State of Iowa

The Squirrel Cage Jail in Council Bluffs, Iowa, is renowned as one of Iowa’s most haunted places. This was the inspiration for my visit.

Despite once residing in Iowa and frequently traveling through Council Bluffs to visit family in Iowa, I only became aware of the location after seeing it featured on the Travel Channel. A paranormal show was doing an overnight stay at the site, which caught my attention and led me to add it to my “must-visit” list.

Jake Bird is the most noteworthy and infamous inmate of Squirrel Cage Jail. Bird was tried and executed for murdering two people using an axe. Prior to his execution, Bird claimed to have killed as many as 46 people in 11 states. Bird claims to have killed people in: Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. In spite of only being at the Squirrel Cage Jail, might Bird’s spirit linger?

The idea of a rotating cylinder jail cell requiring only one jailer, is intriguing. The foresight to create such a system is impressive, and it drives me to explore other similar locations.

Brief History of the Location

The Squirrel Cage Jail in Council Bluffs, Iowa, is considered one of Iowa’s most haunted places. This historic building is said to be home to several ghostly sightings and strange occurrences. The jail was in operation from 1885 to 1969, and many believe that the spirits of former prisoners still haunt the halls.

The Squirrel Cage Jail is one of the few remaining rotary jails in the United States. It was designed to hold prisoners in a series of rotating cages, which gave the jail its unique and eerie appearance. Despite its unusual design, the jail was known for its inhumane conditions and brutal treatment of prisoners.

Visitors to the Squirrel Cage Jail often report feeling a sense of unease and being watched by unseen entities. Many claim to hear strange noises, such as ghostly footsteps and ghostly laughter, coming from within the walls of the jail. Some visitors have even reported seeing apparitions, including the ghost of a former prisoner who was known for his violent behavior.

One of the best-known ghost stories is associated with a former prisoner who died at the Squirrel Cage Jail. The ghost of this departed inmate is said to be seen pacing back and forth in his cell. Some visitors have claim to feel a cold chill or sudden drop in temperature when passing his cell. Visitors have reported hearing his ghostly footsteps echoing through the halls.

If this article interests you, read about other Iowa haunted locations I have visited or browse through all the haunted locations I have been to.

Location

226 Pearl St, Council Bluffs, IA 51503

Despite its eerie reputation, the Squirrel Cage Jail is open to the public for tours. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the Squirrel Cage Jail is a fascinating place. The jail is a unique piece of Iowa’s history that is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors. Guests can explore the jail’s dark past and learn about the history of one of Iowa’s most haunted places.

Visit traveliowa.com for more information about the location. Also go to the Historical Society of Pottawattamie County website for detailed history of the location or to set up a tour.