Best Haunted & Paranormal Travel Destinations in Des Moines, Iowa, United States
1. Des Moines Social Club
A multi-arts center with a haunted past. The building was once a YMCA and is rumored to be haunted by former members.
- Historical Haunting: Hauntings believed to be related to the building's history as a YMCA
- Arts and Entertainment: Offers art exhibitions, theater performances, and music events
- Ghost Tours: Periodic ghost tours available for those seeking a paranormal experience
2. Fort Des Moines
A historic military post with reported paranormal activity. Visitors have claimed to see apparitions and hear strange noises.
- Military History: Offers a glimpse into Des Moines' military past
- Haunted Tours: Guided tours focusing on the paranormal activity reported at Fort Des Moines
- Nature Trails: Trails through the surrounding parklands provide opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature photography
3. Salvation Army Citadel
A former Salvation Army building with a haunted bell tower. Visitors have reported seeing ghostly figures and hearing bells ringing.
- Haunted Architecture: Beautiful, historic building known for its paranormal activity
- Community Events: Hosts community events and programs throughout the year
- Ghost Hunting: Opportunities for ghost hunters to investigate reported activity
4. Capitol Square Building
An office building with a chilling past. It's rumored that a worker fell to his death and still haunts the site.
- Office Rental: Provides office space for various businesses
- Paranormal Activity: Known for the ghost of a former worker who reportedly still haunts the building
- Haunted Tours: Guided tours exploring the building's haunted history
5. Hoyt Sherman Place
A historic mansion with a ghostly presence. Visitors have reported seeing a woman in white roaming the halls.
- Historic Mansion: Beautiful, well-preserved mansion offering tours and events
- Haunted History: Known for its ghostly resident, a woman in white
- Wedding Venue: Serves as a popular wedding and event venue
6. Downtown Des Moines Marriott
A modern hotel with an eerie past. Guests have reported strange occurrences, such as lights turning on and off by themselves.
- Hotel Accommodation: Provides comfortable lodging in the heart of Des Moines
- Paranormal Activity: Known for its ghostly activity, including lights turning on and off by themselves
- Dining Options: Includes several dining options, such as a steakhouse and a Starbucks
7. The Temple for Performing Arts
A performing arts center with a spooky past. Visitors have reported feeling a strange presence during performances.
- Performing Arts: Hosts a variety of performances, including theater, dance, and music
- Haunted History: Known for its ghostly presence that reportedly affects performers and audience members alike
- Event Rentals: Offers event rentals for private parties, weddings, and corporate events
8. Pioneer Park
A park with a haunted history. Visitors have reported seeing ghostly figures and hearing strange noises.
- Historic Park: Features historic buildings, monuments, and a working blacksmith shop
- Haunted Activity: Known for its ghostly activity, including sightings of apparitions
- Nature Trails: Provides walking trails through the park and surrounding woods
9. The Grotto
A mysterious underground shrine with a haunting atmosphere. Visitors have reported feeling a sense of unease.
- Religious Shrine: A unique, underground shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Victory
- Haunting Atmosphere: Known for its eerie and haunting atmosphere
- Tourist Attraction: A popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world
10. The Stratford
An apartment complex with a chilling past. Residents have reported seeing ghostly figures and hearing strange noises.
- Apartment Rentals: Provides rental apartments for long-term residents
- Haunted Activity: Known for its ghostly activity, including sightings of apparitions and strange noises
- Location: Located in a convenient and accessible part of Des Moines
11. Drake Mansion
A historic mansion with a ghostly resident. Visitors have reported seeing the spirit of Carolyn Gillette roaming the halls.
- Historic Mansion: Beautiful, well-preserved mansion offering tours and events
- Haunted History: Known for its ghostly resident, Carolyn Gillette
- Wedding Venue: Serves as a popular wedding and event venue
12. The Merrill Hotel
A historic hotel with a haunting past. Guests have reported seeing ghostly figures and hearing strange noises.
- Hotel Accommodation: Provides comfortable lodging in the heart of Des Moines
- Paranormal Activity: Known for its ghostly activity, including sightings of apparitions and strange noises
- Dining Options: Includes a popular restaurant serving up classic American fare
13. Barton's Mill Park
A park with a haunted history. Visitors have reported seeing ghostly figures and hearing strange noises.
- Historic Park: Features historic buildings, including an old gristmill
- Haunted Activity: Known for its ghostly activity, including sightings of apparitions
- Nature Trails: Provides walking trails through the park and surrounding woods
14. The Des Moines Register Building
A historic office building with a haunted past. Employees have reported seeing ghostly figures and hearing strange noises.
- Office Rentals: Provides office space for various businesses
- Paranormal Activity: Known for its ghostly activity, including sightings of apparitions and strange noises
- Historic Architecture: Beautiful, historic building offering a glimpse into Des Moines' past
15. The Iowa State Capitol
A stunning architectural masterpiece with rumors of paranormal activity. Visitors have reported seeing ghostly figures and hearing strange noises.
- Historic Architecture: An awe-inspiring example of Beaux-Arts architecture
- Haunted History: Rumored to be haunted by the spirits of former politicians and workers
- Tourist Attraction: A popular tourist destination, offering guided tours and educational programs