Van Meter Visitor
Also known as: Van Meter Monster
A winged, light-emitting creature that besieged a small Iowa town for three nights in 1903.
October 1903
Van Meter, Iowa, USA
8 ft tall with large wings
Bold, seemingly impervious
Historical (no modern sightings)
The Lore
In October 1903, residents of Van Meter, Iowa reported a large winged creature that emitted a blinding light from a horn on its forehead. Over three consecutive nights, the creature was seen by multiple prominent citizens including a doctor, a banker, and a hardware store owner. Armed townsfolk fired at it repeatedly with no effect. On the final night, two creatures emerged from an old coal mine before disappearing underground.
Body Type
Folklore Origin
Notable Witnesses
- Dr. A.C. Olcott
- U.G. Griffith (banker)
- O.V. White (hardware store owner)
Media Appearances
- The Van Meter Visitor (2013 book)
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