Haunted Places in Michigan: 12 Spine-Chilling Locations You Must Visit

Michigan is famous for its ice-cold lakes, woodlands, and friendly towns - but it has a creepy side, too. Many people enjoy dressing up and going out trick-or-treating and visiting haunted places in Detroit for a little fright and to tell ghost stories. From ancient hotels to lighthouses to haunted ghost towns in the woods, haunted Michigan is full of mysteries. Some places are said to be haunted by ghosts from long ago, while others are considered haunted by lights or strange noises that cannot be explained.

These spooky spots are now a popular attraction for travelers looking to feel a chill down their spine and experience the haunted past of Michigan. Whether it is the floating light in the woods or the haunted hospital of whispered nightmares, each location has its own story to tell.  If you’re brave enough, Michigan offers ghost tours across the state where you can explore haunted places and hear real ghost stories.

Why Michigan Has So Many Haunted Places

The Michiganders have a rich and interesting history to explain the numerous haunted locations in the state. The state was home to early settlers, sailors, and Native American tribes long ago. Some of the men sailed on boats across the Great Lakes and never came back after the devastating storms and shipwrecks. Even today, their tales ring above the waves.

Schools, hospitals, and theatres are all old buildings, more than 100 years old, and according to some people, the souls of the people who lived in them have never left them. Aside from cold and shady nights and the dark forests, the state is even more mysterious. People say they see ghosts floating between the trees or the lights that can be seen in the far distance. These myths have been passed on through the generations, and people are keen to uncover more about the state and immerse themselves in the mystery. That's why haunted sites in Michigan are a must-visit for anyone with an inquiring mind.

12 Most Haunted Places in Michigan

The Whitney, Detroit

The Whitney is an old mansion in Detroit, and many say it is haunted. For a time, the building was owned by a wealthy gentleman, David Whitney Jr. One day, after David Whitney Jr. and his wife passed away, the ghosts were considered to roam around the halls. Often, guests and employees report hearing footsteps on empty staircases and doors that open on their own. Some even state that they have seen a glowing figure. No doubt a favorite spot of the Michigan ghost hunters, it's a chilling place for ghost hunters.

Fort Mackinac, Mackinac Island

Fort Mackinac was built in the 18th century, and numerous battles were fought there throughout history. Soldiers lived, fought, and died there, lived there, died there - some say they never left there. Visitors have not only heard gunshots and marching footsteps, but have also heard voices calling when no one is there. Some tourists say they have captured a photo of a figure dressed in an old military uniform. As such, the history of fort has its long history has made it one of Michigan’s most haunted places. Although the island is heavily visited during the day as a tourist attraction, at night the island becomes hushed and eerie.

Henderson Castle, Kalamazoo

Henderson Castle is a magnificent old castle, said to be haunted. Built in the 1890s, it was once the residence of Frank Henderson and his family. Today, the castle is a B&B where one can spend a night, and possibly encounter one of the castle’s spirits. Other visitors have been known to report hearing voices, footsteps, and doors closing when no one is present. Some have even said they have seen the ghost of Mr. Henderson himself, near the windows

Eloise Psychiatric Hospital, Westland, Michigan

The most popular of the haunted properties in Michigan is Eloise Psychiatric Hospital, which is one of Michigan’s most famous haunted places. It opened as a poorhouse in the 1800s and expanded to be a massive mental hospital. Thousands of people were born and died there, and some believe that their ghosts still walk the halls. The guests heard screaming, whispers, and slamming doors. Ghost hunters say that they have recorded strange voices. Due to the demolition work at the hospital, the hospital is now mostly closed. The paranormal tours offer the opportunity to experience the sad, decaying rooms and their ghostly stories.

Mission Point Resort, Mackinac Island

A peaceful spot by the lake, supposedly haunted by a tragic love story - many years ago, a young man named Harvey was in love with a young lady, but she left him, and Harvey took his own life. It is rumored that Harvey's spirit still lingers there. reported hearing footsteps, doors opening, and odd noises at night. Others have reported that they feel cold spots or see a shadow moving along the walls. Despite the ghost stories, however, the resort is a beautiful place that should be on everyone's list of haunted sites to visit in the state of Michigan.

The Felt Mansion, Holland

This house was constructed in the 1920s by Dorr Felt for his wife, Agnes. Unfortunately, she passed away months after they relocated. It is said that her spirit remains in the house. Visitors often report hearing footsteps, and even the voice of a woman upstairs. Some people have claimed to see a glowing figure at a window at night, while some ghost hunters wonder if they are looking at you. The mansion is now a wedding venue and tourist attraction, but it is still claimed to be haunted, and it is one of the most famous in Michigan.

Paulding Light, Watersmeet

The Paulding Light is one of Michigan’s most famous ghost stories. It appears often in the woods, most often seen near Watersmeet as a strange glowing orb. Some believe it to be the spirit of a railroad worker who died on the tracks back in the day. Others believe that it is a lost spirit, seeking shelter. Even though scientists have attempted to explain the light, there is no full agreement on what the light really is. People from all over visit to experience the mystery of the Paulding Light, hoping to catch a glimpse of the unknown.

Pere Cheney Ghost Town, Crawford County

Pere Cheney was once a small village in northern Michigan, but it was abandoned after disease and tragedy struck back in the 1800s. Today, only the cemetery remains, which is said to be one of the most haunted in Michigan. Visitors have told of seeing glowing orbs and hearing strange voices or even ghostly figures among the trees. Legends say a witch cursed the town before it disappeared. The ruined land and empty woods make it eerie, fascinating, and interesting to explore.

Mackinac Island Grand Hotel

The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island is one of the most elegant spots in Michigan; however, it's also one of the most haunted. The hotel is built on top of a building built in 1887 on an old burial ground. Staff and visitors have reportedly spotted people wearing old-fashioned clothing who walk throughout the halls. A young lady in a long dress walks around the ballroom at night. Some have heard music playing when no one is there, and even though no band was playing. Despite the ghost stories, the Grand Hotel is a beautiful and historic hotel.

Seul Choix Point Lighthouse, Gulliver

The Seul Choix Point Lighthouse was built in the 1890s, and the lighthouse guided sailors safely across Lake Michigan. But others say that the ghost of Keeper, Captain Joseph Townsend, never left his place. Guests have smelled cigar smoke, even though no one was smoking, and have heard footsteps on the lighthouse stairs. Others say that objects seem to move on their own, and the captain's chair sometimes makes a creaking sound, as though he's still sitting in it. Not only has this lighthouse been made beautiful, but it is also one of the most mysterious places in the state.

Michigan Theater, Jackson

The Michigan Theater is known to be grand in design and haunted by ghostly visitors. It was opened in 1930, and many shows and films have been held ever since. Staff have claimed to hear whispers, footsteps, and seats flipping down when no one is there. Some claim to have seen a dark figure standing around the stage. The old-time pleasures and the beautiful lights of the theater do make it a perfect setting for telling ghostly stories. People flock to see every one of its ghostly performances.

Traverse City State Hospital (TCSH)

Originally called the Northern Michigan Asylum, the Traverse City State Hospital is one of the eeriest places in Michigan. Opened in the late 1800s, it treated thousands of patients before shutting down in the 1980s. It is rumored that the ghostly apparitions of the patients still patrol the tunnels and abandoned buildings. Visitors say that they hear footsteps, voices, and even music from long ago. While it is now a shopping center and apartments, its haunted past continues to attract brave visitors.

Ghost Hunting and Tours in Michigan

If you’re feeling brave, there are plenty of ghost tours across the state that let you explore spooky spots and hear real ghost stories. In Detroit, you can join haunted walking tours that take you past old buildings and shadowy alleys. Mackinac Island offers nighttime tours that share tales of soldiers, lost lovers, and haunted hotels. Kalamazoo and Traverse City also host special ghost hunts where visitors can use true ghost-hunting tools. Whether you’re a believer or just curious, guided tours of haunted places in Michigan are a fun way to explore Michigan’s spooky history.

Safety and Respect When Visiting Haunted Places

When visiting haunted places in Michigan, always be careful and respectful. Many of these sites are historic or privately owned places. Stay on marked paths, follow tour rules, and never damage or disturb anything. Remember, you’re exploring places that hold history, mystery, and memories—so treat them with care and respect.

Conclusion

Michigan’s spooky side continues to fascinate both locals and visitors. From glowing lights in dark forests to haunted castles and hotels, each place has its own ghost story. These ghostly legends remind us how history and mystery often go together. Exploring haunted spots can be exciting, but it’s important to stay safe and respect the past. Whether you’re chasing chills or just curious about local legends, the adventure of visiting haunted places in Michigan is unforgettable. So grab a flashlight, keep your courage close, and step into the stories that make Michigan truly haunting.