Villisca, Iowa: Villisca Ax Murder House and Museum

A still-unknown maniac axed the family in this house in 1912. Visitors can tour the house, or sleep over if they're feeling fearless. Now heated! Memorable "Ax Murder House" sign out front.

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Visitor Tips and News About Villisca Ax Murder House and Museum

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Villisca Axe Murder House

We caught the movie "Villisca: Living with a Mystery" at the theater in town, and then toured the house. You must go! It was a surreal experience, having just learned about the backstory through the film, and learned about the various suspects. What really creeped us out was the computer animation of the murder scene in the movie, and where evidence was located, and then to go through the actual house where the murders were committed. You don't get an opportunity to experience the tragedy in such a way. The house was tastefully done, and the guide very nice. See the documentary first, and then take the tour, you feel like you're in a time warp.

[Britt S., 10/02/2006]

Axe Murder House

We visited this interesting house this summer after seeing the documentary, "Villisca: Living with a Mystery", about the infamous 1912 axe murders --one of the country's worst mass murders. It truly was eerie touring the house after seeing the film. The Linn, who own the house, were very kind and provided interesting stories. There is a contingent that visits the crime scene because they think the house is haunted. We went for the historical tour, and found it a fascinating side-step. The town is lovely! Nice people, gorgeous old houses, remnants of the past surround you.

[Ruth Thorpe, 09/09/2006]

Axe Murder House and Museum

Darwin Linn has a museum on the southeast corner of town square and will give tours of the haunted axe murder house.

[Ken, 06/14/2005]

Known as the "Iowa Axe Murders," six members of the J.B. Moore family and two visiting children were chopped up in their beds early on the morning of June 10, 1912. There were suspects, but the murders were never solved. Today, the house is claimed to be haunted -- tours cut short by flying objects, moving furniture, and the ghostly voices of children. The Axe Murder House can be reserved for an overnight stay -- maximum 10 guests, $50/guest, minimum $250. According to the website, "You're on your own until 8:00 a.m the following morning." Call for info.

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Villisca Ax Murder House and Museum

Address:: 508 E. 2nd St., Villisca, IA
Directions:: Villisca Ax Murder House. I-29 exit 35, then east on US Hwy 34 for 45 miles, then south on US Hwy 71 for three miles. Turn left onto U Ave. The Villisca Ax Murder House is several blocks away, on the northwest corner of 2nd St. and 6th Ave.
Hours:: Tours April-Oct. T-Su 1-4. Overnights nightly year-round. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Admission:: Tour $10. Overnight stay $428.
RA Rates:: Worth a Detour