Haunted Places in Thornburg, Iowa



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    Clubb House Restaurant

    Sigourney, Iowa

    10.8 miles from Thornburg, IA

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


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    Machinist's Hall

    Conroy, Iowa

    25.8 miles from Thornburg, 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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    Bucksbaum Center - Grinnell College

    Grinnell, Iowa

    28.3 miles from Thornburg, 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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    Ottumwa Cemetery

    Ottumwa, Iowa

    29.2 miles from Thornburg, IA

    Night visitors to the cemetery have seen shadowed figures sitting on tombstones or running behind trees, and heard whispering and footsteps in the grass. There has also been reported a white cat who will run in circles around your feet, and then vanish.


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    Hotel Ottumwa

    Ottumwa, Iowa

    30.4 miles from Thornburg, IA

    An apparition of a lady in white haunts the hotel basement, which formerly served as a ballroom. The ghost of a man in a suit haunts the hallways of the hotel. Strange noises and voices have been heard. The face of a man has also been seen in the hotel ...


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    Penguin Lady of Graham Hall

    Pella, Iowa

    30.5 miles from Thornburg, IA

    At Central College in Graham Hall, there is a locked room rumored to be inhabited by someone they've nicknamed the Penguin Lady. Residents there say if you place a sheet of paper under the door, it will be quickly sucked into the locked room. When the staff unlock the door, ...


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    Mary Wright - Granny Sprague Cemetery

    Homestead, Iowa

    31.4 miles from Thornburg, 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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    Indian Dam - Indian Fish Trap State Preserve

    Homestead, Iowa

    31.9 miles from Thornburg, 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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    Top of the Rock Grille

    Fairfield, Iowa

    36.4 miles from Thornburg, 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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    Mars Hill Church

    Bloomfield, Iowa

    38.4 miles from Thornburg, IA

    This old log cabin church is actually a restoration using salvaged timber from vintage barns. The church had been in existence from 1856 til 2006 when some dirtbag arsonist decided to burn the place to the ground. Rumors of it being haunted however have become something of local ...


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    Riverside Cemetery

    Riverside, Iowa

    39.3 miles from Thornburg, 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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    Newton Community Theatre

    Newton, Iowa

    39.6 miles from Thornburg, IA

    T.G., or Theater Ghost, is said to haunt this building. One board member reported seeing an apparition of a man on the stage, and it is said that actors often have difficulty finding their props. Any such difficulty, of course, is attributed to T.G.


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    Greencastle Cemetery

    North Liberty, Iowa

    39.9 miles from Thornburg, 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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    David Ryan House

    Newton, Iowa

    40.4 miles from Thornburg, IA

    Actual details of this alleged haunting seem to spring from a single source, a local paranormal group who claims the house is haunted. Alleged haunting is basically hearing footsteps and voices. Some EVPs are claimed by the paranormal group that offers occasional tours of the house for interested ...


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    Children's Forest

    Newton, Iowa

    40.5 miles from Thornburg, IA

    Locals will tell you that an antique glass jar was found in these woods and taken to a nearby resident's garage, and shortly thereafter, the spirit of a very sad-looking Native American appeared and walked right through a table. The next day, the jar was taken back to the forest ...


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    Newton Daily News

    Newton, Iowa

    40.7 miles from Thornburg, IA

    The Daily News building was built in 1921 specifically for the town newspaper. Over the years, rumors and jokes have been heard from the newsroom to the press room about ghosts haunting the old building. Since inviting members of the Jasper County Paranormal Idealist to investigate the building on Oct. ...


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    Capitol II Theatre

    Newton, Iowa

    40.8 miles from Thornburg, IA

    The theater, which first opened in 1927, is said to be haunted by an eerie presence. One employee was forcefully pulled backward by his hair. Paranormal researchers investigated in 2012, and the results turned up unexplained photos, strange sounds, and physical contact from the presence.


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    Maple Hill Mansion

    Monroe, Iowa

    41.1 miles from Thornburg, IA

    This home was picked up and moved in early 2013, to a spot some six miles away from its original location. The man who had purchased the land and house wanted to tear it down and build a new home on the spot, so a preservationist purchased the house ...


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    Meskwaki Bingo Casino and Hotel

    Tama, Iowa

    41.1 miles from Thornburg, IA

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


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    Slater Hall - University of Iowa

    University Heights, Iowa

    43.2 miles from Thornburg, 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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    Currier Hall - University of Iowa

    Iowa City, Iowa

    43.9 miles from Thornburg, 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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    Sugar Grove Cemetery - Metz Cemetery

    Newton, Iowa

    44.3 miles from Thornburg, IA

    This old cemetery is known for a glowing tombstone, purportedly owned by Charles M. Baker, who died April 17, 1881. According to urban legend, when vehicle headlights shine into the cemetery from a nearby interstate bridge, the tombstone emits an eerie glow. No one knows the reason behind this phenomenon.


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    The Mud Man of Metz Bridge

    Newton, Iowa

    44.3 miles from Thornburg, IA

    As urban legend has it, a mud monster, or Mud Man, lives under the bridge. Some say the Mud Man is a spirit lingering from a fatal car accident that once occurred in the mud near the river; the body was never found. Others assert the tale was created by ...


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    Black Angel - Oakland Cemetery

    Iowa City, Iowa

    44.6 miles from Thornburg, 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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    Watt's Antiques and Collectables

    Iowa City, Iowa

    44.8 miles from Thornburg, 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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    Parkers Grove Cemetery

    Shellsburg, Iowa

    47.1 miles from Thornburg, 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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    Stoneking Cemetery

    Russell, Iowa

    47.6 miles from Thornburg, IA

    There is a lot of mystery and talk surrounding this cemetery, a family plot near what was once the abandoned house. Some say there are dangerous trees in the back of the cemetery, and those who walked behind them would catch a glimpse of the Stone King sitting on his ...


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    Cedar Rapids Museum of Art

    Cedar Rapids, Iowa

    50.1 miles from Thornburg, 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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    Shellsburg Cemetery

    Shellsburg, Iowa

    50.1 miles from Thornburg, 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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    Oak Hill Cemetery

    Cedar Rapids, Iowa

    50.6 miles from Thornburg, 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

    50.7 miles from Thornburg, 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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    Riverside Cemetery

    Marshalltown, Iowa

    51.2 miles from Thornburg, 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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    Evergreen Cemetery

    Vinton, Iowa

    51.6 miles from Thornburg, 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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    Brucemore

    Cedar Rapids, Iowa

    51.7 miles from Thornburg, 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

    51.7 miles from Thornburg, 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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    Wildwood Apartments

    Cedar Rapids, Iowa

    52.8 miles from Thornburg, 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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    Pleasant Ridge Cemetery

    Palo, Iowa

    53.9 miles from Thornburg, 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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    Carlos O'Kelly's

    Marion, Iowa

    54.2 miles from Thornburg, 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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    The Trunkless Tree - Campbell Cemetery

    Cedar Rapids, Iowa

    54.6 miles from Thornburg, 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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    Granger House Museum

    Marion, Iowa

    55.2 miles from Thornburg, 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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    Birthday Bridge - Giblin Bridge

    Mount Pleasant, Iowa

    55.4 miles from Thornburg, IA

    This spot, near where Kentucky Avenue and US 218 meet, is said to be haunted by a local girl who hanged herself from the bridge after having an affair with a married doctor. The day she died was also her birthday. Legend has it that her ghost can be seen ...


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    Mason House Inn and Caboose Cottage

    Keosauqua, Iowa

    56.3 miles from Thornburg, IA

    This historic 1846 hotel was also a stop on the Underground Railroad, and several spirits are living here. In Room 5, the ghost of a young boy pulls on people's clothing at night. His apparition has been seen on the landing. In Room 7, a man named Knapp was murdered, ...


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    Mason House Inn and Caboose Cottage

    Keosauqua, Iowa

    56.3 miles from Thornburg, IA

    This historic 1846 hotel was also a stop on the Underground Railroad, and several spirits are living here. In Room 5, the ghost of a young boy pulls on people's clothing at night. His apparition has been seen on the landing. In Room 7, a man named Knapp was murdered, ...


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    Centerville Railroad Tracks

    Centerville, Iowa

    57.6 miles from Thornburg, IA

    Local legend sayd that if you park your car on these railroad tracks and shut it off, an unseen force will push you off the tracks. Reports say you can hear footsteps in the gravel while the spirits of children are pushing your car.


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    Farrar Schoolhouse

    Maxwell, Iowa

    58.6 miles from Thornburg, 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 ...


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    Avon Railroad Tracks

    Carlisle, Iowa

    61 miles from Thornburg, IA

    Reports say an apparition appears of an old man holding a lantern and walking along the tracks. Before too long, the man simply vanishes.


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    Springville Cemeteryā€ˇ

    Springville, Iowa

    62.2 miles from Thornburg, 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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    Hotel Wapello

    Wapello, Iowa

    62.6 miles from Thornburg, 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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    Old Chapel - College Hall

    Indianola, Iowa

    63.9 miles from Thornburg, IA

    Legend has it that around the turn of the 20th century, a young man, distraught over a love affair, killed himself here. Then in the 1920s, a young woman did the same. Several more people are rumored to have met their ends in this hall, and folks say their spirits ...


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    Greenwood Cemetery

    Muscatine, Iowa

    65.8 miles from Thornburg, 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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