Iowa’s Haunted Hotels Are Freaking Out Guests

These historic Iowa hotels are known for chilling ghost sightings, eerie noises, and guests checking out early for spine-tingling reasons. 🌐 #News #DavenportIA #Iowa #WeirdNews

DAVENPORT, IA — A cluster of historic hotels across Iowa is drawing curious travelers—not just for their charm, but for their ghost stories. From vanished figures in the hall to objects that move on their own, these stays are not for the faint of heart.

Terrifying Tales at The Mason House Inn

Built in 1846, The Mason House Inn in Bentonsport has long been the epicenter of paranormal buzz. Guests report startling encounters in several rooms. In Room 5, some have felt invisible tugs at their clothing—an experience linked to the ghost of a young boy seen near the landing.

Room 7 carries a darker energy, believed to be connected to a man named Knapp who died on the premises. Room 8 ups the ante with sightings of a bodiless floating head, while the third floor is often associated with an elderly woman’s ghost said to make appearances.

Glamorous Ghosts at Hotel Blackhawk

Located in Davenport, Hotel Blackhawk offers a mix of elegance and eerie vibes. The hotel is rumored to be haunted by the spirit of actor Cary Grant, who passed away while staying nearby.

Numerous guests have spotted a woman in a formal gown—either blue or red—gliding silently through the corridors, vanishing before she can be approached.

Voices in the Dark at Hotel Ottumwa

Hotel Ottumwa isn’t shy about its haunted reputation. Strange sounds, such as heavy breathing and whispers, have been reported with no source in sight. Guests have seen dark shapes moving across the halls.

The basement—once a ballroom—is believed to be haunted by a woman in white, while the face of a man has allegedly appeared without explanation. Another suited figure has also been spotted walking the premises before disappearing into thin air.

Ghost Hunts at The Klondike Hotel

In Manilla, The Klondike Hotel actively encourages paranormal investigations. Ghost hunters and guests alike have captured EVPs, experienced unexplained headaches, and reported a heavy, oppressive energy inside the building.

One rocking chair reportedly moves on its own—often enough to drive visitors away before their stay is over.

Unnerving Encounters at Hotel Greenfield

Guests at Hotel Greenfield in Greenfield have described a haunting experience in the hotel’s restaurant bathroom.

Some report an unexplained drop in temperature and lights that switch off without warning. One recurring story features a woman who opens stall doors—then disappears into thin air before anyone can confront her.

A Lavender Phantom at The Franklin Hotel

The Franklin Hotel in Strawberry Point is said to house the ghost of a 1920s-era woman believed to have worked there.

Guests have reported a general feeling of unease, hearing sounds with no source, and encountering the spirit of a woman dressed in lavender. One hotel co-owner shared a chilling moment of seeing her in the hallway before she vanished completely.

Did You Know?

More Than Half Believe: A 2023 YouGov poll found that 52% of Americans believe in ghosts or spirits of the dead. (Source: YouGov America)
Paranormal Tourism Is Growing: Haunted hotels and ghost tours are part of a booming $400 million paranormal tourism industry. (Source: National Tour Association)
Historic Hotels Are Often Haunted: According to the Historic Hotels of America organization, over 100 member hotels report ongoing paranormal activity. (Source: HistoricHotels.org)

Moment for Reflection

The mysteries of these old hotels remind us that some stories outlast time, leaving their mark on the walls and whispers in the air. Whether real or imagined, these moments of wonder connect us to something bigger—unseen, unexplained, but deeply felt. In a world driven by logic, it’s comforting to believe there’s still room for faith, for awe, and for spirits that perhaps just never said goodbye.

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RELATED TOPICS: Haunted Places | Iowa | Paranormal