Aerial survey view of Tedrow CemeteryAerial survey · USDA NAIP · public domain
Cemetery / Burial Ground

Tedrow Cemetery

Pioneer cemetery in Athens Township, Ringgold County

Mount Ayr, IA

Research updated May 2026

Age

All Ages

Cost

Free

Permission required from current property owner

Access

Limited Access

Rural gravel access, grass

Equipment

Photos OK

Shadow figuresPhantom soundsEquipment malfunctionCold spots

Local tradition describes Tedrow as a small cemetery surrounded by haunted woods. Anonymous community accounts describe a glowing object in the trees that drains car batteries, dark figures watching from tree trunks, abrupt weather changes — sudden chill on hot days, rain on clear ones — and percussive sounds resembling a metal sheet being struck. The accounts describe a cult-ceremonial origin somewhere between fifty and a hundred years ago, with no specifics.

No investigation report, local newspaper feature, or historical society record supports these accounts. Treat them as folklore. The vandalism documented by the Ringgold County genealogy project is the only verified disturbance recorded at the site.

Plan Your Visit

1 way to experience
Drive-By

Drive-By Only

Tedrow Cemetery sits on private property in Athens Township, Ringgold County, approximately five miles southeast of Mount Ayr. The current owner requires advance permission for visits. Civil War veterans and founding members of Kellerton and Mount Ayr are interred here. Do not enter without contacting the owner.

Duration:
20 min

Sources & Further Reading

Every HauntBound history is researched from documented sources. We clearly separate verified historical fact from paranormal folklore.

  1. 1.iagenweb.org/ringgold/cemeteries/cem-tedrow_swansonarticle.html
  2. 2.iagenweb.org/ringgold/cemeteries/tscrpts/tedrow.html
  3. 3.findagrave.com/cemetery/2196244/tedrow-cemetery

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tedrow Cemetery family-friendly?
Drive-by only; private property requires permission from the owner for entry. Overall family fit: High.
How much does it cost to visit Tedrow Cemetery?
Permission required from current property owner This location is free to visit.
Do I need to book in advance?
No advance booking is required, but checking availability is recommended.
Is Tedrow Cemetery wheelchair accessible?
Tedrow Cemetery has limited wheelchair accessibility. Terrain: Rural gravel access, grass.