Spirited Adventures: The Best Haunted Spots & Distillery Stops in Iowa

Day One

Sip: Start at Wych Dr Distillery in Cherokee, a small-town western Iowa distillery that wows visitors with its handcrafted premium vodka. Try a sample of their unique vodka flavors, including birthday cake, salted caramel and raspberry. Bottles are also available for purchase.
 

Scare: Stop in for a daytime showing at Cherokee's American 3 Theater. Sit back, eat some popcorn and enjoy the movie but beware of the previous owner Mr. Goldie, who is said to still lurk around the theater and cause seats to rock back and forth.
 

Stay & Savor: End your day in Mason City at the Historic Park Inn Hotel, the last remaining hotel in the world designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Stroll around the hotel to soak in the historic charm, grab a cocktail at the underground bar or dine at the onsite restaurant Leadlight for a gourmet meal.
 

Day Two

Sip: Embark on a one-of-a-kind distillery adventure at 173 Craft Distillery in nearby Clear Lake. Expand your knowledge and flavor profiles with a mixology class or take a tour to delve into the world of spirits production. Visit on the weekends to enjoy live music from local musicians.
 

See: Experience the area's legendary music history at the Surf Ballroom and Museum, a national historic landmark that pays tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson. Catch a concert to witness how their music lives on. The crash site memorial is available for visitation five miles north.
 

Sip: Pay a visit to S&B Farms Distillery in Bancroft to taste spirits made from grains straight from the owners’ family farm. Try a sweeter sample with their award-winning apple or peach flavored bourbon or opt for a sharper choice with the spicy pineapple jalapeño moonshine.
 

Sip: End the day with a unique whiskey tasting at Century Farms Distillery to sample different flavor profiles while learning about their grass-to-grain distilling process in Spencer. Plan ahead to catch one of their free Saturday tours to see the owners’ hand-made distilling equipment. On your way out, grab a bottle of their Straight Bourbon for the perfect souvenir.

Day One

Sip: Start your trip in Cumming with a taste of spirits made from local, homegrown ingredients at Iowa Distilling Company. From bourbon to moonshine to their specialty Prairie Fire Cinnamon Whiskey, they are sure to have a spirit to satisfy your palate. Plan ahead to make it for a trivia night, movie showing or live music.
 

Sip: Continue your distillery adventure with a VIP tour at Revelton Distilling Co. in Osceola, where you can see firsthand how they transform Iowa corn into fine spirits. During the tour, test up to five different complimentary spirits. Keep your eye on their events calendar for live music and food trucks.
 

See: Dive into the deep history of the Jordan House, built by one of West Des Moines’ first settlers, James C. Jordan. Learn about how early Des Moines pioneers and settlers lived and the house’s role in the Underground Railroad. Jordan House tours are offered Friday and Sunday, and pre-purchased tickets are strongly encouraged.
 

Stay & Savor: Step back into history with a stay at Hotel Fort Des Moines. Founded in 1919, the hotel has hosted celebrities ranging from Elvis to Johnny Cash to John F. Kennedy. Meander around downtown Des Moines to discover nearby local gems or stay in to indulge in handmade pasta at their onsite restaurant.
 

Day Two

See: Continue your history tour at Terrace Hill, a national historic landmark that now serves as the Governor’s Mansion. Built in 1869, the home features a classic red-brick exterior and stunning stained-glass windows. Sign up for a guided tour to walk through the museum, historic gardens and the first and second floors of the residence. Tours are offered March-December.
 

Sip & Savor: Relax and refuel at Foundry Distilling Company, an experiential distillery in the Historic Valley Junction. Sign up for a tour to learn about the process of making spirits from the owner, or schedule a VIP tasting to sample the finest handcrafted whiskies and bourbons. For dinner, head next door to The Hall for shareables, including cheese curds, wings and nachos or personal pizzas, sandwiches and burgers.
 

Scare: For a scarier activity, stop through the Farrar Schoolhouse near Bondurant. Home to many accounts of paranormal activity, beware of shadow people, disembodied voices, footsteps and other eerie noises. Daytime and overnight tours are available by reservation.

Day One

Sip: Head to Mississippi River Distilling Co.’s Downtown Lounge in Davenport to sip on sample flights or unique craft cocktails. Or, head to the Cocktail House to take a tour of its LeClaire distillery while overlooking scenic views of the Mississippi River.
 

Sip: With a wide variety of wine, whiskey and vodka, there’s a flavor profile fit for everyone at TYCOGA Winery & Distillery in De Witt. If you’re visiting in the winter, treat yourself to a cozy view by renting a heated outdoor igloo.
 

Scare: Send shivers down your spine with a visit to Edinburgh Manor in nearby Scotch Grove, where visitors have reported whistling, singing, shadows and other paranormal activity. Call ahead to schedule a tour or, if you’re brave enough, book an overnight visit to face the spirits yourself.
 

Stay & Savor: Book a stay at The Literary Hotel, located in the heart of Solon. Explore Solon by dining at local eateries like Good Vibes Café, or shopping around the town square. To continue a day of tastings, stop into Big Grove Brewpub.
 

Day Two

Sip & Savor: Start your day by tasting award-winning whiskey or locally crafted wine at Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery, or take a tour to get a behind-the-scenes look of the distillation process. Admire the views of the peaceful rolling hills surrounding Swisher while enjoying fresh wood-fired pizzas, grilled sandwiches and unique shareables.
 

Scare: Take a break from distilleries and try a spookier activity with a visit to Oakland Cemetery in Iowa City. Its eight-foot-tall Black Angel statue has inspired many legends, but one story remains the same – if you touch or kiss the statue, you’ll be struck dead.
 

Savor: Travel back in time with a nostalgic visit to Wilton Candy Kitchen. Pop in, take a spin on the vinyl stools and indulge in an old-fashioned soda, ice cream sundae or malt. If you’re hungry, pair your dessert with a delicious sandwich or croissant. Then, shop old-fashioned candies and treats and learn all about the Wilton soda fountain’s fascinating history at the onsite museum.