From Mackinac Island to Michigan’s First State Prison in Jackson, the Great Lakes state has a lot to offer when it comes to spooky tales and local lore.
With Halloween on the horizon, here are five hauntingly interesting places in Michigan you may want to explore - if you’re brave enough.
The Whitney
Located in Detroit, the Whitney mansion was built by successful lumber baron David Whitney, Jr. The home at Woodward and Canfield avenues was designed by architect Gordon W. Lloyd. The Whitney was designed in the Romanesque Revival style, which was popular at the end of the 19th century for churches and public buildings because of its implied visual strength. Today the mansion serves as a private dining and event space, complete with gardens, a bar, and dessert parlor. It’s rumored that Whitney’s ghost haunts the space where he lived - and died. You can book a spot in one of their midnight paranormal tours of the mansion and carriage house or an entire spooky evening with their paranormal dinner tour.
Pere Cheney Cemetery
Pere Cheney was a village in Crawford County near Grayling. There isn’t much left to see in this ghost town, unless you’re a birdwatcher in search of the Kirtland Warbler. The only remnants of the once-bustling logging town include grassy fields and indentations in the ground where buildings once stood. That, and a small cemetery that serves as the final resting place for many of the village’s residents. Local legend says a witch cursed the village when she was banished to the woods, which many blame for the outbreak of disease that wiped out much of the population. The cemetery itself contains the graves of about 90 people - one of which is rumored to be the witch's grave. Take a listen to our Stateside interview about how Pere Cheney became a ghost town.
Mackinac Island
When you think of Mackinac Island you probably think of delicious fudge or horse-drawn carriages. But did you know the idyllic island is said to also be home to ghostly inhabitants? From accounts of ghosts being seen inside Fort Holmes, the restored British stronghold atop Mackinac Island’s highest point, to “Lucy,” a young girl who reportedly has been seen in many locations on Mackinac Island through the years, if you visit the island you may walk away with a story to tell. You can increase your chances by taking part in the Haunts of Mackinac history tour.
Historic Fort Wayne
Historic Fort Wayne is a piece of Civil War History right in Detroit. It’s the site of a Native American burial ground. It is also the site of historic events including the Bombardment of Sandwich (now Windsor) and British General Isaac Brock’s Army Invasion of The United States. With so much history, it’s no wonder some claim wandering souls still remain on the fort grounds. Visitors to Fort Wayne can join storytellers as they reveal legends and tales during one their Tours After Dark events.
Michigan State University
Sleepy college students may not be the only things wandering aimlessly on the campus of Michigan State University. The school is rumored to also be host to ghostly guests. Among those campus legends: A piano-playing spirit in Mary Mayo hall; a former student lingering in the South Wonders residence hall; and the ghost of a child in Fairchild Auditorium. Final exams aren’t the only terrifying thing happening on campus.
Visit one of Michigan’s spooky spots if you dare. And be sure to let us know if you see anything!
