Halloween on the Hill
Drive through the haunted streets of Sherman Hill during this event. Three Victorian-era streets will be decorated with spooky Halloween garb.
Date: Oct. 31, 6-10 p.m.
Cost: One canned food item per person (to benefit the DMARC Food Pantry.)
Visit the Jordan House
Built in 1850 by James Jordan, this Gothic home is the oldest structure in West Des Moines, and served as a station on the Underground Railroad. Today, it’s rumored to be haunted by Eda Jordan, the 3-year-old daughter of Jordan, who supposedly took a fatal fall off the banister in 1893. Stories say Eda’s spirit walks the halls, holding a white cat. Visit the museum and see for yourself.
Where: The Jordan House, 2001 Fuller Road, West Des Moines.
When: Call to schedule a tour, 225-1286.
Go on a cemetery tour
Woodland Cemetery, 2019 Woodland Ave.; 248-6320
Gerald LeBlanc will guide you through this old cemetery. View old photos, look into a Hubbell catacomb and Savory mausoleum, see Baby Hill, the Civil War Cemetery and old monuments and learn about a few cemetery “residents.”
Cost: $5.
Take a road trip to Villisca
Visit the famed “Axe Murder House” in Villisca, Ia., rumored to be one of the most haunted places in America. On June 10, 1912, two adults and six children were murdered in their beds. The assailant(s) was never caught. Today, brave thrill-seekers can tour the house, which is rumored to be crawling with paranormal activity, during daylight hours, or stay overnight.
When: Visit the museum 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Call in advance to book daytime and overnight tours.
Cost: $300 for five guests Sunday through Thursday, and $60 for each additional guest. $350 for five guests Friday and Saturday, and $70 for each additional guest.
Reservations: Contact Darwin at (712) 621-4291 or dmlinn@frontiernet.net. Go to villiscaiowa.com.
Look for ghosts in Sherman Hill
Go on the Historic Gaslights Ghost Tour, a walking tour of the Sherman Hill Historic District. Visit 20 sites and hear several tales of ongoing paranormal activity in old Victorian homes and businesses. End your tour at the Joie De Vie Tea Salon, an 1873 Victorian House known to be haunted by at least four ghosts.
When: Through Oct. 31.
Cost: $10 per person.
Reservations: 491-0593 or e-mail joiedevie@jdvteasalon.com.
Explore “Haunted” Iowa State
Iowa State University Museums once again hosts its annual Haunted Iowa State Wednesday, Oct. 28. The self-guided moonlit walk through campus makes stops at spots with haunted histories, including the ISU campus cemetery, Farm House Museum and the Campanile.
When: 7-10 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28
Cost: Free
FYI: BYO flashlight
