Haunted Places in Dubuque, Iowa



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    Grand Opera House

    Dubuque, Iowa

    The haunts at this opera house, built between 1889 and 1890, like to pull pranks. The lights operate by themselves, and cameras and tape recorders behave strangely. Witnesses have also heard ghostly singing from a seemingly empty stage, and apparitions have been seen as well. The ghosts here are loved ...


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    Fischer Building

    Dubuque, Iowa

    There are two ghosts that appear from time to time in the mid-19th-century Fischer Building, according to those in the know. One is a tall man who walks in the basement, and the other is a woman wearing a 1920s- or '30s-style dress and furs who walks around on the ...


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    Redstone Inn and Suites

    Dubuque, Iowa

    The nineteenth century inn was built in 1894 by a man who was forced to jump ship in the town and ended up prospering and owning a wagon empire. Staff and guests nowadays have reported seeing the apparition of an distinguished gentleman, while the owner claims to have heard ...


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    Hotel Julien

    Dubuque, Iowa

    According to staff and guests at this historic boutique hotel, sightings of the apparition of a man in period clothing on the upper floors of the hotel aren't uncommon; and neither are the legends surrounding his appearance. Some believe this spectre is Al Capone, who frequently stayed in the ...


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    Captain Merry Historic Inn

    East Dubuque, Illinois

    This historic inn is believed to have closed, and may now be a private residence. The building the inn was housed in has a colourful past, and is rumoured to be one of the most haunted houses in town. Reports range from sightings of a woman in a black ...


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    Mary Frances Hall - Clarke College

    Dubuque, Iowa

    Called Mary Fran by students, this hall was built in 1924 and is said to be haunted by school founder Mary Frances Clarke. Students have experienced unexplained footsteps in the hall and an uneasy feeling of being watched, and they have seen a shrouded apparition near the chapel. In other ...


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    Matthias Ham House

    Dubuque, Iowa

    No one knows exactly who is haunting the Matthias Ham museum, but ghostly tales abound. People have felt icy drafts in rooms that are closed, objects move and lights turn on independently of any explainable source. People also claim to hear strange noises and occasional whispering. One of ...


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    Desoto House Hotel

    Galena, Illinois

    13.4 miles from Dubuque, IA

    The 1855 DeSoto House Hotel boasts such esteemed former guests as Abraham Lincoln and William Jennings Bryan. It was also the presidential campaign headquarters for Ulysses S. Grant, among others. Although the identity of the ghosts here is unknown, many folks have reported phantom cigar smoke, voices in the halls, ...


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    Otto's Place

    Galena, Illinois

    13.5 miles from Dubuque, IA

    This quaint restaurant is haunted by Otto Sallman, the namesake of the establishment. A former tenant and café owner, his apparition has been seen walking the railroad tracks adjacent to the building. The current owners believe he is a welcoming spirit, who simply intends to greet customers to his ...


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    The Ably House

    Scales Mound, Illinois

    15.8 miles from Dubuque, IA

    There were allegedly some murders that took place in this old home, and it is said that the spirits of the dead still remain within its walls.


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  • Dubuque's Haunted History
    Richard Barker

    Haunted Iowa City
    Vernon Trollinger
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    1875 Decker Hotel

    Maquoketa, Iowa

    29.7 miles from Dubuque, 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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    Lennox College

    Hopkinton, Iowa

    31.4 miles from Dubuque, 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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    Edinburgh Manor

    Monticello, Iowa

    34.9 miles from Dubuque, 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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    The Walker House

    Mineral Point, Wisconsin

    35 miles from Dubuque, IA

    The magnificent stone hotel and restaurant dates back to the 1800s. It is said that the hauntings here may stem from a man during that century who was hanged from a tree outside by an angry mob after he stole a horse from his neighbor. Witnesses to the hauntings have ...


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    Hickory Hill Cemetery

    Charlotte, Iowa

    38.8 miles from Dubuque, 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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    Pettlon Family House

    Manchester, Iowa

    40 miles from Dubuque, 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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    Mossy Glen Hollow

    Strawberry Point, Iowa

    41.8 miles from Dubuque, 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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    Holy Cross Cemetary

    Anamosa, Iowa

    41.8 miles from Dubuque, 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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    Boscobel Hotel

    Boscobel, Wisconsin

    43.9 miles from Dubuque, IA

    This hotel's claim to fame is that it was the spot where the Gideon's Bible originated. The ghost of Adam Bobel, the hotel's original builder, has been seen here by employees and guests alike.


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    Stagecoach Inn Museum

    Manchester, Iowa

    44.4 miles from Dubuque, 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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  • Haunted Iowa
    Kathleen Vyn
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    Matsell Bridge - Matt's Bridge

    Central City, Iowa

    44.7 miles from Dubuque, 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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    Lover's Leap

    Elkader, Iowa

    45.3 miles from Dubuque, IA

    Local legend says that in the early 1830s, a young man named Lou Millville became friendly with the Native Americans who lived nearby, especially the chief's daughter White Cloud. One day, Lou followed two braves into the woods to learn the whereabouts of some nearby lead mines. He was discovered, ...


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    Franklin Hotel

    Strawberry Point, Iowa

    46 miles from Dubuque, 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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    Effigy Mounds

    Harpers Ferry, Iowa

    48.3 miles from Dubuque, IA

    The historic Indian Mounds are said to be haunted by the spirits of the Native Americans. Residents who live nearby have reported ghostly moans on the wind at night.


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    Willow Creek Farm

    Shannon, Illinois

    48.6 miles from Dubuque, IA

    Willow Creek Farm was once the property of William Boardman and his wife Mary, who arrived in New York from England in 1835. Homes for his daughters and their families also were built on the property. It is said to be haunted by former residents and Native Americans; witnesses have ...


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    Springville Cemetery‎

    Springville, Iowa

    50.1 miles from Dubuque, 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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    Cotton House

    Clinton, Iowa

    50.3 miles from Dubuque, IA

    This historic gothic mansion belonged to a family of barristers, who moved out after seeing the apparition of a woman in white roaming the hallways and ground after dark. Visitors to the house will not go down to the basement alone, which is believed to be haunted by an ...


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    Ludlow Mansion - Idle Hour Farm

    Monroe, Wisconsin

    52.7 miles from Dubuque, IA

    Once part of the Underground Railroad, the historic house is believed to be haunted by former owner Lady Ludlow. Witnesses have seen her apparition in the back hallway and experienced mysteriously floating objects, cold spots and flickering lights.


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    Taliesin

    Spring Green, Wisconsin

    53.5 miles from Dubuque, IA

    The house (an estate once owned by Frank Lloyd Wright) is haunted by the apparition of a lady in a white gown. Windows open and close by themselves, and late at night, the lights in the building will flash on and off when no one is around.


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    Granger House Museum

    Marion, Iowa

    57.6 miles from Dubuque, 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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  • Haunted Houses
    Corinne May Botz
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    The Trunkless Tree - Campbell Cemetery

    Cedar Rapids, Iowa

    57.6 miles from Dubuque, 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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    Carlos O'Kelly's

    Marion, Iowa

    58.6 miles from Dubuque, 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

    60.2 miles from Dubuque, 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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    Brucemore

    Cedar Rapids, Iowa

    61 miles from Dubuque, 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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    Stello Performance Hall - Mount Mercy

    Cedar Rapids, Iowa

    61.1 miles from Dubuque, 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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    Oak Hill Cemetery

    Cedar Rapids, Iowa

    61.9 miles from Dubuque, 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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    Coe College

    Cedar Rapids, Iowa

    62 miles from Dubuque, 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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    Swing Inn

    Ferryville, Wisconsin

    62.2 miles from Dubuque, IA

    On nights when business is slow, the apparition of a prostitute nicknamed Blue Moon may show up. She can be heard walking up and down the stairs.


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    Buchanan County Court House

    Independence, Iowa

    62.4 miles from Dubuque, 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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    Cedar Rapids Museum of Art

    Cedar Rapids, Iowa

    62.6 miles from Dubuque, 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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    Pleasant Ridge Cemetery

    Palo, Iowa

    64.1 miles from Dubuque, 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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    Flynn Steakhouse

    Brodhead, Wisconsin

    66 miles from Dubuque, IA

    Flynn Steakhouse, reported to no longer be in operation, was housed in a building from 1868, and had a haunted, unused hotel upstairs. Misty white formations were known to appear, long believed to be the ghost of Mary, a child who passed away here in the 1860s. Among the strange ...


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    West Union Hardee's

    West Union, Iowa

    66.4 miles from Dubuque, 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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    Ambrose Hall

    Davenport, Iowa

    66.6 miles from Dubuque, 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

    67.3 miles from Dubuque, 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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    Alice French House

    Davenport, Iowa

    67.3 miles from Dubuque, 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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    Phi Kappa Chi

    Davenport, Iowa

    67.4 miles from Dubuque, 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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    Masonic Temple

    Davenport, Iowa

    67.4 miles from Dubuque, 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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    Central Avenue Ghost

    Bettendorf, Iowa

    67.5 miles from Dubuque, 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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    Scott City Hall

    Davenport, Iowa

    67.6 miles from Dubuque, 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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  • Ghosts of the Northeast
    David J. Pitkin


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