Haunted Places in Rockford, Iowa



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    Riverside Cemetery

    Charles City, Iowa

    13.3 miles from Rockford, 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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    Children of Iron Hill

    Charles City, Iowa

    14.7 miles from Rockford, 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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    Buddy Holly Memorial

    Clear Lake, Iowa

    24.7 miles from Rockford, 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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    Satan's Hollow Bridge

    Shell Rock, Iowa

    32.5 miles from Rockford, 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

    36.8 miles from Rockford, 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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    Thompson Hall Dormitory

    Iowa Falls, Iowa

    39.7 miles from Rockford, 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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    Hazel Green Cemetery

    Ackley, Iowa

    40.3 miles from Rockford, 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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    Lawther Hall - University of Northern Iowa

    Cedar Falls, Iowa

    44.5 miles from Rockford, 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

    44.6 miles from Rockford, 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

    44.6 miles from Rockford, 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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  • Haunted Iowa
    Kathleen Vyn

    Haunted Iowa City
    Vernon Trollinger
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    Walmart - Flammang Drive

    Waterloo, Iowa

    51.6 miles from Rockford, 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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    Conover Road Ghost Family

    Ridgeway, Iowa

    53.9 miles from Rockford, 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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    J L Reece Memorial Park

    New Providence, Iowa

    56.3 miles from Rockford, 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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    West Union Hardee's

    West Union, Iowa

    57.7 miles from Rockford, 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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    Regents Center - Luther College

    Decorah, Iowa

    60.3 miles from Rockford, 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

    60.3 miles from Rockford, 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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    Porter House Museum

    Decorah, Iowa

    60.9 miles from Rockford, 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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    Little Africa - Geigel Woods

    Algona, Iowa

    62.6 miles from Rockford, 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 ...


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    Plum Creek Pits

    Algona, Iowa

    63.6 miles from Rockford, 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.


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    Gypsy Cemetery - Union Township Cemetery

    Algona, Iowa

    66.5 miles from Rockford, 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 ...


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  • Dubuque's Haunted History
    Richard Barker

    Historic Haunted America
    Michael Norman
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    Humboldt County Historical Museum

    Humboldt, Iowa

    66.9 miles from Rockford, 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.


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    Buchanan County Court House

    Independence, Iowa

    67.1 miles from Rockford, 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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    Mrs B's Bed and Breakfast Inn

    Lanesboro, Minnesota

    67.2 miles from Rockford, 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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    Riverside Cemetery

    Marshalltown, Iowa

    68.7 miles from Rockford, 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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    Mantorville Opera House

    Kasson, Minnesota

    70.7 miles from Rockford, 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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    The Kahler Hotel

    Rochester, Minnesota

    71.3 miles from Rockford, 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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    Vegors Cemetery

    Lehigh, Iowa

    71.6 miles from Rockford, 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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    Quarry Hill Nature Center

    Rochester, Minnesota

    72.4 miles from Rockford, 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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    It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere

    Owatonna, Minnesota

    72.7 miles from Rockford, 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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    Hawkeye Community Theatre

    Fort Dodge, Iowa

    72.9 miles from Rockford, 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 ...


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    Hawkeye Theatre

    Fort Dodge, Iowa

    72.9 miles from Rockford, 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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    West Hills

    Owatonna, Minnesota

    73.1 miles from Rockford, 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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    Meskwaki Bingo Casino and Hotel

    Tama, Iowa

    74.4 miles from Rockford, IA

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


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    Grotto of the Redemption

    West Bend, Iowa

    75.9 miles from Rockford, 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 ...


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    Franklin Hotel

    Strawberry Point, Iowa

    76 miles from Rockford, 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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    Evergreen Cemetery

    Vinton, Iowa

    77.8 miles from Rockford, 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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    Farm House Museum

    Ames, Iowa

    79.2 miles from Rockford, IA

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


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    Fisher Theatre - Iowa State University

    Ames, Iowa

    79.4 miles from Rockford, 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.


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    Iowa State University - Memorial Union

    Ames, Iowa

    79.4 miles from Rockford, 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.


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    Iowa State University - C.Y. Stephens Auditorium

    Ames, Iowa

    79.5 miles from Rockford, 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, ...


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    Friley Hall - Iowa State University

    Ames, Iowa

    79.5 miles from Rockford, 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 ...


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    Bannwell Bridge - Terror Bridge

    Barnum, Iowa

    80.3 miles from Rockford, 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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    Stagecoach Inn Museum

    Manchester, Iowa

    81.2 miles from Rockford, 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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    The Boone News-Republican

    Boone, Iowa

    82.8 miles from Rockford, 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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    Boone County Historical Society - Masonic Temple

    Boone, Iowa

    83.2 miles from Rockford, 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 ...


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    Shellsburg Cemetery

    Shellsburg, Iowa

    85.1 miles from Rockford, 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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    Pettlon Family House

    Manchester, Iowa

    85.5 miles from Rockford, 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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    Pleasant Ridge Cemetery

    Palo, Iowa

    85.9 miles from Rockford, 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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    Kate Shelly High Bridge

    Boone, Iowa

    86 miles from Rockford, 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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    Parkers Grove Cemetery

    Shellsburg, Iowa

    87 miles from Rockford, 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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  • Haunted Houses
    Corinne May Botz


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