Iowa is a creepy state. All throughout our Midwestern paradise, ghost stories are told – from The Small Town In Iowa With A Terribly Creepy Past to the The Haunted Abandoned Asylum, you don’t have to look far to find a fright out here. One story is particularly disturbing, because you can still get up close and personal with the centerpiece of the tragic tale.
Right in the heart of Columbus Junction, Iowa, lies a swinging bridge that draws travelers from all over.
Google Local / Mark DiVino
This stomach-dropping suspended, swinging bridge was originally built in 1886.
Google Local / Bianca Crum In 1922, the bridge collapsed with two people on it. It was rebuilt, but the legend of the bridge began to spread. Was it haunted?
Locals call this the Lover’s Leap Bridge, and it’s rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a young Native American who jumped from the bridge shortly after it was built.
Google Local / Allison Malefont The woman was distraught after finding out her true love had died in battle, and she thought it fitting to join him in death.
Today, those who visit the bridge on a quiet day can often hear her desperate wails coming from the cavern below.
Google Local / Ivana Loza Those who visit report hearing screams and sobs emerging from the abyss beneath their feet. As if an 80 foot high swinging bridge wasn’t scary enough, of course it’s haunted, too.
Knowing the bridge’s history - a collapse, a reconstruction, and the sad tale of a distraught young lover - are you brave enough to cross?
Google Local / Eric Bourg The Swinging Bridge is located near the intersection of 2nd Street and IA-92, Columbus Junction, IA 52738. Visit if you dare - but be careful, it’s only for those who can stomach the suspense.
What’s your favorite Iowa ghost story? Tell us in the comments below!
Google Local / Mark DiVino
Google Local / Bianca Crum
In 1922, the bridge collapsed with two people on it. It was rebuilt, but the legend of the bridge began to spread. Was it haunted?
Google Local / Allison Malefont
The woman was distraught after finding out her true love had died in battle, and she thought it fitting to join him in death.
Google Local / Ivana Loza
Those who visit report hearing screams and sobs emerging from the abyss beneath their feet. As if an 80 foot high swinging bridge wasn’t scary enough, of course it’s haunted, too.
Google Local / Eric Bourg
The Swinging Bridge is located near the intersection of 2nd Street and IA-92, Columbus Junction, IA 52738. Visit if you dare - but be careful, it’s only for those who can stomach the suspense.
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