Haunted Places in Council Bluffs, Iowa



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    Squirrel Cage - Old Pottawattamie County Jail

    Council Bluffs, Iowa

    Built in 1885 and an innovation in jail cells for its time, this jail utilizes a "lazy susan" design, where the jail block is round and the cells form individual wedges like slices in a pie. With only one door leading in, the cells would be rotated by a ...


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    Union Pacific Railroad Museum

    Council Bluffs, Iowa

    This museum has been completely restored and renovated, but it was once the town library. Locals say that in the basement, books would often fly off the shelves, and shadowy figures have been seen. Also, items would disappear only to turn up again later.


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    Fairview Cemetery

    Council Bluffs, Iowa

    The Black Angel statue is said to follow visitors with their eyes, and may curse visitors with sickliness. Also reported here have been lights in the trees behind the older graves, and a feeling of being closely followed.


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    General Dodge House

    Council Bluffs, Iowa

    Folks say General Dodge himself is still hanging about the grounds. If you take a guided tour through the building, you may catch a glimpse of him sitting in his rocking chair. Around the grounds, light flashes and the smell of fire have been reported. Another strange occurrence that may ...


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    Lewis and Clark Park

    Council Bluffs, Iowa

    Unexplained feelings of sickness and disorientation have been reported by those who come to this park that honors the historic explorers.


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    White House Apartments

    Omaha, Nebraska

    3.8 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    The White House Apartments building is a three-story Italianate Victorian building assumed to once have been a home built around the turn of the century. It was a hospital before it was remodeled into apartments, and is said to be haunted possibly by former patients' ghosts. Witnesses say the apparition ...


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    O'Connor's Irish Pub

    Omaha, Nebraska

    3.8 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    At O'Connor's Irish Pub, which opened in 2003, shadow figures and unexplained footsteps are seen and heard in the kitchen as well as in the second-floor bar area.


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    Mystery Manor

    Omaha, Nebraska

    4.1 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    Built in 1887, Mystery Manor was home to William and Greta Hall. Reports say that when the stock market crashed on October 23, 1929, William Hall lost his fortune and went insane. He attacked Greta with an axe then buried her in the front yard. A week later, Greta's brother ...


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    James F Lynch Park

    Omaha, Nebraska

    4.6 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    The park is believed to be haunted, as many witnesses will attest. Some of the strange occurrences here have been unexplained footsteps, a ghostly baby's wails, and a man screaming, asking for help, and grabbing the legs of passersby.


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    Prospect Hill Cemetery

    Omaha, Nebraska

    5.3 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    A ghostly woman in white was scene by occupants of the property adjacent to the cemetery in 1874. An account of the ghostly lady, who demanded to know the whereabouts of her children before walking back to her grave in the cemetery and vanishing, was published in the Omaha Daily ...


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    Cornerstone Mansion Bed and Breakfast

    Omaha, Nebraska

    5.8 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    This 1894 bed and breakfast inn is housed inside a historic mansion, which has many ghostly tales associated with it. There have been reports of the apparitions of a young man and an elderly former owner appearing on separate occasions in a rocking chair located in the parlour room, ...


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    Jewell Park

    Bellevue, Nebraska

    7.8 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    Witnesses at Jewell Park have reported residual sounds from phantom rodeos, apparitions of people and objects, unexplained mist, footprints, strange noises and animal sounds.


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    John Rice Library

    Bellevue, Nebraska

    8.1 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    Apparitions of an old man and a young girl have been seen at the John Rice Library. The girl, about 10, has dark brown hair parted in the middle and big round glasses, and the man is seen crouching over books.


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    Hummel Park

    Omaha, Nebraska

    8.8 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    This park was known for its lynch mobs who would long ago target African-Americans. This is said to be the reason why the trees all spookily lean to one side. Folks report hearing drums and howling wolves here, and apparitions have been seen as well, according to legend stemming from ...


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    Keystone Trail

    Omaha, Nebraska

    10.2 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    The Keystone Trail, near 90th and Fort streets, is believed by some locals to be visited by a phantom train on cold misty nights. The apparition of the train has been both seen and heard, although the railroad tracks were removed from this spot years ago.


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    Brother Sebastian's

    Omaha, Nebraska

    12.4 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    Bill Walden is the identity of the ghost who haunts this restaurant, a man who wears a tweed smoking jacket and ascot. He was a regular patron, and although he has since passed away, his spirit has made it clear that he still visits regularly.


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    Malvern Manor

    Malvern, Iowa

    23 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    Built in the late 1800's as a hotel initially to service the railroad. Was eventually turned into a nursing home and then a group home for the mentally handicapped. It serviced everyone from those with Down's Syndrome to the more exotic of diseases like multiple personalities and schizophrenia. The building ...


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    Hannah's Grave

    Plattsmouth, Nebraska

    24 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    According to local legend, Hannah was a 16-year-old girl in the 1800s who became pregnant. Her parents, displeased, delivered the baby at home and promptly drowned it in the Missouri River, telling Hannah the baby had been stillborn. Poor Hannah died of a broken heart shortly thereafter and was buried ...


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    Ball Cemetery

    Springfield, Nebraska

    24 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    The oldest grave marker at Ball Cemetery is reported to be dated 1869, and many apparitions have been reported here over the years. One is a tall male with a bad temper who walks around after dark, sometimes attacking late-night visitors. Another is Mary Mumford, who is buried here. Folks ...


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    Old Highway 83

    Shelby, Iowa

    24.4 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    Different witnesses have reported seeing two young girls playing in the middle of the highway late at night. They wear flowing white dresses and are bathed in a glowing light.


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    Dana College

    Blair, Nebraska

    25.1 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    Dana College dates back to 1884, but was recently shut down and sold in 2010 due to financial problems. Latest word has it that the college will be refurbished and reopened around 2015-2016. Back in its heyday though, there were a number of places on campus said to be haunted. ...


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    Oakwood Cemetery

    Weeping Water, Nebraska

    30.6 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    One witness warns that the spirits may rise from the graves and attack visitors at night.


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    Oxbow Cemetery - Callahan Cemetery

    Murdock, Nebraska

    33.5 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    Ghostly children are said to be heard playing at this cemetery, known as Oxbow Cemetery, North Callahan Cemetery, Carter Cemetery and North Elmwood Cemetery. So the story goes, a nearby school collapsed in a big windstorm, pinning and killing a little girl named May Carter. Her father gave this land ...


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    Barnard Park

    Fremont, Nebraska

    34.8 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    Barnard Park was once a cemetery, and it is rumored that when the city moved the bodies and turned it into a park, some of the bodies were missed. Several apparitions are said to roam here late at night, most notably a woman who was following the Mormon Trail and ...


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    Museum of Shadows

    Elmwood, Nebraska

    36.8 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    We have captured some amazing evidence that links back to Harry Green and the Blackbird Store. We have even interacted with the souls who are attached to the very items in the museum. You may feel a soft touch on your arm or shoulder to smelling a very strong perfume ...


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    Super China Buffet

    Nebraska City, Nebraska

    40.5 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    Formerly Bischof’s Hardware, the restaurant is believed to be haunted by either the ghost of former owner Mr. Bischof or the spirits of a young man who died nearby. Many strange occurrences have been reported here, such as objects that move by themselves.


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    Wildwood

    Nebraska City, Nebraska

    40.8 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    Sensitive guests feel a 'presence' when they tour this historic 1860's home. Some have mentioned seeing a lady in a long black dress in the kitchen or hear footsteps in the dining room. Others hear children's voices upstairs. A paranormal team had it's flashlight turn on ...


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    The Earling Exorcism

    Earling, Iowa

    42.3 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    Earling is famous for a 1928 exorcism that lasted more than 3 weeks. A local Franciscan convent was the setting for the ceremony; the target was the demons inhabiting Emma Schmidt. As Roman Catholic Capuchin Theophilus Riesinger worked, Emma is said to have flown across the room and clung to ...


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    St. Mary's Cemetery

    Hamburg, Iowa

    45.8 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    A mysterious spirit, that of a woman, has been seen kneeling at the feet of three of the cemetery's Virgin Mary statues. Also reported have been wailing sounds coming from the statues.


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    The Hotel Cafe and Saloon

    Scribner, Nebraska

    50.2 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    The 1901 Hotel Cafe and Saloon, now operating as a restaurant, is believed to be haunted by victims of murders or suicides thought to have occurred in the building. On the second and third floors, witnesses have seen shadow figures, heard unexplained voices and felt cold spots.


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    Old Captain's Studio

    Lincoln, Nebraska

    50.6 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    This historic building was formerly the residence of a retired sea captain, who owned a studio on the upper floor. Tenants of a law firm now located on the premises have reported seeing his apparition on several occasions over the years. (Submitted by Callum Swift)


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    Villisca Axe Murder House

    Villisca, Iowa

    51.6 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    In 1912 an entire family was murdered here by axe, and it is said that the house is still haunted by their spirits. The house has been investigated and featured on the TV show Ghost Adventures.


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    Richmond House

    Lincoln, Nebraska

    52 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    In the 1920s there was a triple murder suicide involving the husband, Bill, his wife Venus, her lover and their baby. Bill killed Venus by shotgun... he then laid on the railroad tracks near the home and was killed by a train. The baby was never found... In a corner ...


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    Antelope Park

    Lincoln, Nebraska

    53.3 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    Near Antelope Park's memorial, behind the caretaker's house, is a field. Witnesses report that many apparitions have been seen in this field, walking across it and into the woods.


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    Temple Theatre

    Lincoln, Nebraska

    53.6 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    This theater at the University of Nebraska, founded in 1869, is the centerpiece for some oft-told campus tales. In the 1940s, a student was said to have fallen to his death from the overhead rigging during a production of MacBeth, and now his apparition is said to appear during Shakespeare ...


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    Nebraska State Capitol

    Lincoln, Nebraska

    53.8 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    The Nebraska State Capitol was built over 10 years (1922-1932), and is still the home of Nebraska's government. It is said to be haunted by an apparition of someone falling, along with screaming and crying. It is thought to be either a man who had a heart attack and fell ...


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    The Historic Klondike Hotel

    Manilla, Iowa

    54.2 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    The Klondike Hotel was built on the street that in 1897 was named Railroad Street. It faced to the west toward the bustling Milwaukee tracks and depot. An access road was completed shortly after the hotel was built which directly connected the Hotel with the Depot. The ...


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    High Creek Cemetery

    Watson, Missouri

    54.2 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    Upon finding this website, I was shocked to find this location was not listed, as it is "well known" by locals to be noted as haunted. The experience I had there happened about 10 years ago. A friend and I were hanging out one night and decided to ...


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    Lake Street Lake - Rudge Memorial Park

    Lincoln, Nebraska

    54.7 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    Formerly dairy farm, and then a skating rink, the park is said to be haunted by a little boy killed long ago by a gang of bullies. Apparitions have been reported to occur in winter near the creek.


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    Eliza C. Morgan Hall - Peru State College

    Peru, Nebraska

    54.7 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    The Morgan Hall dormitory is said to be haunted by Eliza Morgan herself. Legend has it that she once lived in the house that makes up the center of the dormitory, and she died in the basement.


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    Robber's Cave - Van Dorn Park

    Lincoln, Nebraska

    55.2 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    Robber's Cave, in southwest Lincoln near the intersection of 10th and High streets, was called Pahuk Bluff by the Pawnee Indians who came here to contact Tirawa, the god of all things. The cave was later a stop on the Underground Railroad and, in 1876, a hideout for Jesse James. ...


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    Captain Bailey Museum

    Brownville, Nebraska

    60.6 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    Civil War Captain Bailey's seven-gabled house now holds the museum of Brownville artifacts, and is rumored to be haunted by the captain himself. Among the proof, witnesses say, are doors that won't stay closed and the sound of piano playing late at night. Local tales say the captain died as ...


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    Blackbird Hill

    Council Bluffs, Nebraska

    60.9 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    The burial place of Omaha Indian Chief Blackbird, said to be buried here sitting upright on his horse, is rumored to be haunted. And it's old -- folks say in 1804, famed explorers Lewis and Clark visited this gravesite, leaving behind decorations to commemorate him. But the ghost here is ...


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    Meriwether Lewis Dredge

    Brownville, Nebraska

    60.9 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    Dredge Captain Meriwether Lewis, built in 1931, is one of the few surviving examples of its type built to control flooding along U.S. rivers. It contains a museum that is believed to be haunted. Employees say the ghosts have long been a part of the museum's staff. Perhaps most notably, ...


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    Skyway Drive-In

    Schuyler, Nebraska

    63 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    At the Skyway Drive-In, folks say black phantom dogs with a missing eye and a missing leg roam the grounds. Witnesses maintain that f you look away from them, they disappear.


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    Concordia University - David Hall

    Seward, Nebraska

    68.3 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    The David Dorm is rumored to be haunted by Native Americans whose 1700s bones were found when the dorm was built in the 1970s. Residents say electronic appliances and showers turn on by themselves.


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    Elk Grove Cemetery - Union Township Cemetery

    Coon Rapids, Iowa

    69.2 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    According to local legend there is a small headstone with an eerie ability: If you position yourself the right way in front of it, after a few minutes it will begin to glow.


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    Ghost Bridge of Logan Creek

    Pender, Nebraska

    71 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    Local legend tells of an early-1900s train that was held up by vigilantes chasing down a hired hand who murdered the family that employed him. The train bridge used to cross the Logan Creek, and from this former trestle, the man was hanged. Residents say sometimes a ghost bridge appears ...


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    Doane College Library

    Crete, Nebraska

    72.1 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    The college library is believed to be haunted by a woman in a white dress who appears in the basement or in front of a window during the full moon.


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    Clarkson Historical Opera House

    Clarkson, Nebraska

    72.7 miles from Council Bluffs, IA

    Local residents and employees have reported hearing ghostly laughter and seeing apparitions in period clothing wandering around the building. (Submitted by Callum Swift)


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