Roadside Attractions in Iowa
2 stops across 2 towns in Iowa β the oversized, the handmade and the barely-signposted.
Worth the detour in Iowa

The Black Angel of Oakland Cemetery
Iowa City, IA
This eerie, eight-foot-tall bronze monument has watched over Oakland Cemetery since 1913. Originally a bright golden bronze, natural oxidation turned the statue a haunting pitch-black, sparking local legends of curses and dark magic. It remains one of Iowa's most famous haunted landmarks, drawing curious visitors year-round.
Villisca Axe Murder House
Villisca, IA
This historic white frame house was the site of a gruesome, unsolved 1912 mass murder of eight people. Today, it stands as a chilling museum and a premier destination for paranormal investigators. Visitors can tour the preserved rooms or even book a spine-tingling overnight stay.
Browse by town in Iowa
Every listing has photos, opening hours, admission and directions, and the directory grows whenever somebody searches for a stop that isn't in it yet.