Villisca, Iowa is a small town with an incredible history. A place of both tragedy and beauty, it has seen its share of ups and downs throughout the years. From the bustling businesses on Main Street to the peaceful residential district, this city has something for everyone.
Established in 1869 by two brothers from Germany, Villisca was thriving until 1912 when a horrific axe murder occurred in one of its homes that remains unsolved today. Known as the “Villisca Axe Murders”, visitors can still tour the house where this infamous event took place. The town also contains several historic buildings including churches, banks, and other structures built during its heyday in the late 19th century.
In addition to its unique past, modern-day Villisca offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities such as fishing at nearby lakes or hiking along trails that wind through lush wooded areas. Visitors can also take advantage of cultural attractions like art galleries and museums dedicated to preserving local history. In sum, there’s no shortage of things to do in this charming Midwestern community.