THE HAUNTED AND MYSTERIOUS BACKCOUNTRY OF EASTERN IOWA

In April 2022, I embarked on an unforgettable journey to eastern Iowa—one of my favorite explorations to date. As I planned the trip, I was well aware that I’d be arriving right at the start of tornado season. Choosing to stay in Cedar Rapids, I booked an Airbnb in a century-old brick apartment building, convinced that if a tornado hit, this place would stand strong. After spending a few days there, I struck up a conversation with a local who shared an interesting fact: tornadoes rarely hit cities. The urban landscape—streets, buildings, and infrastructure—disrupts the conditions needed for tornado formation. That insight was both surprising and reassuring.

The highlight of my trip was exploring an abandoned insane asylum in the eastern part of the state. Reputed to be haunted, I couldn’t wait to step inside and experience it for myself. While wandering through its eerie halls, I crossed paths with a paranormal investigation crew who shared some fascinating history about the asylum. What made this place truly remarkable was that it still housed many original furnishings and artifacts, offering a chilling glimpse into the past. In stark contrast, another asylum I visited an hour away had been stripped down, leaving only its weathered bones. Yet, despite its emptiness, it exuded an equally unsettling vibe—especially in the decayed and crumbling basement.

Beyond the asylums, Iowa revealed itself as a treasure trove of abandoned gems. I stumbled upon old barns, farmhouses, and towering silos that made for incredible photo opportunities. The vast farmlands stretched for miles, punctuated by charming small towns—some so tiny they boasted just a single traffic light and one gas station. One such town led me to a boarded-up, abandoned school. As I scoped it out from the outside, a dog suddenly came charging at me from a nearby yard. My heart pounded as I bolted for my car, only to realize—thankfully—the dog was restrained by an impressively long leash.

My explorations didn’t stop there. I discovered forgotten train cars and a variety of abandoned factories, each with its own unique story etched in rust and decay. Cedar Rapids may seem like a quiet town on the surface, but for an urban explorer, Iowa is an absolute goldmine.

I can’t wait to return and uncover even more hidden treasures!