Haunted Places in Irwin, Iowa
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The Historic Klondike Hotel
Manilla, IA
7.0 miles from Irwin, 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 local drayman was …
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The Earling Exorcism
Earling, IA
10.9 miles from Irwin, 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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Old Highway 83
Shelby, IA
25.9 miles from Irwin, 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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Elk Grove Cemetery - Union Township Cemetery
Coon Rapids, IA
27.0 miles from Irwin, 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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Union Cemetery - The Devil's Chair
Guthrie Center, IA
37.7 miles from Irwin, IA
It is said that those who sit in the cement chair will receive a spell of bad luck. The Devil's Chair has no markings, and sits between the Peterson and Miller graves. According to reports, the chair has been believed to be cursed for at least 35 years.
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Rainbow Bridge
Lake City, IA
38.2 miles from Irwin, IA
A chocolate-loving spirit resides at this old bowstring bridge. Stories say that if you bring an unopened chocolate bar to the bridge at midnight, lay it in the center of the bridge, and exit the bridge, after 5 minutes you will find an unopened and intact wrapper, but the chocolate …
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Stage Coach Inn
Ida Grove, IA
41.5 miles from Irwin, IA
The Stage Coach Inn was built in 1856 by John and Martha Moorhead; The Inn served a stage coach stop and the first court house in Ida County Iowa and was also the church, School as well as the first hospital in Ida grove were amputations sometimes accrued on the …
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Lewis and Clark Park
Council Bluffs, IA
47.6 miles from Irwin, IA
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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Hummel Park
Omaha, NE
48.6 miles from Irwin, 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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Fairview Cemetery
Council Bluffs, IA
49.0 miles from Irwin, IA
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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Union Pacific Railroad Museum
Council Bluffs, IA
49.6 miles from Irwin, IA
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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General Dodge House
Council Bluffs, IA
49.7 miles from Irwin, IA
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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Squirrel Cage - Old Pottawattamie County Jail
Council Bluffs, IA
49.7 miles from Irwin, IA
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 hand …
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Dana College
Blair, NE
51.8 miles from Irwin, 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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Mystery Manor
Omaha, NE
52.4 miles from Irwin, 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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Prospect Hill Cemetery
Omaha, NE
52.6 miles from Irwin, 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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O'Connor's Irish Pub
Omaha, NE
52.7 miles from Irwin, 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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White House Apartments
Omaha, NE
53.0 miles from Irwin, 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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James F Lynch Park
Omaha, NE
53.8 miles from Irwin, 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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Cornerstone Mansion Bed and Breakfast
Omaha, NE
53.9 miles from Irwin, 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, and …
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Keystone Trail
Omaha, NE
55.0 miles from Irwin, 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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Jewell Park
Bellevue, NE
56.6 miles from Irwin, 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, NE
57.2 miles from Irwin, 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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Malvern Manor
Malvern, IA
58.0 miles from Irwin, 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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Swope Hall - Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, IA
58.8 miles from Irwin, IA
A ghost named Mary is said to haunt this hall. Legend says her house once stood in the very spot where Swope Hall stands today. She died of lead poisoning, which caused her to become mentally unstable and leap from a 3rd-story window. Phenomema experienced here involve the opening and …
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Blackbird Hill
Thurston County, NE
59.4 miles from Irwin, 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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Brother Sebastian's
Omaha, NE
59.5 miles from Irwin, 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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Villisca Axe Murder House
Villisca, IA
60.7 miles from Irwin, 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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Van Fossen Cemetery
Adel, IA
61.0 miles from Irwin, IA
Since the 1850's, the Van Fossen cemetery has had many names, from Rodenbaugh Cemetery, the Old Adel Cemetery, to the "official" name recorded by the state, the Gibson Cemetery. Along old highway 6, the cemetery is sometimes just called the Bilderback Cemetery, after the massive headstones that mark the graves …
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Bannwell Bridge - Terror Bridge
Barnum, IA
66.3 miles from Irwin, IA
Local legend maintains that a woman once killed her 3 kids here. Some reports say she hung them from the bridge and they were hit by a train coming through. Her ghostly head is said to follow you down the road, and if you don't have your doors and windows …
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Kate Shelly High Bridge
Boone, IA
66.3 miles from Irwin, IA
Local legend tells the tale of 15-year-old Kate Shelley, who in 1881 crawled across a badly damaged bridge during a terrible storm to warn an oncoming train that the bridge was out. This bridge, built in 1901, is said to be her ghost's home. Phantom trains also have been seen …
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The Van Meter Creature
Van Meter, IA
67.3 miles from Irwin, IA
First seen in 1903, the Van Meter Creature is a monster with batlike wings and a horn on its head that glows with blinding light. It may also manifest as a hovering spot of light. Shortly after it began to terrorize the townsfolk, strange sounds started coming from a coal …
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American Theatre
Cherokee, IA
68.5 miles from Irwin, IA
Staff at the theatre maintain that it is haunted by previous owner Mr. Goldie. A seat has been seen rocking, slowly, all by itself, and it is said that the theatre's employees have many more stories to tell.
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Hannah's Grave
Plattsmouth, NE
69.0 miles from Irwin, 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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Cherokee Mental Health Institute Cemetery
Cherokee, IA
69.5 miles from Irwin, IA
Behind the MHI on the north side there Is a locked gate about 4 feet tall, if you follow that path down about a foot ball field distance you should cross a small bridge,and there is a small cemetery that is home to nameless graves. It is said that if …
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Barnard Park
Fremont, NE
70.6 miles from Irwin, 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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Boone County Historical Society - Masonic Temple
Boone, IA
70.8 miles from Irwin, IA
Dating back to 1907, the historic former masonic temple and museum may have a resident ghost. Known as 'Frank', the poltergeist frequently slams doors and turns on lights after the place has been closed up for the night. Disembodied footsteps have also been heard on the second floor, and on …
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Mt Hope Cemetery
Madrid, IA
71.7 miles from Irwin, IA
The ghost of a child named Sara resides at this cemetery. She and four other children from her family are buried near the back. Sara is said to follow around visitors and ask for someone named Ree. She is also known to touch people and tug at clothing if her …
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The Boone News-Republican
Boone, IA
71.8 miles from Irwin, IA
Employees who work late have heard unexplained footsteps and, at times, have heard their names called. The phenomena seem to occur only when the place is nearly empty of people.
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Hawkeye Theatre
Fort Dodge, IA
72.5 miles from Irwin, IA
Reports say visitors to the theater get the feeling of being watched, and have seen a ghostly little girl. Also, some say if you are alone here you will feel the not-so-gentle touch of an invisible hand.
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Hawkeye Community Theatre
Fort Dodge, IA
72.5 miles from Irwin, IA
This historic theatre is believed to be haunted by the apparition of a young girl who was murdered nearby. Witnesses claim to have seen her sitting in the hall after hours, and have felt her brush past them in the corridors. The chandelier at the entrance also moves of its …
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Ball Cemetery
Springfield, NE
73.7 miles from Irwin, 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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Vegors Cemetery
Lehigh, IA
74.5 miles from Irwin, 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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Graceland Park Cemetery
Sioux City, IA
74.7 miles from Irwin, IA
It is said that orbs of light can be seen here, but visitors trying to take pictures report that they feel a bit disoriented and find that their cameras mysteriously fail to work until they leave the area.
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The Hotel Cafe and Saloon
Scribner, NE
75.7 miles from Irwin, 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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Leflur / Lefler House
Sioux City, IA
76.0 miles from Irwin, IA
Reports may differ as to spell the name of the locally famous haunted house, but its merit as a haunted site is hard to argue. Several murders have taken place on the premises. Phenomena reported include a red glow seen upstairs, a very cold attic (even in the heat of …
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Dimmitt Hall - Morningside College
Sioux City, IA
76.2 miles from Irwin, IA
Residents of this dorm have reported hearing a girl choking and gagging at night. Also, an apparition of a crying woman has been seen walking down the hall. She is said to be the ghost of a girl who committed suicide by hanging herself from the heating pipes in her …
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KD Station
Sioux City, IA
77.4 miles from Irwin, IA
The building started out in 1915 as a meat-packing plant, but changed hands to a packing operation. In 1949 a gas leak and resulting explosion killed several people. Later on, the spot became a shopping center, and it is here that strange happenings have been reported. Lights turn on by …
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Jordan House
West Des Moines, IA
77.5 miles from Irwin, IA
This museum is allegedly haunted by the ghost of the young daughter of the original owner. She died when she was three years old after falling from the stair railing she was sliding down and breaking her neck. People claim they still see and hear her playing throughout the house.
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Ghost Bridge of Logan Creek
Pender, NE
78.4 miles from Irwin, 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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