
Haunted Places & Ghost Tours in Des Moines, Iowa, United States
1. Des Moines Social Club
A cultural hub offering arts, music, and ghost tours. Known for its historic building with a haunted past.
- Historical Building: Built in the early 1900s, it is one of Des Moines' oldest buildings.
- Arts and Music Events: Hosts various performances and exhibitions throughout the year.
- Haunted Ghost Tours: Guided tours focusing on the building's haunted history and ghost sightings.
2. Greyson House
A beautifully restored 1850s mansion with a darker side - it's rumored to be haunted.
- Beautiful Restoration: Recently renovated, showcasing Victorian-era architecture.
- Historical Significance: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Haunted Reputation: Said to be haunted by its former owner, Dr. John Greyson.
3. Pioneer House Museum
A historical museum with a creepy basement where strange occurrences have been reported.
- Historical Artifacts: Features artifacts from the region's pioneer days.
- Haunted Basement: Known for unexplained sounds and sightings.
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours that delve into the museum's haunting history.
4. Leon Correctional Facility
A former prison known for inexplicable paranormal activity.
- Former Prison: Opened in the early 1900s and closed in the 2000s.
- Paranormal Activity: Witnesses have reported eerie noises, shadows, and ghostly apparitions.
- Guided Tours: Haunted tours are conducted by former inmates and staff.
5. Fort Des Moines
A military fort with a haunting presence, especially around its cemetery.
- Military History: Trained over 400,000 soldiers during World War I and II.
- Haunted Cemetery: The final resting place for many soldiers is said to be haunted.
- Guided Tours: Tours explore the fort's ghostly history and spooky stories.
6. Governor's Mansion
A beautiful mansion with a chilling past - rumors of hauntings by previous governors.
- Beautiful Architecture: Constructed in the late 1800s, it showcases Victorian-era design.
- Haunted Reputation: Said to be haunted by various former governors and their families.
- Public Tours: Tours are available during the summer months.
7. Van Dorn Inventory Barn
An old barn with a dark history of unsolved murders and strange occurrences.
- Dark History: In 1924, five people were murdered here, and the case remains unsolved.
- Paranormal Activity: Visitors have reported ghostly figures and eerie noises.
- Haunted Tours: Tours are offered by paranormal investigation groups.
8. The Salisbury House
A stunning English Tudor mansion with a twist - it's rumored to be haunted.
- English Tudor Style: Modeled after an English manor house.
- Haunted Reputation: Said to be haunted by its former owner, Carl Weeks.
- Guided Tours: Tours provide a glimpse into the house's history and ghostly legends.
9. Capitol Square Underground
A network of tunnels beneath the Iowa State Capitol, rumored to be haunted.
- Historical Significance: Constructed in the late 1800s.
- Paranormal Activity: Ghostly voices and footsteps have been reported within the tunnels.
- Haunted Tours: Tours explore the underground network and its ghost stories.
10. Dahl's Classic Pioneer Theatre
A vintage theater with a haunted past, known for strange occurrences.
- Vintage Theater: Opened in the early 1900s.
- Haunted Reputation: Said to be haunted by a former projectionist.
- Movies and Ghost Tours: Shows classic films and offers ghost tours during Halloween season.
11. Jesse Hall Lyon Farm
A farmstead with a tragic past - rumors of hauntings by the farm's former owner.
- Historical Significance: One of the oldest farms in Des Moines.
- Haunted Reputation: Said to be haunted by Jesse Hall Lyon, who committed suicide on the property.
- Guided Tours: Tours explore the farm's history and ghost stories.
12. The Iowa State Penitentiary
A former prison with a grim past - known for inexplicable paranormal activity.
- Former Prison: Opened in the late 1800s and closed in the early 2000s.
- Paranormal Activity: Visitors have reported eerie noises, shadows, and ghostly apparitions.
- Haunted Tours: Haunted tours are conducted by former inmates and staff.
13. The Bone House
A creepy old building with a dark past - rumors of hauntings abound.
- Dark History: Originally used as a butcher shop and mortuary.
- Haunted Reputation: Said to be haunted by the spirits of its former occupants.
- Haunted Tours: Tours explore the building's haunting history and spooky legends.
14. The Willis Building
A historical office building with a ghostly presence, especially on the top floor.
- Historical Significance: Constructed in the early 1900s.
- Haunted Reputation: Said to be haunted by former workers who fell to their deaths during construction.
- Office Space and Ghost Tours: Rent office space or join a ghost tour to explore the building's ghostly tales.
15. The Hotel Fort Des Moines
A historic hotel with a chilling past - rumors of hauntings by previous guests and staff.
- Historical Architecture: Constructed in the early 1900s.
- Haunted Reputation: Said to be haunted by various former guests and staff.
- Hotel Accommodations and Ghost Tours: Stay in the hotel or join a ghost tour to experience the haunting history firsthand.