The Official Site of the Villisca Axe Murders

The Villisca Axe Murder House

For visitors who find a daytime tour of the Villisca Axe Murder House a little tame but aren't quite ready for an overnight visit, we are currently offering Lamplit evening tours of the house on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evenings.

These tours begin at the museum at dusk and will last approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Darwin will lead the tour through each room in the house describing the crime scene and answering any questions that visitors must have. In most cases, visitors will be given a little private time to roam the house at will. Photography, video and audio equipement is allowed.

Given that the house has been restored to it's condition at the time of the murders in 1912, there is no running water or electricity. During the tour, the house is lit only by the kerosene lanterns that were used in the early 1900's.

Lamplit tours are given by reservation only and a 50% deposit is required to hold your date.

The cost of a lamplit tour is $25.00 per person. Groups larger than 10 are not recommended due to the small size of the house. Deposits are non-refundable unless the tour is rescheduled at least 2 weeks prior to the originally scheduled date. To check for availability, please visit the calendar link on the right. If a date is empty, it is available for booking. If the date already has a tour on it - that date is not available.

To book your lamplit tour please call Darwin at 712-621-4291 or email your request to dmlinn@frontiernet.net.

Visitors say...

"If you haven't visited please do and keep an open mind. It is an experience I will never forget." April 2006

"This is a truly remarkable place!" May 2006

" I went in very skeptical and came out very much a believer. It's a must see place even if you are skeptical!"
June 2006