The Hawkeye State is home to plenty of historic buildings, and with storied pasts occasionally come troubled spirits. Check out the story of Davenport’s most historic hotel, and the paranormal happenings you might experience when you visit.
Iowa’s historic Hotel Blackhawk was built in 1915, and over the years, it has expanded to more than 400 rooms.
Facebook / Hotel Blackhawk This beautiful hotel has hosted many famous people over the last century, including Barack Obama, Carl Sandburg, Jack Dempsey, Herbert Hoover, and Richard Nixon. The Blackhawk is an award winning hotel, and it has earned the reputation of being one of the best places to stay in Iowa. However, not every visit is quiet and peaceful…In 1986, Cary Grant was staying in the Blackhawk when he fell ill at a nearby theater. Grant retreated back to his hotel, and while a Doctor was called, it was too late for the legendary actor, and he died in his room.Though the Blackhawk is a truly historic building, it fell into disrepair after a change of ownership in the 1990s, and by the early 2000s, it was, to put it nicely, a dump. In 2006, a meth lab exploded on the sixth floor, and the people of Davenport had enough.
Over the past decade, the Blackhawk has been acquired and restored to its former glory, and it once again is the premier place to stay in the Quad Cities.
Wikimedia Commons In the new, restored, Hotel Blackhawk, though, not everything is as perfect as it seems. Guests have reported paranormal experiences, from seeing the specter of Grant, to spotting figures, feeling chills, and hearing unexplained noises.
Ghost-hunting Iowans will be thrilled to find out that the Hotel is now home to an amazing bistro and bar, where you can discuss hauntings over a nice glass of Chianti.
Facebook / Bix Bistro
Bix Bistro even plays into the legends a bit, with their Seven Deadly Zins - featured house wines.
Facebook / Bix Bistro
The menu here is impressive, featuring simple salads, sandwiches, and fine bistro fare. Treat yourself to a juicy steak de burgo, or keep it simple with a french dip!
Facebook / Bix Bistro
Bix Bistro’s servers are well educated in wine pairings, but you can also choose from a wide selection of craft beer to compliment your meal.
Facebook / Bix Bistro
On a nice day, escape to their patio seating for a cocktail. But don’t worry - spirits are known to enjoy the weather outdoors, too.
Facebook / Hotel Blackhawk
You can find out about Bix Bistro’s specials, hours, features, and more here. Hotel Blackhawk is located at 200 E 3rd St, Davenport, IA 52801, and it truly is one of the best places to stay in the Quad Cities. Even if you live nearby, plan a ‘staycation’ at this hip and historic hotel.
Facebook / Hotel Blackhawk
This beautiful hotel has hosted many famous people over the last century, including Barack Obama, Carl Sandburg, Jack Dempsey, Herbert Hoover, and Richard Nixon. The Blackhawk is an award winning hotel, and it has earned the reputation of being one of the best places to stay in Iowa. However, not every visit is quiet and peaceful…In 1986, Cary Grant was staying in the Blackhawk when he fell ill at a nearby theater. Grant retreated back to his hotel, and while a Doctor was called, it was too late for the legendary actor, and he died in his room.Though the Blackhawk is a truly historic building, it fell into disrepair after a change of ownership in the 1990s, and by the early 2000s, it was, to put it nicely, a dump. In 2006, a meth lab exploded on the sixth floor, and the people of Davenport had enough.
Wikimedia Commons
In the new, restored, Hotel Blackhawk, though, not everything is as perfect as it seems. Guests have reported paranormal experiences, from seeing the specter of Grant, to spotting figures, feeling chills, and hearing unexplained noises.
Facebook / Bix Bistro
For more hauntings in Iowa, read Not Many People Realize These 10 Little Known Haunted Places In Iowa Exist.
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