Just southeast of Ottumwa, Iowa, near the historic Mars Hill Church, sits a place wrapped in eerie local legend—Crybaby Bridge. While not marked on any official map, it’s well-known among locals and ghost story enthusiasts alike. The tale dates back generations and centers around a tragic event: a woman is said to have brought her baby to be baptized at Mars Hill, which is recognized as the oldest log cabin church west of the Mississippi. Sometime after the baptism, the woman reportedly threw the child into the water below the nearby bridge.
Since then, people claim to hear the haunting sound of a baby crying, especially around midnight. Some say the area falls unsettlingly silent at night, and others report the strange feeling of being watched. A few stories even include strange lights in the sky, with whispers of possible UFO sightings. The bridge itself is a known geocache site, and those who venture there at night—especially around midnight—are often warned to tread carefully. Though many find the stories fascinating, it’s worth remembering that they remain legends, with no proven evidence of paranormal activity. Still, for those drawn to the mysterious and unexplained, Crybaby Bridge remains one of southeast Iowa’s most talked-about haunted spots.
