

    We have owned the building for 25 years, operating on the 2nd and 3rd floors as a non-alcohol concert venue. Building was built in 1888, and has in the past had various businesses such as clothing stores, tailor shops, harness shop, general store, with the 2nd floor being ...


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    Bodega Brew Pub

    La Crosse, Wisconsin

    81.1 miles from Colwell, IA

    The pub has changed ownership many times due to the haunting by former owner Paul Malin. Since his death, reports of activity in the building have included slamming doors, objects moving inexplicably and even the apparition of the deceased former owner. (Submitted by Callum Swift)


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  • Historic Haunted America
    Michael Norman
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    Pleasant Ridge Cemetery

    Palo, Iowa

    81.1 miles from Colwell, IA

    Locals will point out that there are 13 stairs that lead up a hill into this cemetery. Unexplained voices have been captured on tape here, and visitors have seen apparitions and felt the touch of something unseen.


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    Del's Bar

    La Crosse, Wisconsin

    81.2 miles from Colwell, IA

    According to patrons, the bartenders at the bar are willing to dispense ghost stories, including tales of how a male maintenance employee was once told to leave the women's room by an unexplained voice. Giggling voices can also be heard in the bar. (Submitted by Callum Swift)


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    Shellsburg Cemetery

    Shellsburg, Iowa

    81.4 miles from Colwell, IA

    In the cemetery stands a statue of an angel, which marks the grave of two children who died in the 1940s. Locals say the angel statue will cry real tears at night.


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    Old Holmbo Residence

    La Crosse, Wisconsin

    82.9 miles from Colwell, IA

    Former owner Nicolai Holmbo hung himself in the front room of the house in 1904, and locals reported sighting his apparition staring down into the street late at night. Screams and moans came out of the building, and strange flashing lights moved around the house, despite the fact that it ...


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    Parkers Grove Cemetery

    Shellsburg, Iowa

    83.7 miles from Colwell, IA

    According to reports, one gravestone boasts a carving of a face. The stone face is said to cry tears at night.


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    Lennox College

    Hopkinton, Iowa

    88.6 miles from Colwell, IA

    I was scrolling through the haunted places in Iowa and wanted to suggest adding the Lennox College campus in Hopkinton. A family friend is the mayor of the little town and said when people stop by for a tour, they've seen a woman in one of the dorm hall windows ...


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    Anderson House Hotel

    Wabasha, Minnesota

    89.4 miles from Colwell, IA

    Parts of this historic bed and breakfast inn date back to the 1850's, and it's not surprise that the place is said to be haunted. The most famous ghost in the old-fashioned establishment is a female spirit known as 'Sarah'. It is said that she was under the impression ...


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    Vegors Cemetery

    Lehigh, Iowa

    89.7 miles from Colwell, IA

    The cemetery is said to be haunted by the spirits of restless Native Americans and Mrs. Henry Lott, the wife of a man who was known to cheat the Native Americans and steal their horses. She was killed while trying to escape from angry Native Americans seeking revenge, although her ...


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    Le Sueur County Historical Society Museum

    Elysian, Minnesota

    90.1 miles from Colwell, IA

    Some odd things have been reported at this museum: disembodied voices, a typewriter and a record player that worked by themselves, and a service bell that rang on its own.


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    Wildwood Apartments

    Cedar Rapids, Iowa

    91.9 miles from Colwell, IA

    It is said that a convicted child molestor once lived here and was beaten to death by one of the victims' parents. Some say you can hear the cries of his victims echoing through the apartment halls late at night.


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  • Ghost Dogs of the South
    Randy Russell

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