I am extremely proud to say that I was one of the members of the group that first spent the night in the Villisca Axe Murder House. After a rather brief evening tour with a few friends, we decided that we simply had to stay again, and longer. When asked about the possibility of an overnight stay ~ Darwin simply looked at us in disbelief and remarked that he had no idea what to charge because no one had ever asked that question before.

And thus ~ overnight visits at the Villisca Axe Murder House became a reality. Somewhat skeptical, Darwin agreed that marketing the overnights to the general public was an idea but quite honestly, I don't think he really believed anyone would actually pay to stay there. The house had no heat, no air conditioning and no indoor plumbing. To Darwin's surprise, however, as soon as the website went up - the bookings started pouring in. Last season, almost every weekend was reserved and in the month of October, overnights were held almost every night!

 In many cases, overnight visitors return two, three, even four times. If you've considered touring the house ~ I'd suggest a daylight tour to get the lay of the land and then ... if you really think you can handle it - give an overnight a shot. I guarantee you won't be disappointed. In all the time that overnight tours have been held at the house, I am happy to say that we have never had anyone ask for a refund or indicate that they wouldn't stay again if given the chance.

While we cannot guarantee that you will experience anything paranormal, I can tell you that your visit will be life-changing in one way or another. Even with the absence of ghosts, staying in a house that is basically as it was in the early 1900's is an experience in and of itself. Staying in a house in which a grisly murder occured and the killer was never caught is an adventure of it's own. And of course, if a spirit happens to show up, open a closet door, roll a ball down the stairs or even touch your leg or shoulder, I can promise you that your entire outlook on life as you know it will be altered forever.

Overnights at the Villisca house typically begin at the museum at dusk. After a walk-thru tour of the house and grounds, Darwin will simply turn over the key and head on home. You will be asked to leave the key in a predetermined place when you leave. Although the nearest neighbor is within view and shouting distance, don't be surprised if you realize the next morning that you felt as if they were a million miles away. The former home of JB and Sarah Moore seems to exist in a world of it's own.

Overnight tours are by reservation only and we suggest that you limit your group to ten or less. Any more than that and the small house gets even smaller. Bring your sleeping bags and pillows. (For some reason, guests have a difficult time getting rest in any of the house's beds.) If it's spring or early fall, a blanket and heavy coat are a good idea. Photographs, videotapes and audio recordings are encouraged, however, we would appreciate it if you'd share anything you may capture on film or tape.

The recently restored barn on the property does have indoor plumbing and offers a respite for anyone who might need to leave the house for a time.

The price for an overnight visit Sunday thru Thursday night is a minimum of $300.00 which allows for 5 guests. Each additional guest is an additional $60.00.

Friday and Saturday night tours booked after Labor Day, 2009 have a minimum of $350.00 for 5 guests. Each additional guest is an additional $70.00.

To book an overnight tour - call Darwin at 712-621-4291 or email him at dmlinn@frontiernet.net. Once Darwin confirms your date, you will need to mail a $100.00 deposit to reserve. If the deposit is not received within 7 days, your overnight will be cancelled and must be rebooked.

The remainder of the fee is due at the time of the visit. Deposits are non-refundable. If for any reason, you need to reschedule your overnight visit, you must contact Darwin at least two weeks prior to the scheduled date to keep your deposit. It will be applied to your rescheduled date but will not be refunded.

Please check our calendar by clicking on the link at the right. When a deposit has been paid on a date, it will show up on the calendar. If a date is blank, it may be open or we may be waiting on a deposit. Contact Darwin to confirm it's availability. Please do not request a date that is already reserved.

Comments from other overnight visitors:

"This house is a paranormal investigators dream."

 "We will be coming back this spring with many more people. Than you for this experience it was awsome!!!"

"I just wanted to thank Darwin and Martha for the great tour and information...I had a great time doing the overnight tour and I hope to make it back there again soon...Thanks! "

Mail your deposits to:

The Olson Linn Museum
323 E 4th Street
Villisca, Iowa 50864