Now that Iowans are moving into more and more urban locations, it can be easy to forget that Iowa has a long history of being a rural, isolated state. You never know just what you’ll find in the more remote areas of the Hawkeye State, and you never know just how haunted the next town over really is. One town way out in the middle of nowhere is home to one of the most haunted places in Iowa – Edinburgh Manor.

Edinburgh Manor, in Scotch Grove, was originally opened as a "poor farm" in the mid 1800s.
Facebook / Edinburgh Manor
Nearly a hundred workers died on the grounds and they were buried in an eerie cemetery far back on the property. The poor farm was closed down, and a mental institution was built on the property in the early 1900s. It remained open as a highly criticized facility until 2010, when it was shuttered for good.
Just a few years after the doors were closed forever, Edinburgh Manor was opened up for private, overnight ghost-hunting tours.
Flickr / WindRanch
The creepy paranormal activity that investigators noticed again and again was creepy enough that the property owners wanted to share this experience with the curious public.
One thing you'll notice when your group steps inside is that the entire facility looks like it was abandoned overnight.
Flickr / Wind Ranch
Furniture, desks, and even paperwork are left basically untouched - as if the last residents couldn't wait to get out of there when they finally got word that it was time to leave.
While any overnight visitor is sure to hear, see, and feel some unexplained happenings, the most common sighting is of "The Joker".
Flickr / Wind Ranch
The Joker is an eerire presence - he often shows in as orbs in photos, or as dark shadows in rooms that can't be unexplained. Some visitors have felt his hands around their neck, or otherwise trying to obstruct their breathing.
If you're up for a thrill, gather a group of five friends and make a reservation for an overnight paranormal investigation at Edinburgh Manor.
Facebook / Edinburgh Manor
Your group will pay $200 for up to 5 people to attend, and you can add extra friends for just $40 per person. You do have to make a reservation in advance, and many dates in October are already filled. Email emanor@inbox.com for availability and to save your spot.
Edinburgh Manor was once a site of unspeakable horrors, and now it remains standing as a tribute to those who suffered here.
Facebook / Edinburgh Manor
Learn the history of the old poor farm and the mental institution as you seek to connect with the guests who have never quite left.

Visit the Edinburgh Manor website for more information on arranging a tour. If you’re looking for more of the most haunted places in Iowa, head out on The Haunted Road Trip That Will Lead You To The Scariest Places In Iowa with a few of your bravest friends.

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