Stay the Night at One of Iowa’s Several ‘Haunted’ Hotels

Forget haunted houses, what about haunted HOTELS?

Using the websites Iowa Haunted Houses, Travel Iowa, and Haunted Rooms, we put together a list of hotels in Iowa that are reportedly haunted. Have you stayed at any of them?

Franklin Hotel, Strawberry Point

The Franklin Hotel first opened its doors in Strawberry Point back in 1903, initially serving as a stay for railroad passengers. But, according to the National Register of Historic Places, the history of the property goes back even further. The first Franklin Hotel opened its doors in the same location in 1855. It also went by the Rawson House and the Blake House in its early years, before eventually closing in 1896.

Travel Iowa reports that the Franklin Hotel is haunted by two ghosts: a woman in a lavender gown named Lily who sings and moans, and a man who operated the hotel's laundry named Leo who reportedly rings a bell from the hotel's old message system.

Mason House Inn, Keosauqua

Originally called the Ashland House, the Mason House Inn has been around since 1846. It has an incredible history, serving as a "holding hospital" for wounded Civil War soldiers, a station on the Underground Railroad, and even a tuberculosis sanitarium for a short period. According to the official website, the Mason House is "the oldest steamboat hotel on the Des Moines River!"

The Mason House Inn's website says that the building is most definitely haunted, and is even available to book for paranormal investigations. Each room is said to be haunted by different spirits, including a little boy in Room 5, a murdered man named Knapp in Room 7, a floating head in Room 8, and an old lady who wanders the third floor (via Haunted Rooms).

Decker House Hotel, Maquoketa

The Decker House Hotel was completed in 1878, although it looks a bit different than it did back then. The National Register of Historic Places says that it no longer features the entrance porch, original front doors, or the pediment over the cornice. The hotel was built by a New York entrepreneur named James Decker, and the listing reports that, "it was probably the most 'elegant and substantial' hotel in the community" at the time it was built.

Paranormal investigations have taken place at the Decker Hotel, with a 2018 Our Quad Cities article saying that rooms 217, 327, and 328 are quite popular for investigators. In 2015, an employee named Carol Caes told KCRG, "Oh I definitely think that there's something in here." 

Hotel Julien, Dubuque

The Hotel Julien in Dubuque has had some iconic visitors throughout its long history, including Abraham Lincoln, Mark Twain, and Al Capone. It was rumored that Al Capone and his crew used the hotel to hideout when things got too "hot" in Chicago. Originally called the Waples House, there has been a hotel or inn operating on the property since 1839. Unfortunately, the official website reports that a fire destroyed the original hotel, but it was rebuilt and reopened in 1915. A $30 million interior renovation was completed on the hotel in 2009.

According to Haunted Rooms, "a male spirit in period attire has been frequently spotted wandering the upper floors of the hotel," with many believing that it's the ghost of Al Capone.

Hotel Ottumwa, Ottumwa

The Hotel Ottumwa held its grand opening in 1917 in the Grand Ballroom, and it still serves as a hotel over 100 years later. There was a period when the hotel was vacant, though. The official website reports that it was closed in 1973, but it was purchased by new owners in 1982 and underwent a restoration.

According to Travel Iowa, a woman wearing white has been spotted in the hotel's basement, and there's the spirit of a man that has been known to follow guests down the halls. Additional reports say that guests have heard the sound of heavy breathing when there's nobody around.

Redstone Inn & Suites, Dubuque

Redstone Inn & Suites is a 27-room home that was built in 1894 as a wedding gift for Elizabeth Cooper, the daughter of an businessman named A. A. Cooper. According to Haunted Houses, it was initially built as a duplex so that his daughter could earn income by renting out the other half of the home. It was at risk of being torn down in 1983, but the Dubuque Historic Improvement Company saved it and financed its restoration. It reopened as a 15-room Bed & Breakfast in 1985.

Many people believe that Redstone Inn & Suites is haunted by the Cooper family, including A.A. himself. The spirit of a well-dressed gentleman has been spotted, footsteps and disembodied voices have been heard, and people have experienced "playful knocks."

Hotel Blackhawk, Davenport

Hotel Blackhawk is another old hotel that has had some very famous guests. It was built in 1915 and has been visited by Barack Obama, Herbert Hoover, Richard Nixon, and Cary Grant. Wikipedia says that the hotel was ordered to be closed in 1976, but a major renovation began on the property just two years later. Another $46 million restoration was completed in 2010. It now serves as a hotel, as well as an apartment building.

Cary Grant is said to be one of the spirits that haunts the hotel, as he was rumored to have died in his room on the 8th floor in 1986. Haunted Rooms also mentioned two women being spotted, one in a red gown and one in a blue gown.

Hotel Greenfield, Greenfield

Hotel Greenfield began welcoming guests in 1920, and the official website says that the lobby in the hotel hasn't really changed much since then. In addition to the hotel, the building has also featured restaurants, a tea parlor, a soda fountain, and a barber shop, and it was used as a bus stop during World War II. The refurbished hotel now has 20 rooms for overnight guests, as well as the Mary Wise Room for event rentals.

According to Haunted Rooms, the restaurant bathrooms seem to be a popular place for paranormal activity. People have felt uncomfortable in there, lights have gone out suddenly, and there have been sightings of a woman opening a bathroom stall before vanishing.

Looking for more haunted places in Iowa that you can visit? Click HERE!