Squirrel Cage Jail Council Bluffs
Explore Iowa's only standing three-story rotary jail, a unique 1885 marvel now a museum with a chilling, possibly haunted, history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal experience
Squirrel Cage Jail Council Bluffs
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Iowa's only standing three-story rotary jail, a unique 1885 marvel now a museum with a chilling, possibly haunted, history.
"A hidden gem offering a fascinating glimpse into history with friendly staff and affordable admission."
🎯 Look for the Sign!
The Squirrel Cage Jail sign isn't always visible from the road. Keep an eye out near the Union Pacific Railroad Museum.
⏰ Allow ample time
Plan for at least 1.5 hours to fully explore and read the informative plaques.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Rotating Jail Cells
Main Jail Area
Witness the ingenious, yet flawed, three-story rotating cell block designed for maximum security.
Plaques and Stories
Throughout the Jail
Detailed explanations bring the jail's history and inmate stories to life, offering a chilling glimpse into the past.
Paranormal Activity
Various Cells
Allegedly haunted, visitors report cold spots and unexplained noises, adding an eerie layer to the historical experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating to the Jail
Unlocking the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Look for the Sign!
The Squirrel Cage Jail sign isn't always visible from the road. Keep an eye out near the Union Pacific Railroad Museum.
⏰ Allow ample time
Plan for at least 1.5 hours to fully explore and read the informative plaques.
💰 Affordable Admission
With admission around $10, it's a budget-friendly way to experience a unique piece of history.
🗣️ Chat with Staff
The employees are full of stories and local insights; don't hesitate to ask questions!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Look for the Sign!
The Squirrel Cage Jail sign isn't always visible from the road. Keep an eye out near the Union Pacific Railroad Museum.
⏰ Allow ample time
Plan for at least 1.5 hours to fully explore and read the informative plaques.
💰 Affordable Admission
With admission around $10, it's a budget-friendly way to experience a unique piece of history.
🗣️ Chat with Staff
The employees are full of stories and local insights; don't hesitate to ask questions!
👻 Embrace the Eerie
Many visitors report paranormal experiences, adding a spooky thrill to the visit. +2
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors highly recommend the Squirrel Cage Jail as a unique and affordable historical gem. The staff are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, and the informative plaques bring the jail's past to life. While finding the location can be a slight challenge, the experience is consistently described as fascinating and well worth the visit.
"Highly recommend this unique museum in Council Bluffs. It’s a hidden gem. And only $10 admission price. Trying to find the place was a bit challenging along with where to park. The first picture is of the outside of the building. We drive by it the first time as the sign for the Squirrel Cage is up by the actual museum and not by the road. Took us about 1.5 hours to go through but I could have spent more time reading all the information. There were two employees working and they were full of stories and information about the museum."
A C
"We had a great time. The history and how things were. Definitely a must see."
Jodi Parke
"We were in Omaha for a wedding this weekend and since we didn’t have to be there til the late afternoon we decided to kill some time by coming to check this place out- and I’m totally glad we did! The admission is only ten bucks, and it’s a pretty cool old piece of history to check out and learn all about! Plus the staff was super duper friendly, i definitely recommend this place 😊"
Rachel C.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Finding the Squirrel Cage Jail can be a bit challenging as the sign isn't always visible from the main road. It's located next to the Union Pacific Railroad Museum. Many visitors recommend looking for the museum's signage to locate the jail.
+1
Yes, parking is available near the Squirrel Cage Jail. Visitors have noted that finding the exact parking spot can be part of the adventure, but it is generally accessible.
Absolutely! The Squirrel Cage Jail is a popular stop for those visiting Omaha, as it's a relatively short drive across the river. It's considered a favorite stop by many near Omaha.
Driving is the most common method. If you're in Omaha, it's a quick drive across the bridge. Public transport options might be limited, so check local transit schedules if needed.
Information on wheelchair accessibility is limited, but given its historic nature, it's advisable to contact the museum directly for specific details on accessibility within the jail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Squirrel Cage Jail is very affordable, typically around $10 per person, making it a great value for a unique historical experience.
Opening hours can vary, and it's best to check the official Squirrel Cage Jail website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit. +1
While advance booking might not always be necessary, it's a good idea to check if there are any special events or tours that require pre-registration, especially during peak seasons.
Yes, children can visit the Squirrel Cage Jail. However, some visitors suggest considering the age of your children, as the history can be intense.
Yes, the Squirrel Cage Jail is now a museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing its unique history and architecture. 
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Squirrel Cage Jail is famous for being the only three-story rotary jail in the United States still standing. It's also known for its alleged paranormal activity. +2
Most visitors spend about 1.5 hours exploring the jail, but you could easily spend more time if you want to read all the detailed information provided on the plaques.
Inside, you'll see the unique rotating cell block, historical exhibits, and informative plaques detailing the jail's history, inmate stories, and the paranormal claims.
While not always explicitly stated as 'guided tours,' the staff are very knowledgeable and share stories, effectively providing an informative experience akin to a guided tour.
Yes, the Squirrel Cage Jail is widely considered haunted, with many visitors and paranormal investigators reporting unexplained phenomena, cold spots, and ghostly encounters.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the Squirrel Cage Jail, but it's always a good idea to confirm with staff upon arrival. Capturing the unique cell structure is a must!
The rotating cell block itself is the primary photo opportunity. Also, look for etched names and drawings on the walls, which offer a poignant glimpse into past lives.
While generally permitted, avoid using flash photography in certain areas if it might disturb exhibits or other visitors. Always be respectful of the historical site.
Photos often focus on the unique circular jail cells, the exterior of the building, and sometimes capture the eerie atmosphere that many visitors experience. +2
The unique design can make capturing the full scope of the rotating cells a bit challenging, but different angles can yield great shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ingenious (and Flawed) Rotary Jail Design
+1However, this innovative design had significant drawbacks. The rotation mechanism often malfunctioned, leading to cells getting stuck. More critically, the confined spaces and the inability to easily separate inmates meant that violence and abuse were rampant. Despite its initial promise of high-tech security, the jail's design proved to be less than foolproof, and it was eventually decommissioned in 1969.
+1Today, the Pottawattamie County Jail, as it was officially known, stands as a museum, offering a tangible connection to this unique chapter in penal history. Visitors can still see the rotating cells and learn about the daily lives of both inmates and jailers, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and realities of incarceration in that era.
Whispers from the Past: The Haunted History
+4Stories abound of cold drafts, unexplained noises, shadowy figures, and even physical sensations like being touched or grabbed.
For those interested in the supernatural, the Squirrel Cage Jail offers a compelling destination. Paranormal investigation teams have documented their experiences here, adding to the mystique. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, the jail's eerie atmosphere and the tales of its spectral residents make for a memorable and chilling visit.
A Gem for History Buffs and Road Trippers
Its proximity to Omaha makes it an easy addition to any itinerary, whether you're passing through or planning a dedicated visit to Council Bluffs. The affordable admission price and the wealth of information provided by the staff and plaques make it a highly recommended experience for a few hours of exploration.
Many visitors express surprise at how captivating this seemingly unassuming building is, calling it a 'hidden gem' and a 'must-see.' It's a place that sparks curiosity and leaves a lasting impression, proving that sometimes the most fascinating historical sites are the ones you least expect.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit