Ghost Town USA

Ghost Town · Iowa

Herring

A ghost town of unknown status in Sac County, Iowa.

By the Ghost Town USA research team · Last reviewed September 2026

Herring ghost town, Iowa
Photo: Harris & Ewing, photographer (Public domain) via Wikimedia Commons

Quick Facts

State
Iowa
Status
Unknown Status
Access
Unknown Access
Coordinates
Not recorded

You don't stumble onto Herring by accident. That's rather the point. Clyde LaVerne Herring (May 3, 1879 – September 15, 1945) was an American Democratic politician who served as the 26th governor of Iowa, and then one of its U.S.

Herring is the lone documented ghost town in Sac County — for now.

The story of Herring

Iowa's ghost towns are coal camps and railroad towns in a state that farmed too well to need many of them.

Clyde LaVerne Herring (May 3, 1879 – September 15, 1945) was an American Democratic politician who served as the 26th governor of Iowa, and then one of its U.S. senators, during the last part of the Great Depression and the first part of World War II.

What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Herring is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

Getting there

Here's the honest truth: access to Herring is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Good to know

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.

Herring FAQs

Where is Herring located?
Herring is in Sac County, Iowa. Precise coordinates aren't on record, so research maps and local directions before you go.
What county is Herring in?
Herring sits in Sac County, Iowa. See our full guide to ghost towns in Sac County for its neighbors.
What is the history of Herring?
Clyde LaVerne Herring (May 3, 1879 – September 15, 1945) was an American Democratic politician who served as the 26th governor of Iowa, and then one of its U.S. senators, during the last part of the Great Depression and the first part of World War II.
What remains at Herring today?
The on-the-ground condition of Herring is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.
Can you visit Herring?
Here's the honest truth: access to Herring is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Sources: description based on Wikipedia (“Clyde L. Herring”), CC BY-SA.

More Ghost Towns in Sac County

See all 1 ghost towns in Sac County, Iowa