Haunted Places in Kanawha, Iowa



  • 0

    Little Africa - Geigel Woods

    Algona, Iowa

    21.2 miles from Kanawha, IA

    This site is said to be very active with spirits, in part because the old bridge was the site of two hangings. Car accidents have been caused by apparitions standing in the middle of the road. Also, at the old farm house, the husband is said to have killed the ...


    Read more »
  • 0

    Plum Creek Pits

    Algona, Iowa

    24.1 miles from Kanawha, IA

    Locals say a little boy's ghost appears at this popular fishing spot. Some say the boy was once accidentally impaled by a stick when he fell while running nearby. The ghost has been seen walking along the bank of the pit.


    Read more »
  • 0

    Humboldt County Historical Museum

    Humboldt, Iowa

    25.1 miles from Kanawha, IA

    Lights are seen in the building at night and some people claim the ghost of a man who drowned in the nearby river has also been spotted roaming the grounds.


    Read more »
  • 0

    Gypsy Cemetery - Union Township Cemetery

    Algona, Iowa

    27.5 miles from Kanawha, IA

    This small gypsy cemetery is said to be haunted by a gypsy queen, who is guarded by a murder of crows. Legend has it that in the 1800s gypsies came through here often with their wagons. If any member of their group was sick and dying, they would simply bury ...


    Read more »
  • 0

    Buddy Holly Memorial

    Clear Lake, Iowa

    28.5 miles from Kanawha, 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.


    Read more »
  • 0

    Grotto of the Redemption

    West Bend, Iowa

    33 miles from Kanawha, IA

    This sacred site was constructed over a 42-year period, beginning in 1912, using semiprecious stones from every state in the U.S. and every world region. The Christmas Chapel contains a 300-lb. amethyst, and Bethlehem Cave contains 65 tons of petrified wood. The spiritual place has tons of statues depicting the ...


    Read more »
  • 0

    Hawkeye Community Theatre

    Fort Dodge, Iowa

    35.5 miles from Kanawha, 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 ...


    Read more »
  • 0

    Hawkeye Theatre

    Fort Dodge, Iowa

    35.5 miles from Kanawha, 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.


    Read more »
  • 0

    Thompson Hall Dormitory

    Iowa Falls, Iowa

    38.9 miles from Kanawha, 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.


    Read more »
  • 0

    Bannwell Bridge - Terror Bridge

    Barnum, Iowa

    41 miles from Kanawha, 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 ...


    Read more »

  • Dubuque's Haunted History
    Richard Barker
  • 0

    Vegors Cemetery

    Lehigh, Iowa

    43.5 miles from Kanawha, 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 ...


    Read more »
  • 0

    Lot Behind Nauss Oil

    Emmetsburg, Iowa

    45.9 miles from Kanawha, IA

    A motel once stood in this vacant lot, but it has since been demolished. The foundation/drive-/walkway is still there. Locals say the spirit of an old man in a plaid shirt and chinos walks along the way, stopping several times as if he is checking to make sure the motel ...


    Read more »
  • 0

    Hazel Green Cemetery

    Ackley, Iowa

    47.8 miles from Kanawha, 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 ...


    Read more »
  • 0

    J L Reece Memorial Park

    New Providence, Iowa

    56.2 miles from Kanawha, 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.


    Read more »
  • 0

    Riverside Cemetery

    Charles City, Iowa

    56.7 miles from Kanawha, 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.


    Read more »
  • 0

    Children of Iron Hill

    Charles City, Iowa

    58.1 miles from Kanawha, 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 ...


    Read more »
  • 0

    Boone County Historical Society - Masonic Temple

    Boone, Iowa

    60.7 miles from Kanawha, 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 ...


    Read more »
  • 0

    The Boone News-Republican

    Boone, Iowa

    60.9 miles from Kanawha, 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.


    Read more »
  • 0

    Kate Shelly High Bridge

    Boone, Iowa

    61.3 miles from Kanawha, 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 ...


    Read more »
  • 0

    Oak Hill Cemetery

    Estherville, Iowa

    62.2 miles from Kanawha, IA

    A couple of spooky stories surround this cemetery's hill, and the fact that your car, when put in neutral, will seem to travel up it by itself. According to one story, a car full of football players was in an accident here when the car stalled. While they were pushing ...


    Read more »

  • Haunted Iowa
    Kathleen Vyn

    Haunted Iowa City
    Vernon Trollinger
  • 0

    Farm House Museum

    Ames, Iowa

    63.4 miles from Kanawha, IA

    The spirits of two sisters are believed to reside at the museum; details of the hauntings are unknown.


    Read more »
  • 0

    Friley Hall - Iowa State University

    Ames, Iowa

    63.6 miles from Kanawha, IA

    One dormitory room is nicknamed Satan’s Legion. Rumor has it that a student killed himself there, and everyone who is assigned to that room either dies or disappears. Reports say many students are afraid to go into the room, and some maintain that because of this, the university stopped assigning ...


    Read more »
  • 0

    Iowa State University - Memorial Union

    Ames, Iowa

    63.6 miles from Kanawha, IA

    The hall is a tribute to graduate soldiers who died at war. According to reports, a strange low moan can be heard constantly here. Some say is it the voice of the only woman who ever graduated from the school who died in World War I.


    Read more »
  • 0

    Fisher Theatre - Iowa State University

    Ames, Iowa

    63.8 miles from Kanawha, IA

    Named for contributor J.W. Fisher, the 1974 theater is rumored to be haunted by Frederica Shattuck, another university theater department contributor. So the story goes, the ghost took up residence in the Fisher Theatre after her Shattuck Theater was demolished.


    Read more »
  • 0

    Iowa State University - C.Y. Stephens Auditorium

    Ames, Iowa

    63.9 miles from Kanawha, IA

    A friendly ghost, C.Y. Stephens himself, in fact, is known to haunt this auditorium. He has been seen in the basement tunnels or sitting in the back right corner of the 3rd balcony. He also makes himself known by cold spots and the sound of footsteps. When performers see him, ...


    Read more »
  • 0

    Satan's Hollow Bridge

    Shell Rock, Iowa

    65.8 miles from Kanawha, 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.


    Read more »
  • 0

    Moose Pond

    Spencer, Iowa

    69.2 miles from Kanawha, IA

    Locals tell a story of harrowing events that happen at 8:47 p.m. on December 23. If you visit the iced-over pond on that night, you can hear pounding on the ice and hear the screams of a young boy trapped beneath the ice. According to the story, the young boy ...


    Read more »
  • 0

    Rainbow Bridge

    Lake City, Iowa

    69.2 miles from Kanawha, 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 ...


    Read more »
  • 0

    Camp Ingawanis

    Waverly, Iowa

    71.9 miles from Kanawha, 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.


    Read more »
  • 0

    Strayer-Wood Theatre

    Cedar Falls, Iowa

    73.5 miles from Kanawha, 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.


    Read more »
  • 0

    Lawther Hall - University of Northern Iowa

    Cedar Falls, Iowa

    73.6 miles from Kanawha, 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 ...


    Read more »
  • 0

    Bartlett Hall - University of Northern Iowa

    Cedar Falls, Iowa

    73.7 miles from Kanawha, 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 ...


    Read more »
  • 0

    Mt Hope Cemetery

    Madrid, Iowa

    74.2 miles from Kanawha, 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 ...


    Read more »
  • 0

    Swope Hall - Buena Vista University

    Storm Lake, Iowa

    74.7 miles from Kanawha, 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 ...


    Read more »
  • 0

    Riverside Cemetery

    Marshalltown, Iowa

    75.5 miles from Kanawha, 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 ...


    Read more »
  • 0

    Loon Lake Cemetery

    Jackson, Minnesota

    77.1 miles from Kanawha, IA

    Loon Lake Cemetery is said to be haunted--and dangerous. According to local lore, three witches were violently executed and were buried here, but not before threatening to curse anyone who desecrated their graves. Mary Jane, beheaded in 1881, was said to be the most powerful of the witches. Legend has ...


    Read more »
  • 0

    Farrar Schoolhouse

    Maxwell, Iowa

    81.2 miles from Kanawha, IA

    This building, formerly a middle school, has been a private residence since 2008. Please respect the owners' privacy. Witnesses have seen the ghost of a small boy in the stairwell; one has also appeared in a photo sitting on the edge of the auditorium stage. Voices of children talking and ...


    Read more »
  • 0

    Walmart - Flammang Drive

    Waterloo, Iowa

    81.3 miles from Kanawha, 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 ...


    Read more »
  • 0

    It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere

    Owatonna, Minnesota

    84.1 miles from Kanawha, 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.


    Read more »
  • 0

    Minnesota State University Mankato

    Mankato, Minnesota

    84.2 miles from Kanawha, IA

    Minnesota State University Mankato is said to have a ghost who rings buzzers and another who steals toilet paper in the Crawford Dorm. And in the Crawford-McElroy Complex, there is a ghost stuck in the 1960s who goes on panty raids.


    Read more »
  • 0

    West Hills

    Owatonna, Minnesota

    84.3 miles from Kanawha, 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 ...


    Read more »
  • 0

    R.D Hubbard House Museum

    Mankato, Minnesota

    85.2 miles from Kanawha, IA

    This historic mansion is currently operated as a museum by the Blue Earth County Historical Society, and staff claim that even after the building has closed down for the night, some still walk the halls of the old house. Visitors claim to have heard ghostly laughter, running footsteps in ...


    Read more »
  • 0

    Calvary Cemetery

    Mankato, Minnesota

    86 miles from Kanawha, IA

    At Calvary Cemetery, you can find the visuals for many stories told by school kids. There are several about an evil doctor who appears as a ghost-devil, and some about Hell Road, a nearby path where animal sacrifices were allegedly performed. Ghost hunters determined that no such devilish behavior really ...


    Read more »
  • 0

    Meskwaki Bingo Casino and Hotel

    Tama, Iowa

    86.7 miles from Kanawha, IA

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


    Read more »
  • 0

    Le Sueur County Historical Society Museum

    Elysian, Minnesota

    87.5 miles from Kanawha, 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.


    Read more »
  • 0

    Merle Hay Mall

    Des Moines, Iowa

    90.5 miles from Kanawha, IA

    The mall and its tower are rumored to be built over a monastery that was closed in the 1950s. According to the stories, some nuns became pregnant and had miscarriages, and the babies were buried in unmarked graves at this site. Reports say ghosts of both nuns and infants have ...


    Read more »
  • 0

    Old Red Horse Armory

    Des Moines, Iowa

    91.3 miles from Kanawha, IA

    This old cavalry armory is now the housing for city school buses. There have been reports that members of the National Guard, when they occupied the building, heard ghostly sounds from long ago: clopping of horses' hooves and jingling of harnesses. An apparition of an older man in cavalry garb ...


    Read more »
  • 0

    Spooky Table at the Weaver House

    Des Moines, Iowa

    91.8 miles from Kanawha, IA

    Local legend has it that when the Weavers purchased a table in 1937, they bought a ghost along with it. The table is said to have made rapping noises and caused other disturbances until a minister's wife quieted it by reading from the Bible. A spiritualist consulted by the Weavers ...


    Read more »
  • 0

    Smelly Ghost of University Avenue

    Des Moines, Iowa

    92.5 miles from Kanawha, IA

    Locals say a cloudlike presence occurs here, and it smells of kerosene. Sometimes within the cloud is the form of a man or several tiny flickering lights. Reports tell of a man who died nearby in 1881 as a result of his kerosene-soaked clothes catching fire.


    Read more »
  • 0

    Van Fossen Cemetery

    Adel, Iowa

    92.6 miles from Kanawha, 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 ...


    Read more »

  • Ghosts of the Northeast
    David J. Pitkin


» Cemeteries near Kanawha, IA

» Find museums in Kanawha, IA