Haunted Places in Ely, Iowa



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    The Trunkless Tree - Campbell Cemetery

    Cedar Rapids, Iowa

    7.4 miles from Ely, IA

    Is it an optical illusion or a spirited trick? Locals say that if you visit this cemetery at night and turn off your headlights, you will see a tree that looks as if it has no trunk. It appears to float in the air. Reports say there used to be ...


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    Oak Hill Cemetery

    Cedar Rapids, Iowa

    7.7 miles from Ely, IA

    The ghost of a little Czech girl named Tillie is said to linger in this cemetery, haunting through the night carrying a lit candle. It is said she may try to pull visitors into a mausoleum.


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    Cedar Rapids Museum of Art

    Cedar Rapids, Iowa

    8.3 miles from Ely, IA

    The building was the town library until 1985. According to stories told by locals, one day in the 1960s a regular patron named Hazel visited the library. She was seen walking through the rooms by patrons and employees alike. However, it was soon realized that Hazel had passed away in ...


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    Brucemore

    Cedar Rapids, Iowa

    8.7 miles from Ely, IA

    The library is allegedly haunted by a poltergeist-type entity who moves objects, laughs and makes other noises. Some people claim to see a glowing "presence" in the library as well.


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    Coe College

    Cedar Rapids, Iowa

    8.7 miles from Ely, IA

    The resident ghost here is Helen, a student who died of influenza in 1918. A grandfather clock located here is said to have been donated by her parents; it used to be in her dorm. Some say the clock is where her spirit lives, but she may come out at ...


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    Greencastle Cemetery

    North Liberty, Iowa

    8.9 miles from Ely, IA

    Something eerie may be going on in this old cemetery. Even though no one has been buried here for a long time, reports say the earth looks freshly dug up. Tombstones are said to move about, and some have seen a teenage witch dressed in black with long, dark hair. ...


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    Stello Performance Hall - Mount Mercy

    Cedar Rapids, Iowa

    9.7 miles from Ely, IA

    Reports say that a nun once hanged herself from the choir loft balcony, and she now wanders the halls. Especially haunted is said to be Warde Hall.


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    Carlos O'Kelly's

    Marion, Iowa

    10.7 miles from Ely, IA

    The bar is said to be haunted by prank-playing spirits. Workers say the lights flicker, the blenders start up by themselves even when unplugged, and plates fall off their racks.


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    Wildwood Apartments

    Cedar Rapids, Iowa

    10.7 miles from Ely, 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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    Granger House Museum

    Marion, Iowa

    11.2 miles from Ely, IA

    Folks around these parts will tell of a ghost at the Granger House Museum. Her white figure is said to be seen at midnight, sitting in front of a window.


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    Black Angel - Oakland Cemetery

    Iowa City, Iowa

    14.4 miles from Ely, IA

    Strange phenomona occur here, seemingly revolving around two statues: the Black Angel and a young girl set on a pedestal. Folks have reported seeing strange lights and the Angel walking about as a glowing shape. It is said that the little girl statue will pick out one member of a ...


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    Currier Hall - University of Iowa

    Iowa City, Iowa

    14.5 miles from Ely, IA

    Students like to tell of a triple suicide that occurred on the 4th floor. The reason? Three roommates fell in love with the same man. It is said that if roommates get into arguments, their ghosts will step in to restore harmony. Rumor also has it that the ghost of ...


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    Springville Cemetery‎

    Springville, Iowa

    14.7 miles from Ely, IA

    According to reports, a gravedigger died in 1920 while digging a grave. He fell in and broke his neck, which killed him instantly. It is said you can still see him working at night, with a glowing green shovel.


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    Slater Hall - University of Iowa

    University Heights, Iowa

    15 miles from Ely, IA

    It is reported that on the ninth floor a student once jumped to his death. Students say his ghost roams the halls carrying an ax, and footsteps and screams may be heard at night.


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    Watt's Antiques and Collectables

    Iowa City, Iowa

    15.6 miles from Ely, IA

    This address, at the corner of Muscatine Ave. and Dearborn Rd., is now an antique store that is rumored rumored to be haunted. People are said to have heard footsteps, voices, seen apparitions, and felt patches of paranormal feelings (ex. cold spots, uncomfortable feelings...) A great place to visit for ...


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    Indian Dam - Indian Fish Trap State Preserve

    Homestead, Iowa

    17.1 miles from Ely, IA

    The restless spirits of the Sauk Nation people who build the dam are said to haunt this area during full moons. The sounds of chanting and drums have been heard.


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    Mary Wright - Granny Sprague Cemetery

    Homestead, Iowa

    17.5 miles from Ely, IA

    The ghost of Mary Wright, a child of 6 who died in 1854, appears as a pale blue light over her grave, some say. She is said to appear during the final minute of each year.


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    Matsell Bridge - Matt's Bridge

    Central City, Iowa

    20.6 miles from Ely, IA

    Legend around town says that if you drive out the the middle of the bridge and shut off the car, an unseen force will push your car across the bridge. What's more, you will hear strange sounds outside around your car, and when you leave the place, you will see ...


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    Parkers Grove Cemetery

    Shellsburg, Iowa

    20.6 miles from Ely, 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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    Pleasant Ridge Cemetery

    Palo, Iowa

    21.3 miles from Ely, 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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    Shellsburg Cemetery

    Shellsburg, Iowa

    22 miles from Ely, 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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    Holy Cross Cemetary

    Anamosa, Iowa

    22.3 miles from Ely, IA

    An old hanging tree is said to lie behind the first group of trees in back of this cemetery. Orbs and shadowy figures are reported to appear here; the area is said to be an old Native American burial ground.


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    Machinist's Hall

    Conroy, Iowa

    23.4 miles from Ely, IA

    This meetinghouse was once a school, and it is said to be haunted by flickering lights in the night. Voices have been heard behind the building, as well. Note: Some Internet sites mistakenly call it "Mechanists Hall."


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    Riverside Cemetery

    Riverside, Iowa

    26.7 miles from Ely, IA

    It is said that many pairs of glowing eyes, belonging to the many graveyard spirits, can be seen by those who drive past.


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    Edinburgh Manor

    Monticello, Iowa

    29.3 miles from Ely, IA

    Built in 1908, this building is rumored to be hopping with haunts. It has been a mental institution among other things, and at least 80 people are said to have died here. For ghost enthusiasts, the place is available for private lockdowns.


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    Evergreen Cemetery

    Vinton, Iowa

    29.6 miles from Ely, 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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    Lennox College

    Hopkinton, Iowa

    37 miles from Ely, 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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    Greenwood Cemetery

    Muscatine, Iowa

    41.3 miles from Ely, IA

    The Blue Angel is a statue with a legend. Reports say that back in the 1950s, she was thought of as the benevolent spirit of the cemetery, protecting it from vandals. Sometime since then, tales about her have become more sinister. She is said to have once held a rose; ...


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    Pettlon Family House

    Manchester, Iowa

    42.8 miles from Ely, 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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    Stagecoach Inn Museum

    Manchester, Iowa

    43.2 miles from Ely, 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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    Buchanan County Court House

    Independence, Iowa

    44 miles from Ely, 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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    1875 Decker Hotel

    Maquoketa, Iowa

    49.1 miles from Ely, IA

    This hotel was built in (you guessed it) 1875, and is rumoured to be haunted by a prankster ghost who plays with the lights. (Submitted by Callum Swift)


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    Clubb House Restaurant

    Sigourney, Iowa

    49.2 miles from Ely, IA

    Lots of orbs and ghosts, pans falling off shelves! Customers feeling people touching them. (Submitted by Debbie and Justin)


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    Hotel Wapello

    Wapello, Iowa

    52.1 miles from Ely, IA

    The old-fashioned hotel, furnished with original antiques, used to be a schoolhouse and a law office. In 1906 the place became the Commercial Hotel, which became the premier place to stay in town after their main rival burnt to the ground. Now a bed and breakfast inn, the place ...


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    Walmart - Flammang Drive

    Waterloo, Iowa

    55.6 miles from Ely, 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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    Franklin Hotel

    Strawberry Point, Iowa

    56.1 miles from Ely, 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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    Meskwaki Bingo Casino and Hotel

    Tama, Iowa

    56.3 miles from Ely, IA

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


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    Ambrose Hall

    Davenport, Iowa

    56.7 miles from Ely, IA

    At this hall in St. Ambrose University, witnesses have reported hearing strange noises and footsteps late at night. They have also seen flickering lights. Some attribute the occurrences to the spirit of an old priest who died many years ago.


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    Palmer College of Chiropractic

    Davenport, Iowa

    57.3 miles from Ely, IA

    There is a lecture hall, built in the 1800s, that is said to be haunted by ghosts who fly around the ceiling, making the hanging lamps sway. It is said that there are no air vents, fans, or windows of any sort placed in such a way that would cause ...


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    Phi Kappa Chi

    Davenport, Iowa

    57.3 miles from Ely, IA

    This fraternity house has a haunt of its own, the apparition of a large man who enters at the front door and walks up the stairs to the front bedroom. He wears an overcoat with the collar turned up. Student lore says that the apparition belongs to a homeless man ...


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  • World Famous Ghosts
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    Scott City Hall

    Davenport, Iowa

    57.4 miles from Ely, IA

    An imposing building with a bell tower just begs to have a good ghost story associated with it, and this city hall building is no exception. People claim to see the ghost of a hanged man in the tower at night, allegedly from prisoners who were illegally hanged there. ...


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    Masonic Temple

    Davenport, Iowa

    57.4 miles from Ely, IA

    A wide assortment of haunted activity is claimed to occur at this former masonic temple. These phenomena include disembodied voices carrying on a conversation, noises without a recognizable source such as footsteps when there is no one seen, names being called when there is no one present, etc. Objects ...


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    Alice French House

    Davenport, Iowa

    57.5 miles from Ely, IA

    This historic mansion was the residence of the notable writer, who spent her years throughout here during the warmer months. Her father, the town mayor, originally owned the house, and it may be his spirit that is often reported here by visitors. Witnesses claim to have seen a distinguished ...


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    Hotel Blackhawk

    Davenport, Iowa

    57.6 miles from Ely, IA

    This place has undergone extensive renovation since almost burning down in a fire started by a meth lab operating out of the eighth floor in 2006. Could meth fumes, seeping through the walls account for the reports of ghosts? Cary Grant suffered his fatal stroke on the eighth floor ...


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    Bucksbaum Center - Grinnell College

    Grinnell, Iowa

    59.2 miles from Ely, IA

    A haunted wheelchair is said to reside on the stage in the performing arts building. Sometimes it has been known to roll out onto the stage during rehearsals or performances. Legend has it that it is the spirit of a former theater director paying a friendly visit.


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    Mossy Glen Hollow

    Strawberry Point, Iowa

    59.5 miles from Ely, 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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    Hickory Hill Cemetery

    Charlotte, Iowa

    59.6 miles from Ely, IA

    Legend has it that the ghost of a little girl doesn't want visitors here at all, and she may point at the gates as if telling you to leave. The sound of crying babies also has been heard here.


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    Central Avenue Ghost

    Bettendorf, Iowa

    60.9 miles from Ely, IA

    The spirit of a middle-aged washerwoman haunts the area with her wooden washtub. She has been reported since the late 1800s, but some say she upgraded her equipment and sometimes appears with a double-wringer washing machine.


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    Top of the Rock Grille

    Fairfield, Iowa

    63 miles from Ely, IA

    The origin of the hauntings at this restaurant is uncertain. What IS certain, is that it's haunted. Witnesses have seen objects moving by themselves in the kitchen and heard whispering and voices in the bathrooms. They have also heard the sound of people walking on the upper floors when no ...


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    Bartlett Hall - University of Northern Iowa

    Cedar Falls, Iowa

    63 miles from Ely, 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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