Posted in Iowa January 16, 2018 by Kim Magaraci

12 Staggering Photos Of An Abandoned Asylum Hiding In Iowa

It’s not uncommon to find abandoned buildings in Iowa. In fact, if you drive anywhere through rural Iowa, you’re almost guaranteed to see an abandoned barn or farmhouse. In our ghost towns there are abandoned factories and schools, and in some towns, there are abandoned asylums. One in particular is incredibly eerie – check out these photos of the shuttered Edinburgh Manor in Scotch Grove.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/

From 1850 to 1910, Edinburgh Manor was described as a "comfortable retreat for the lazy, able-bodied and willingly dependent applicants," It was, in all reality, a "poor farm".

The deal was that the poor, incurably insane and disabled tenants were given shelter and food, and in return, they would work on the agricultural farm.

Conditions at the "poor farm" were questionable at best, and horrifying at worst.

When the "poor farm" was shuttered and demolished, a new building appeared on the site.

Like many of the earliest "mental institutions", treatment of patients at Edinburgh Manor was often cruel.

Mental illness wasn't well understood at the time, and patients were often the victims of experiments in medical science.

The property lies, now abandoned, in the middle of nowhere, between Cedar Rapids and Dubuque.

It is said to be one of the most haunted spots in Iowa, and even in the Midwest.

Ghost hunters and paranormal investigators come here from miles away to see, hear, and interact with these restless spirits themselves.

You can visit the site on a day trip and tour the Manor, which was abandoned in 2010. It looks like one day, everybody just left, never to return.

If you're brave enough, you can even spend the night here.

If you can’t get enough of creepy sites like this, you might want to gather a few thrill-seeking friends and embark on The Haunted Road Trip That Will Lead You To The Scariest Places In Iowa. You might end up bringing some spirits along for the ride!