This Haunting Road Trip Through Iowa Ghost Towns Is One You Won’t Forget
When we think of ghost towns, we think of cobwebbed saloons and Wild West towns abandoned to the ghosts of gunslingers past. I was surprised to find that there are quite a few ghost towns right here in Eastern Iowa, and they contain as much haunted history as any of the iconic ghost towns that first come to mind.
From abandoned mining towns to small towns that fought to survive during some of Iowa’s devastating floods, you can take a tour of some of the ghost towns right in your backyard, and discover another piece of Iowa’s history. Check out the directions on this Google Map for a chilling and educational 4 hour and 55 minute journey through seven of Eastern Iowa’s deserted communities.
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/
The tour starts in Elkport, Ia. Elkport is located at the intersection of two rivers. In the devastating Iowa floods of 2004, those two rivers both flooded at the same time, sending water over the levee at the south end of town. The town voted to relocate its citizens, and in 2006, the town was leveled.
Monmouth is in Jackson County and while it isn’t officially considered a ghost town, with a scant population count in 2010, it has the haunted air of a town abandoned. You’ll be fascinated by the remains of buildings as you wander around the town and its outskirts.
After Monmouth, visit Buckhorn, another ghost town located in Jackson County just off of Highway 64. All that remains there is an abandoned church, the remains of the old Buckhorn Creamery and the old cemetery.
Next on the tour is Sunbury. An old railroad town, Sunbury is a ghost town in Cedar County. It was once known for its dance hall, which was founded in 1895, and closed in 1964. The town bank that was opened in 1901 has now been abandoned for many years.
Named for its founder, Hugh D. Downey, the town of Downey was a railroad town originally established in 1853. In its heydey, the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroads passed through it.
Kinross is the next stop. It was formed around a railroad depot in 1879. Named after a place in Scotland, it now only contains an abandoned gas station and an old brick school that has been long closed.
The final stop in the tour, Buxton was originally a coal mining town. At its height in 1910, it had a population of around ten thousand people. The town was abandoned by 1927 due to a decreased demand for coal powered locomotives.
