Hayseed Press

09/08/2026

In Iowa Weird Vol. 1, Lauren Marie Riensche, founder of the Cedar Falls Ghost Tour, contributed the thrilling true tale of “The Weeping Woman of the Cedar.” Lauren’s harrowing story helped put Iowa Weird on the map.

Now, she returns in Iowa Weird Vol. 2 with another true story just as hair-raising, this time about the tragic Flood Creek train wreck of 1916.

Come meet Lauren and other contributors to Iowa Weird Vol. 2, including Hayseed Press co-founder Aaron Narigon, this Friday, September 11, at Limited Edition Comics & Collectibles in Cedar Falls from 5–6pm. Details are in the comments.

Lauren also returns this fall with the next rendition of the Cedar Falls Ghost Tour. She has a lot of very cool things in the works including a paranormal investigation of one of the area's most haunted hotels. Find more details in the comments.

Founded by Lauren in 2021, the Cedar Falls Ghost Tour has not only sold out every year but has also brought thousands of tourists from across the country to Cedar Falls.

The success of the tour has given Lauren the opportunity to donate tens of thousands of dollars to area non-profits and partner with dozens of regional businesses to host private tours, purchase goods and services, offer visibility and recruitment opportunities, and provide unique tourism experiences.

The tour has been featured in many shows and publications, bringing Cedar Falls to the attention of over one million readers, viewers, and listeners.

What lurks in Iowa’s cornfield? What ghoulies are hiding in the barn? You who fear, continue to flyover. You who dare, these dark fields lie waiting.

09/07/2026

Iowa Weird Vol. 2 now available at The Nook.

All of our bookish shops are open with regular hours
today!☕️📚

09/05/2026

Thank you to the Winterset Madisonian for the great write-up on Iowa Weird Vol. 2.

We are grateful to local newspapers for continuing to support their communities.

At the turn of the 21st century, an unexplained phenomenon seemed to target the home of now retired Ames city attorney Mark O. Lambert. Even worse, it seemed to be attacking his young children. “All it takes is a horrifying supernatural experience with no rational explanation to turn a non-believe...

09/04/2026

What lurks in Iowa’s cornfield? What ghoulies are hiding in the barn?

Iowa Weird Vol. 2 ventures once again into the dark corners of the Hawkeye State, where local legends, unexplained phenomena, haunted houses, and unsettling tales lurk just beyond the familiar.

This year’s edition is chock full of “true” stories, Iowa myths and legends, and weird stories our writers crafted from their warped imaginations. Discover inside:

• The Flood Creek Train Wreck
• The St. Marys Spirit Lights
• The geiste ecke of The Amana Colonies
• Dubuque’s Woman in Black
• Davenport’s truck-eating bridge
• The Squirrel Cage Jail of Council Bluffs
• The Devil of McGregor

You who fear, continue to flyover. You who dare, these dark fields lie waiting.

08/30/2026

Tickets go on sale 9/17 at 12pm CST. See the calendar and sign up for updates at linktr.ee/cfghosttour 👻

08/27/2026

The season of weird is upon us.

Dog-Eared Books is excited to welcome back Hayseed Press to celebrate the release of the Dog-Eared favorite, "Iowa Weird Vol. 2!" This event will feature a moderated discussion with several of the "Iowa Weird" authors alongside the opportunity to get your book signed.

Get your ticket following the link. https://dogearedbooksames.com/iowa-weird/

"Iowa Weird" asks the questions: What is lurking in the corn fields? In the lane? In the village? In the glens and barrows? Under the rivers thrashing waters?

Participating Authors:
• Aaron Narigon, Hayseed Press co-founder and Professor of English at Hawkeye Community College
• Lauren Riensche, founder of the Cedar Falls Ghost Tour
• Mark O. Lambert, former city attorney for the City of Ames
• Melinda Wichmann, Amana-based author of "Exercise Finished" and "How to Live with a Ghost"

This volume contains contributions from a variety of Iowa writers, several of whom are based in our very own Ames, Iowa.

This is a ticketed event that includes a copy of the book. If you have already purchased the book from Dog-Eared Books, please email [email protected] to receive a ticket.

08/22/2026