The Villisca Axe Murder House now has Charlotte ties — stay overnight, if you dare
A Charlotte ghost tour’s company recently acquired one of the country’s most haunted houses, creating a tie between the Queen City and the home of unsolved octuple murders in 1912 in Villisca, Iowa.
US Ghost Adventures, the Virginia-based company behind Queen City Ghosts that has a walking tour in uptown Charlotte, has purchased the home known as the “Villisca Axe Murder House”. And if you dare, you can book an overnight stay there.
THE STORY: “The Villisca ax murders of June 1912 remain an enduring and unsettling enigma in American criminal history,” states US Ghost Adventures’ website. “In this quaint small Iowa town on a pleasant summer’s night, eight unsuspecting victims — including six children — were bludgeoned to death as they slept following a church service.”
Two of the children were friends of the family, staying overnight in a downstairs bedroom.
WHO DID IT: “Despite a nationwide manhunt, multiple suspects and two trials, the murder remains unsolved,” the website says.
The house was restored in the 1990s so that visitors could see the home as it was on the night of the crime. It’s been added to the National Registry of Historic Places, so no further changes are planned.
The home is a draw for true crime enthusiasts and paranormal fans, a company representative told CharlotteFive. In fact, the house has had visitors from all around the world.
HOW TO VISIT: There are a couple of ways to see the house for yourself, if you dare.
Book a 45-minute tour for $15, where you can tack on an Rent EMF Detector for an extra $7.
But if you’re traveling from Charlotte all the way to Iowa, you might just be courageous enough to do an overnight stay. Standard rates are $199 for a room (there are three to choose from). You can also rent the entire house, starting at $599. Keep in mind, as the house has been restored to its original state, that there is no electricity or running water.
Private house tours for groups are also available.
“The house seems to have a life of its own. From my own experiences and what guests have shared over the years, there are unexplained sounds, movements of objects, and even physical touch that occurs to those who dare stay the night,” said Johnny Houser, who has managed the Villisca Axe Murder House for two decades.
Other home tours
Not planning to visit Iowa anytime soon? The company has two other homes you might want to check out:
The company purchased the Lizzie Borden home in Fall River, Massachusetts, in 2021. She was accused of the ax murders of her father Andrew and stepmother Abby in 1892. You can stay at the home, as it is now a bed and breakfast.
The Welty House was built in the 1830s and was the site of fighting during the Battle of Gettysburg. It was used as a sharpshooter position for Confederate forces and then later as a temporary burial ground for 36 Union and confederate soldiers.
Ghost stories in town
Of course, you can always save the gas money and say hello to spooky season by booking a walking tour by Queen City Ghosts. The local tours start and end at The Dunhill Hotel in uptown, are 60-90 minutes long and include 8 stops. Tickets are $26 for adults and $16 for children.
