The Most Haunted Hotel in Iowa

Old hotels seem to get a reputation for being haunted. Look at one of Rapid City's oldest hotels, the Hotel Alex Johnson, which construction began on the hotel the day before work began on Mount Rushmore in 1927. There is no shortage of haunted stories and legends when it comes to the Hotel Alex Johnson.

That brings us to a hotel that is even older, and noted as one of Iowa's most haunted places. Built in 1839, the Hotel Julien was known far and wide for its luxury and gourmet cuisine. It's the oldest hotel in Iowa and located in Dubuque. Much like most historic buildings, fire claimed part of it in its early years but was rebuilt.

But in its existence, celebrities who have reportedly stayed at the Hotel Julien included Abraham Lincoln, Buffalo Bill, Mark Twain, and even Al Capone. Could the ghost of any of these legends still haunt the hotel to this day? Several witnesses and guest say they are still there.

According to Iowa Haunted Houses, an apparition on the upper floors have been seen. Some believe it's the ghost of Al Capone, who frequented the hotel.

Other guests have said that while taking the elevator the the lobby, they would mysteriously end up in the basement. (Okay, That's a horror movie right there). Another guest was woken by the sound of singing in the middle of the night. An entire chorus in beautiful harmony was quite loud and not in English. Others have swore they heard females whispering as if they are lying in bed next to them!

A former employee of the Hotel Julien reported that she was vacuuming the floor of the restaurant when in walked a lady in a black dress and heels walked in. The employee said, "Sorry, we're closed" and did not get a response before the apparition simply vanished.

And if that's not scary enough, a father said a hand allegedly "came out of the pool" trying to grab his child.

Whether any of this can be proven or confirmed, there is one way to find out. The Hotel Julien stands to this day and you can be a guest. "You can check out any time you like, but you can never..." Just kidding. Check out is at 12:00 PM.

It still has that charm, luxury, amenities, and fine dining. But don't be alarmed if you smell cigar smoke and a fedora-wearing gentleman is hovering over your bed.