The Mason House Inn is a charming bed and breakfast in Bentonsport that looks like something out of a movie. Not only is it over 173 years old, it exudes a warm, welcoming vibe its overnight guests love. But it’s not all fresh linens and piping hot morning pastries… this hotel is harboring a few spooky secrets, one of which is named Knapp.
The Mason House Inn is located on Hawk Drive in historic Bentonsport, where it has been for the better part of two centuries.
Mason House Inn Facebook The hotel was built in 1846 as a place for the steamboat travelers. It was used as a hospital several times, and at one point, it was even part of the Underground Railroad.
Joy and Chuck Hanson purchased the inn after Chuck retired from the Air Force.
Angelina S / TripAdvisor They already knew about the suspected hauntings, so it didn’t surprise them when they started experiencing paranormal activity.
Numerous paranormal investigations have been done here, and there are at least five ghosts that the owners and guests are aware of.
management / TripAdvisor Considering three of the hotel’s owners have died in it, that isn’t surprising.
Room 7 is haunted by a man named Knapp who was allegedly murdered in the room many years ago.
Angelina S / TripAdvisor But as creepy as that is, Knapp is pretty harmless, as is the spirit of the little boy who likes to tug at guests’ clothing in Room 5.
Aside from Knapp and a little boy, guests have reported seeing an old lady in a white nightgown in several of the rooms and even a disturbing floating head in Room 8.
Angelina S / TripAdvisor And the reports of guests seeing a strange fog, feeling their room temperature drop, and hearing strange noises are too numerous to list.
We’ll never know the extent of the history within these walls, so it makes sense that there might be some lingering energy and a possible paranormal presence.
MsSnicker / TripAdvisor But regardless of your stance on ghosts, this is a fantastic place to stay.
Address: 21982 Hawk Drive, Bentonsport, IA, 52565-8260
Mason House Inn Facebook
The hotel was built in 1846 as a place for the steamboat travelers. It was used as a hospital several times, and at one point, it was even part of the Underground Railroad.
Angelina S / TripAdvisor
They already knew about the suspected hauntings, so it didn’t surprise them when they started experiencing paranormal activity.
management / TripAdvisor
Considering three of the hotel’s owners have died in it, that isn’t surprising.
Angelina S / TripAdvisor
But as creepy as that is, Knapp is pretty harmless, as is the spirit of the little boy who likes to tug at guests’ clothing in Room 5.
And the reports of guests seeing a strange fog, feeling their room temperature drop, and hearing strange noises are too numerous to list.
MsSnicker / TripAdvisor
But regardless of your stance on ghosts, this is a fantastic place to stay.
Learn more about this historic bed & breakfast here. And if you’re hoping to spot a ghost in Iowa, here are a few places you’ll want to check out.
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