Way, way up in the northwest corner of Iowa, where the borders of the Hawkeye State and South Dakota become blurry and the homes and farms are spaced far apart is the tiny, tiny town of Granite. The town is so small, in fact, that the sign you’ll see as you enter town just says “Welcome to Granite: Population Low.” In fact, it’s one of the most haunted towns in Iowa!
Every summer on the third weekend in July, Iowans and South Dakotans flock to Granite for their annual “Granite Threshing Bee”. People enjoy the old-time tractor parade, demonstrations of wheat thrashing, homemade food, and even a kids tractor pull.
Occasionally, an explorer gets the itch to head up to this tiny border town to explore the nearly Gitchie Manitou Preserve. What many of them don’t know is that hiding between the pretty flowers and abandoned buildings, the spirits of the victims of a gruesome murder are begging for their story to be heard.
The Gitchie Manitou Preserve is similar to many other small parks in the state of Iowa - except for the fact that it is haunted.
Facebook / Gitchie Manitou State Preserve You can find the preserve in the very northwest corner of the state, at 52141, Adams Ave, Larchwood, IA 51241. Be aware, these are sacred grounds, and the history here is eerie and sad.
The park borders the scenic Big Sioux River, which is a great place to relax for a picnic, and for nature enthusiasts to get their fix of a truly wild river.
Facebook / Gitchie Manitou State Preserve The notable Sioux Quartzite outcroppings are over 1.6 billion years old! This smooth, pink bedrock is the oldest exposed rock in the entire state.
Gorgeous flowers, both native and invasive, surround the park’s well maintained trails.
Facebook / Gitchie Manitou State Preserve You’ll find over 40 acres of land to explore. The name “Gitchie Manitou” comes from the Great Spirit, or great creator, in Anishinaabe Indian tradition, Gichi-Manidoo.
Old ruins, including some Native American cave paintings, are one draw of this historic preserve.
Facebook / Gitchie Manitou State Preserve It’s easy to find the ancient Native American burial mounds on any stroll through this park. It is said that their spirits continue to walk these hallowed grounds. If you want to experience some creepy places in Iowa, that also boast immense beauty, add Gitchie Manitou Preserve to your list!
Many people don’t know that the Gitchie Manitou Preserve is haunted by more than the Native American spirits. It was the site of a gruesome murder in 1973.
Facebook / Gitchie Manitou State Preserve On November 17, 1973, the peaceful nature of this scenic and historic park was forever disturbed.
On that evening, five young teenagers from Sioux Falls, South Dakota were exploring the pretty park when the unthinkable happened.
Facebook / Gitchie Manitou State Preserve Three brothers attacked their entire group. Four of the teenagers were killed, and a fifth was raped, but managed to escape with her life. Those killed were 17 year old Roger Essem, 18 year old Stewart Baade, 14 year old Dana Baade, and 15 year old Michael Hadrath.The three brothers, Allen, David and James Fryer, were in the park hunting when they happened upon the teenagers, who were singing around a campfire and smoking marijuana. The brothers decided that they would pose as narcotics officers and approach the children.
All three brothers opened fire on the group with shotguns. Two of the boys were killed instantly, while the others ran into the woods seeking shelter. Allen and David Fryer the three remaining children to follow them back to where they had parked their own van. The youngest, 13 year old Sandra, was tied up and contained in the van. James and David Fryer killed the remaining teenagers. The next day, a couple from Sioux Falls found three of the bodies and reported them to police, who quickly found the fourth.
The testimony of the survivor, 13 year old Sandra Cheskey, was the key to bringing the evil brothers to justice.
Wikimedia Commons The Gitchie Manitou Murders struck fear into the hearts of locals, and authorities were seeking the killers that had left the bodies in the park. Somehow, the youngest victim, Sandra Cheskey convinced her captors to bring her home. She contacted police.On November 29, 1973, Sandra Cheskey was able to identify the farmhouse where the Fryer brothers had taken her, and the brothers were soon arrested by the Sheriff. The terror that had gripped this small town was slowly beginning to fade, but the horrific memories have remained in the minds of locals, and visitors to the Gitchie Manitou Preserve.
A video from Youtube user EXPLORE&ABSORB takes you on a journey through the ruins at Gitchie Manitou, long after the murders. It still seems like a very eerie, creepy place. If you’re a fan of the paranormal, head over to Granite, Iowa!
Facebook / Gitchie Manitou State Preserve
You can find the preserve in the very northwest corner of the state, at 52141, Adams Ave, Larchwood, IA 51241. Be aware, these are sacred grounds, and the history here is eerie and sad.
The notable Sioux Quartzite outcroppings are over 1.6 billion years old! This smooth, pink bedrock is the oldest exposed rock in the entire state.
You’ll find over 40 acres of land to explore. The name “Gitchie Manitou” comes from the Great Spirit, or great creator, in Anishinaabe Indian tradition, Gichi-Manidoo.
It’s easy to find the ancient Native American burial mounds on any stroll through this park. It is said that their spirits continue to walk these hallowed grounds. If you want to experience some creepy places in Iowa, that also boast immense beauty, add Gitchie Manitou Preserve to your list!
On November 17, 1973, the peaceful nature of this scenic and historic park was forever disturbed.
Three brothers attacked their entire group. Four of the teenagers were killed, and a fifth was raped, but managed to escape with her life. Those killed were 17 year old Roger Essem, 18 year old Stewart Baade, 14 year old Dana Baade, and 15 year old Michael Hadrath.The three brothers, Allen, David and James Fryer, were in the park hunting when they happened upon the teenagers, who were singing around a campfire and smoking marijuana. The brothers decided that they would pose as narcotics officers and approach the children.
All three brothers opened fire on the group with shotguns. Two of the boys were killed instantly, while the others ran into the woods seeking shelter. Allen and David Fryer the three remaining children to follow them back to where they had parked their own van. The youngest, 13 year old Sandra, was tied up and contained in the van. James and David Fryer killed the remaining teenagers. The next day, a couple from Sioux Falls found three of the bodies and reported them to police, who quickly found the fourth.
Wikimedia Commons
The Gitchie Manitou Murders struck fear into the hearts of locals, and authorities were seeking the killers that had left the bodies in the park. Somehow, the youngest victim, Sandra Cheskey convinced her captors to bring her home. She contacted police.On November 29, 1973, Sandra Cheskey was able to identify the farmhouse where the Fryer brothers had taken her, and the brothers were soon arrested by the Sheriff. The terror that had gripped this small town was slowly beginning to fade, but the horrific memories have remained in the minds of locals, and visitors to the Gitchie Manitou Preserve.
Have you ever visited one of the haunted towns in Iowa? If so, we want to hear your spooky stories! Share your eerie tales with us in the comments below.
Unfortunately, the Gitchie Manitou murder was not the only event to leave restless spirits seeking their peace in Iowa. Meet 12 Ghosts From Iowa And Hear Their Bone-Chilling Stories for more on the most haunted places in the state.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Gitchie Manitou State Preserve, 52141, Adams Ave, Larchwood, IA 51241, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
haunted towns in Iowa January 04, 2022 Elisa Regulski What are the creepiest places in Iowa? Want to do some ghost hunting? You might experience some paranormal activity when you visit Edinburgh Manor in Scotch Grove. This mental institution, built in 1908, hasn’t operated in years, but some of its former residents linger to this day. Visitors have claimed to hear the sounds of moaning spirits. A few guests even noticed faint visions near the cemetery. Visit Edinburgh Manor to experience the creepiness first-hand! Can I visit any abandoned places in Iowa? Strangely enough, yes you can! For starters, take a road trip to the Buckhorn Ghost Town in Jackson. This ominous spot is home to several abandoned buildings, like an old church and cemetery. If you love ghost towns, don’t just stop there. You can also get a taste of the past when you visit Sunbury, Iowa. A former railroad town, Sunbury has now been left for nature to reclaim. Explore the old bank building and get a glimpse of days gone by. If you’re eager for more fascinating fun, embark on our abandoned places road trip through Iowa! This adventure will show you Iowa in a whole new way. Can I go ghost hunting in Iowa? You absolutely can…. If you dare. For starters, head over to Stony Hollow Road in Burlington. This ominous place is said to be one of the most haunted roads in the state. According to legend, a young woman named Lucinda jumped to her death many years ago. If you drive by at night, your car headlights might just shine through her ghostly frame.
The OIYS Visitor Center
haunted towns in Iowa
January 04, 2022
Elisa Regulski
What are the creepiest places in Iowa? Want to do some ghost hunting? You might experience some paranormal activity when you visit Edinburgh Manor in Scotch Grove. This mental institution, built in 1908, hasn’t operated in years, but some of its former residents linger to this day. Visitors have claimed to hear the sounds of moaning spirits. A few guests even noticed faint visions near the cemetery. Visit Edinburgh Manor to experience the creepiness first-hand! Can I visit any abandoned places in Iowa? Strangely enough, yes you can! For starters, take a road trip to the Buckhorn Ghost Town in Jackson. This ominous spot is home to several abandoned buildings, like an old church and cemetery. If you love ghost towns, don’t just stop there. You can also get a taste of the past when you visit Sunbury, Iowa. A former railroad town, Sunbury has now been left for nature to reclaim. Explore the old bank building and get a glimpse of days gone by. If you’re eager for more fascinating fun, embark on our abandoned places road trip through Iowa! This adventure will show you Iowa in a whole new way. Can I go ghost hunting in Iowa? You absolutely can…. If you dare. For starters, head over to Stony Hollow Road in Burlington. This ominous place is said to be one of the most haunted roads in the state. According to legend, a young woman named Lucinda jumped to her death many years ago. If you drive by at night, your car headlights might just shine through her ghostly frame.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Want to do some ghost hunting? You might experience some paranormal activity when you visit Edinburgh Manor in Scotch Grove. This mental institution, built in 1908, hasn’t operated in years, but some of its former residents linger to this day. Visitors have claimed to hear the sounds of moaning spirits. A few guests even noticed faint visions near the cemetery. Visit Edinburgh Manor to experience the creepiness first-hand!
Can I visit any abandoned places in Iowa?
Strangely enough, yes you can! For starters, take a road trip to the Buckhorn Ghost Town in Jackson. This ominous spot is home to several abandoned buildings, like an old church and cemetery. If you love ghost towns, don’t just stop there. You can also get a taste of the past when you visit Sunbury, Iowa. A former railroad town, Sunbury has now been left for nature to reclaim. Explore the old bank building and get a glimpse of days gone by. If you’re eager for more fascinating fun, embark on our abandoned places road trip through Iowa! This adventure will show you Iowa in a whole new way.
Can I go ghost hunting in Iowa?
You absolutely can…. If you dare. For starters, head over to Stony Hollow Road in Burlington. This ominous place is said to be one of the most haunted roads in the state. According to legend, a young woman named Lucinda jumped to her death many years ago. If you drive by at night, your car headlights might just shine through her ghostly frame.
