Squirrel Cage Jail of Pottawattamie County, Iowa

10/27/2026

The Squirrel Cage had been home to a few murderers back when it was a jail, but have there been any connections with murders since the Historical Society took over? We can think of one: past Society president, Elizabeth (Liz) Dean. She wrote novels about murders. Her first mystery, "Murder is a Collector’s Item," introduced Emma Marsh, a sharp young heroine whose independence raised eyebrows... one New York Times reviewer noted that Emma “drinks far more than a nice girl should.” The book was selected for Doubleday Publishing’s “crime club” which featured the company’s outstanding mysteries. The New York Herald-Tribune called Liz Dean “the find of the season.” Liz denied that Emma was her fictional counterpart, but friends recognized the quick wit and determination. Council Bluffs benefitted from that determination. Liz was the one that led the fight to save the Squirrel Cage Jail from demolition in the early 1970s. Once it was safe, she booked tours and displayed pieces from her own antique collection inside. Though her three mysteries are out of print today, the building she saved is still standing.

10/24/2026

Just a few of the friendly faces waiting to welcome you to our Flashlight Tours!

Only two nights left to experience the Squirrel Cage after dark. Join us tonight or October 30th. They are dying to meet you!

10/23/2026

Check out this recent podcast we were featured on! Big thanks to Loess Hills Media and Podcasts for inviting us on and chatting with us about our Flashlight Tours and other upcoming events at the Historical Society!

10/23/2026

Halloween “haunted houses” became popular fundraisers for nonprofits in the 1970s. Most were low-budget, do-it-yourself affairs powered by the energy and imagination of volunteers. Land a radio station sponsorship, and the lines could stretch down the block—with the admission fees rolling in! Our own Squirrel Cage Jail once served as a “haunted house” for KQKQ-FM. Today’s safety standards no longer allow that use, but we still blend history with a little darkness through our flashlight tours. Meanwhile, those homemade haunted houses have largely given way to elaborate, high-tech productions. The 60-second video talks a bit about the “haunted houses” of old.

10/20/2026

The Squirrel Cage Jail housed some colorful characters over the years, including an axe murderer, the mastermind behind “the biggest swindle of all time,” an Alcatraz alumnus, and also the guy who was elected three terms as King of the Hobos. He also has the distinction of being the jail’s most frequent “customer.”

10/17/2026

Do you like history and spooky season? Our Flashlight Tours are happening Fridays and Saturdays, now until October 30th, 8:30pm-10:30pm

Tickets are $15 at the door. We hope to see you there!

10/17/2026

10/13/2026

Our Flashlight Tours at the Squirrel Cage Jail have returned for October!

Fridays and Saturdays, October 2nd-30th from 8pm-10:30pm. Tickets are $15 and can be paid at the door.

09/18/2026

Our Flashlight Tours at the Squirrel Cage Jail will be returning for October! If you like history and spooky experiences, join us Fridays and Saturdays in October for a tour of the Squirrel Cage Jail, after dark!
Fridays and Saturdays, October 2nd-30th from 8pm-10:30pm. Tickets are $15 and can be paid at the door.

Served as the Pottawattamie County Jail from 1885-1969. The largest rotary jail built of 18.

09/18/2026

Our Flashlight Tours at the Squirrel Cage Jail will be returning for October! If you like history and spooky experiences, join us Fridays and Saturdays in October for a tour of the Squirrel Cage Jail, after dark!

Fridays and Saturdays, October 2nd-30th from 8pm-10:30pm. Tickets are $15 and can be paid at the door.