Iowa, known for its rolling plains, farms, and small towns, also has its share of abandoned places that hold pieces of the state’s rich history. From forgotten schools to decaying factories, these sites offer a haunting glimpse into the past. Here are 10 of the most captivating abandoned places in Iowa for urban explorers and history enthusiasts alike.
1. Edinburgh Manor (Scotch Grove, Iowa)
Edinburgh Manor is one of the most famous abandoned places in Iowa due to its eerie atmosphere and haunted reputation. Originally built as a mental institution in 1910, the manor has been abandoned since the 1990s. The crumbling walls, decaying interiors, and dark history of patient mistreatment make it a popular destination for paranormal enthusiasts and urban explorers alike.
2. Terra Haute Ghost Town (Decatur County, Iowa)
Terra Haute is a small ghost town in southern Iowa. Once a bustling village in the late 1800s, it has since been abandoned, with only a few buildings still standing, including an old schoolhouse and a general store. The remnants of this forgotten town are overgrown, creating a peaceful yet eerie atmosphere for those seeking to explore Iowa’s lost communities.
3. Villisca Ax Murder House (Villisca, Iowa)
While not fully abandoned, the Villisca Ax Murder House is a historic and eerie site. In 1912, eight people were brutally murdered in the home, and the crime remains unsolved. The house was left largely untouched for decades and is now a haunted tourist attraction. Its dilapidated state and dark history make it a chilling destination for those intrigued by true crime and the paranormal.
4. The Rath Packing Company (Waterloo, Iowa)
Once a thriving meatpacking facility, The Rath Packing Company was one of the largest employers in Waterloo. After the company closed in the 1980s, the sprawling complex was left abandoned, with rusting machinery and decaying buildings. The vast, empty industrial site now serves as a haunting reminder of the city’s industrial decline.
5. Banwell Bridge (Fort Dodge, Iowa)
The Banwell Bridge, also known as the Ghost Bridge, is an old iron truss bridge that crosses the Des Moines River. Abandoned and overgrown, the bridge is no longer in use but remains an eerie relic of Iowa’s past. Local legends claim the bridge is haunted, adding to its mystique and appeal for urban explorers seeking out forgotten landmarks.
6. Dows School (Dows, Iowa)
The Dows School, built in 1914, was once a key educational institution in the small town of Dows. The building was abandoned in the late 20th century, leaving its classrooms, gymnasium, and hallways to decay. The school’s crumbling brick exterior and peeling interior paint evoke a sense of nostalgia and loss, making it a popular spot for those interested in exploring old educational structures.
7. Independence State Mental Health Institute (Independence, Iowa)
Opened in 1873, the Independence State Mental Health Institute was a psychiatric facility that housed hundreds of patients. Parts of the facility have been abandoned for decades, with decaying buildings and overgrown grounds creating an eerie atmosphere. Although some of the hospital is still in use today, the abandoned sections are popular with urban explorers interested in the state’s mental health history.
8. Eldon Depot (Eldon, Iowa)
The Eldon Depot, once a bustling train station in the late 1800s and early 1900s, has been abandoned for years. The station was an important hub for travelers and commerce but fell into disuse as rail travel declined. Today, the depot is slowly crumbling, with overgrown tracks and peeling paint, offering a haunting look at Iowa’s transportation past.
9. The Underground Bunkers (West Lake Park, Davenport, Iowa)
Deep within West Lake Park lie hidden and abandoned underground bunkers. Originally built during the Cold War, these bunkers were designed as fallout shelters. Now sealed and abandoned, they are surrounded by dense foliage, with only a few entrances visible. The sense of isolation and history tied to these Cold War-era bunkers makes them an intriguing site for adventurous explorers.
10. Maharishi Vedic City (Fairfield, Iowa)
While not entirely abandoned, Maharishi Vedic City is a semi-deserted planned community built around the principles of Transcendental Meditation. Some of the grandiose buildings, meant for meditation and community activities, now stand vacant and crumbling. The quiet, eerie atmosphere of this near-empty city gives it a unique, haunting feel that draws those curious about its unusual history.
Conclusion
Iowa may be known for its scenic landscapes and peaceful small towns, but its abandoned places offer a deeper, haunting look into the state’s history. From ghost towns and forgotten schools to decaying industrial complexes and psychiatric hospitals, these sites provide a glimpse into Iowa’s past. As always, it’s important to prioritize safety and respect property laws when visiting these sites, as many are dangerous or off-limits. For those who explore responsibly, Iowa’s abandoned places offer an unforgettable adventure into the past.
