Spooky Halloween sites in southwest Iowa

Southwest Iowa is home to several spooky, scary sites that are popular destinations around Halloween. While some stories may just be folk tales, others are well-documented tragedies. 

One of the most well-known and -visited sites is the infamous Villisca Axe Murder House in Montgomery County. In 1912, an entire family and two neighbor kids were killed overnight in their home. The killer was never caught. You can now stay in the house overnight, and many people who have done so report that the house is haunted.

Villisca Axe Murder house. Image source: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/villisca-axe-murder-house

Local 1912 newspaper article about the Villisca Axe Murders. Image source: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/villisca-axe-murder-house

Earling, in Shelby County, is the site of a 1973 exorcism that has even inspired horror movies:

Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Earling, Iowa. photo by Lance Brisbois.

Council Bluffs has several reportedly-haunted sites, including the Squirrel Cage Jail and Black Angel Statue in Fairview Cemetery.

Black Angel statue in Council Bluffs. photo by Lance Brisbois.

In Mills County, Malvern Manor has been featured on two different paranormal TV shows. Serious paranormal investigators have spent significant amount of time at the Manor, and continue to host tours and overnight stays for those interested in learning more or ghost hunting.

Malvern Manor in Malvern, IA. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/malvernmanoria

What are your favorite spots to visit around Halloween?