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Edinburgh Manor: Iowa's Haunted Asylum

Explore Iowa's most haunted asylum, a historical landmark with a chilling past and paranormal activity, near Scotch Grove.

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Venture into Edinburgh Manor, a historical landmark near Scotch Grove, Iowa, renowned as one of the Midwest's most haunted asylums. Originally a poor farm in the 1800s, it later housed the mentally ill and elderly, with many documented deaths contributing to its eerie reputation. Today, it attracts paranormal investigators and curious visitors seeking a glimpse into its spectral past.

A brief summary to Edinburgh Manor

  • 13859 Edinburgh Rd, Scotch Grove, Iowa, 52310, US
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Reservations are required for all visits, and only cash is accepted.
  • Day tours are available on Saturday and Sunday afternoons for $10 per person.
  • Overnight visits include access to a small house on-site, but bring your own bedding.
  • The building lacks heat and running water, so dress accordingly.
  • Visitors must be over 14 years of age. The basement has mold and may not be suitable for visitors with certain health conditions.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Edinburgh Manor is located at 13859 Edinburgh Rd, Scotch Grove, IA 52310, a rural area. From Scotch Grove, head north on Iowa Highway 38, then turn east onto County Home Road. The manor will be on your left. Parking is available on-site. Due to its rural location, ride-sharing services may be limited.

  • Public Transport

    Public transportation options to Edinburgh Manor are limited due to its rural location. Iowa County Transportation (ICOT) provides demand-responsive services, but requires advance booking. Contact them at 319-642-7615 for reservations and fare details, with out-of-county fares starting at $10. Western Iowa Transit (WIT) is another option, contact them at (712) 792-9914 for more information.

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Discover more about Edinburgh Manor

Edinburgh Manor, located near Scotch Grove, Iowa, carries a somber history within its walls. Built in 1910-1911, it replaced an earlier poor farm that served as a refuge for the area's impoverished, disabled, and mentally ill. The original poor farm was constructed sometime around 1850. Conditions were often harsh, with overcrowding and limited resources, leading to a high mortality rate among residents. Over 230 deaths have been documented on the property. In its early years, the facility served as a poor farm, offering shelter and sustenance in exchange for labor. However, it transitioned into an asylum for the insane and a nursing home for the infirm elderly. Due to societal and medical advancements, the old building was unable to keep up and eventually transitioned to nursing home care after cuts to mental health care funding. Edinburgh Manor was in operation until November 2010. The facility was eventually closed, and the building was sold in September 2011. Today, Edinburgh Manor is known as one of the most haunted locations in the Midwest. Visitors report various paranormal phenomena, including apparitions, unexplained noises, and unsettling feelings. The most famous resident ghost is nicknamed the Joker, a malevolent spirit known for accosting people in the basement. Other reported phenomena include a little girl who laughs and plays on the first floor and a female apparition in white often seen on the second-floor landing. The building has been featured on television shows like "Ghost Adventures" and attracts paranormal investigators from across the nation.

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