Official Site of the Villisca Axe Murders
Overnights:
Starting September 1, 2010
Overnights...............$400.............6 people
*Subject to 7% sales tax.
Available Tours:
October 16th, 2010.......$30/person.......10 ppl/tour
October 23rd, 2010.......$30/person.......10 ppl/tour
October 30th, 2010.......$30/person.......10 ppl/tour
*Tours are at 6:30pm and 7:30pm each night
*Tours include a visit to the house, cemetary and psychic
June 10, 1912 Villisca, Iowa
On a quiet residential street in this small town sits an old white frame house. On a dark evening, the absence of lights and sounds are the first indication to visitors that this house is different from the other homes that surround her.
Upon closer inspection, you'll notice her doors and windows are tightly closed and covered. An outhouse in the backyard suggests that this house does not occupy a place in the 21st century but somehow belongs in another era or another story.
A weather-beaten sign hanging from the decrepit front porch warns rather than welcomes.
She is the "Murder House"
Her walls still protect the identity of the murderer or murderers who bludgeoned to death the entire family of Josiah Moore and two overnight guests on June 10,1912. Almost 97 years later, her secret continues to draw many visitors to her door.
To some, she seems to be speaking.
Visits by paranormal investigators have provided audio, video and photographic proof of paranormal activity. Tours have been cut short by children's voices, falling lamps, moving ladders and flying objects. Psychics have confirmed the presence of spirits dwelling in the home and many have actually communicated with them.
If you ask Darwin Linn, owner of the Villisca Axe Murder House, however, if he believes in ghosts, he'll tell you that although he's never personally seen one, "there's something in that house". And then... he'll tell you about the plant.
The plant that grew unexpectedly in the side yard of the Villisca Axe Murder House. The plant that bloomed for two years during the renovations that returned the home to it's original condition at the time of the murders. The plant called "Love Lies Bleeding".
He'll tell you about the Disc Jockey from Des Moines, Iowa who stayed in the house and woke to the voices of children who didn't exist. He'll tell you why his nephew couldn't finish the wallpaper border in the room in which two young girls were murdered. He'll tell you about the closet door that will open and close on demand.
He'll tell you the stories other visitors have passed on to him.
And then...he'll invite you in for a visit. Many have been brave enough to accept his invitation. We've featured their stories, links, photographs, videos and audio clips on these pages. Feel free to take a look around - or email us to arrange a tour-All we ask is that you do so with an open mind and then let us know what you think.
Is the Villisca Axe Murder House haunted?
You tell us.
Your belief may be the key that unlocks the door to the "Villisca Axe Murder Mystery."
Love Lies Bleeding seeds available while quantities last
You've seen the plant at the home of the Moore family...now you have a chance to grow your own. Although the original plant that grew in the yard of the Moore family home died out when the renovations were finished, Darwin has since replanted it near the barn. Each year it blooms radiantly. He's been harvesting the seeds and since many have asked, this year is making them available to the public. The message of this website has always been one of healing and moving past life's great tragedies. There is no better symbol of that message than this beautiful flower. Help us spread that message and show your friends and neighbors that you too believe that we can overcome the difficulties we face in our daily lives if we simply "believe".

To purchase a packet of seeds from the plant, send $5.00 via paypal to dmlinn@frontiernet.net or mail your check to:
The Olson Linn Museum
323 E 4th Street
Villisca, Iowa 50864
If you'd like to use a credit card - call Darwin at 712-621-4291.