Villisca Axe Murder House
Eight victims in 1912 — toys that move, children's voices, and aggressive EVPs.
History & haunting lore
The Villisca Axe Murder House is a modest white frame house in the small town of Villisca, Iowa, remembered for one of the most notorious unsolved crimes in American history. On the night of June 9-10, 1912, eight people, Josiah and Sarah Moore, their four children and two young house guests, were killed with an axe as they slept, following a church event that evening. Despite a lengthy investigation, multiple suspects and trials, no one was ever convicted, and the case remains open more than a century later.
Because of that tragedy, the house has become a focus of paranormal interest, and visitors on tours and overnight stays report knocks, voices and other experiences. These accounts are anecdotal and subjective. The enduring facts of the case, the loss of an entire family including six children, are far more sobering than any ghost story.
The house has been restored to reflect its 1912 appearance, without electricity or running water, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It stands as a solemn reminder of a real and terrible event, and is best approached with corresponding respect.
Current site status
The Villisca Axe Murder House is privately operated and open to the public for daytime guided tours and, by arrangement, overnight stays, with a gift shop where tours begin; reservations are encouraged though walk-ins may be accepted. The restored house has no electricity or running water, so visitors should plan accordingly.
Given that this is the site of a real mass murder, visitors are asked to behave respectfully toward the memory of the victims and the local community.