Ghost Towns in Iowa
10 documented ghost towns
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History
Explore the ghost towns of Iowa.
All Ghost Towns
Bentonsport
Bentonsport was a prosperous mill town on the Des Moines River. The town is entirely a National Historic District. Original 1840s-1850s buildings incl...
Buxton
Buxton was Iowa's most remarkable town - a coal mining community where Black and white workers were paid equally and lived in integrated neighborhoods...
Coal Valley
Iowa's coalfields created dozens of mining communities in the late 1800s. Coal Valley was one of many that died when the mines played out or when larg...
Copperton
Copperton was one of dozens of coal mining towns that dotted southern Iowa in the late 1800s. Like many, it thrived as long as the coal held out, then...
Elk Horn
Elk Horn is the heart of America's largest rural Danish settlement. A historic Danish windmill was shipped from Denmark and reassembled here. The Muse...
Elkport
Sitting at the confluence of the Turkey and Volga rivers, Elkport was flooded repeatedly. After a devastating flood in 2004, the entire town accepted ...
Motor
Motor was a milling town built by John Thompson. The centerpiece is the massive six-story limestone flour mill (1869), along with an inn, cooperage, a...
Preparation
Preparation was founded by Charles B. Thompson, a former Mormon elder who claimed to be a prophet. The commune 'prepared' for the Second Coming. When ...
Quasqueton
Quasqueton is a small town famous for Cedar Rock, a Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian home built in 1950. The town itself has declined significantly but reta...
Villisca
Villisca is a declining small town infamous for the 1912 axe murders of the Moore family and two houseguests. The crime was never solved. The murder h...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ghost towns are in Iowa?
We have documented 10 ghost towns in Iowa. These range from completely abandoned mining camps to semi-inhabited historic settlements.
Are ghost towns in Iowa safe to visit?
Most ghost towns are safe to explore, but exercise caution. Watch for unstable structures, mine shafts, and wildlife. Some are on private property - always check access rules before visiting.
What should I bring when visiting ghost towns?
Bring water, snacks, sun protection, sturdy shoes, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Many ghost towns are in remote areas without cell service, so download offline maps.
Can I take artifacts from ghost towns?
No. Removing artifacts, bottles, or debris is illegal and destroys historical sites. Take only photos and leave only footprints.
What's the best time to visit ghost towns in Iowa?
Spring and fall offer the best weather for exploring. Summer can be extremely hot in desert locations, while winter may make roads impassable.