Ghost Town USA

Ghost Towns in Polk/Wapello County, Iowa

1 documented ghost town

Polk/Wapello County, Iowa, is home to 1 documented ghost town — a concentrated dose of boom-and-bust history in a single county. The Midwest's ghost towns grew around lead and coal mining, river trade, and early railroads, then emptied as industry consolidated. The names to know starts with Dudley.

On-the-ground conditions here are largely unverified, so treat this county guide as a launchpad for your own research. Access details are thin across this group, so research each town before setting out. Every town below gets its own full guide — with maps, visitor notes, and FAQs.

All Ghost Towns in Polk/Wapello County

Polk/Wapello County Ghost Town FAQs

How many ghost towns are in Polk/Wapello County, Iowa?
1 ghost town is documented in Polk/Wapello County, Iowa, each with its own guide on this page.
What are the most notable ghost towns in Polk/Wapello County?
Standouts include Dudley. Browse the full list below — featured towns have the most complete guides.
What condition are Polk/Wapello County's ghost towns in?
Conditions are largely unverified for this county's ghost towns — they're listed with unknown status until explorers confirm what remains.
Can you visit the ghost towns in Polk/Wapello County?
Access information is limited for these towns. Verify land ownership and local rules before visiting any site, and respect private property at all times.