‘Ghost Adventures’ Once Explored a Creepy, Haunted House in Iowa

One of my girlfriends' favorite shows is Ghost Adventures. The long-running series on the Discovery Channel has been exploring haunted locales around the country for over 15 years and 270+ episodes. Low and behold, as my girlfriend, Catherine, let me know, many of the locations they've explored have been in Iowa.

Iowa is no stranger to presumably haunted houses and areas all around the state (see below this article for confirmation of that). Of all the places in Iowa that Zak Bagans and the Ghost Adventures crew have explored, one of the most intriguing is Edinburgh Manor, a home in the unincorporated community of Scotch Grove, IA widely believed to be haunted.

The Haunted History of Edinburgh Manor:

Serving as the basis for the season 11 premiere, Edinburgh Manor is a 150-year-old home nestled in Scotch Grove, IA. Per the Manor's official website, the home initially served as the county seat of Jones County. In June 1840, the portion of the land located at section 36 in Wayne Township was originally deemed to be used for the courthouse via a grant signed by then-President Buchanan.

Instead, the grant was used for the County Poor Farm, which was eerily described as "a comfortable retreat for the lazy, able-bodied, and willingly dependent applicants" and incurably insane (it goes to show how far we've come in the de-stigmatization of mental health). Tenants who stayed at Edinburgh Manor were given food and shelter in exchange for their labor.

What Did Ghost Adventures Look for During Their Visit?:

According to Edinburgh Manor's website, there are over 230 documented deaths on the property. As a safe haven for the poor, the elderly, and those with crippling mental illness, it was in operation until November 2010. To date, as seen in Ghost Adventures, personal belongings from past occupants are still inside Edinburgh Manor.

In the episode of the show, series host Zak Bagans learns of a tall, ominous entity known as "The Joker," who terrorizes anyone who enters the Manor. The most common way he terrorizes trespassers is by choking them. Through the use of technology, heat-seeking radars, and more, the crew tries to see if they can pick up on any paranormal activity lurking in the home.

You Can Spend the Night at Edinburgh Manor if You're Brave Enough:

The owners of Edinburgh Manor offer day tours and overnight visits, although there are restrictions on the latter. No one under the age of 14 is allowed to attend overnight visits, and minors must be accompanied by an adult.

The visitation fee for 1-5 people will run you $275 in 2024 (each additional guest is $55/piece). While there is electricity in the Manor, there is no heat nor running water. Guests tend to bring air mattresses, blankets, and sleeping bags to spend the night. There is no bedding provided; only carpet.

Just writing that was enough to make me leery.

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Read more about Edinburgh Manor on their official website. You can stream the Edinburgh Manor episode of Ghost Adventures (Season 11, Episode 1) on Max or Discovery+.

You can also take a listen to my interview with writer/director Eli Roth, who has worked with Zak Bagans on Ghost Adventures, and discusses his experience with the crew!