Haunted America Travel Guide: Most Haunted Places in Michigan
Seeing as Divination Hollow “headquarters” is situated in a “haunted mansion” (thanks, Broomhilda) we thought it only fitting that we cover some truly spooky haunted inns, houses, and other destinations in and around the US for the Halloween season! Check out this cool guide to some of the most mysterious places Michigan has to offer.
Top 5 Terrifying Places In Michigan Where You Might Disappear:
Top 5 Haunted Places in Michigan You Should Never Visit:
Haunted Destinations in Michigan
This 1924 redbrick hotel once housed the town’s library, a soda shop, and even a barber shop! It was a notorious hangout for infamous gangsters of the 1920 and 1930s. And, as is the case with so many unsavory personalities in one place, it became synonymous with illegal gambling and even murder. Numerous visitors to the location have reported seeing the ghost of Isaiah Leebove, of the former Purple Gang, wandering the halls. Other ghostly apparitions have been seen locking and unlocking doors, and knocking on doors and walls with no other possible explanation.
Often touted as one of the top ten haunted places in Michigan, you’ll find no shortage of spectral shenanigans here! Step through its doors and you may be greeted by the castle’s original owners Frank and Mary Henderson. Wander its halls and you may find Calre Burleigh, a Spanish-American War veteran who served alongside Hendersons’s son in battle. Other apparitions include that of an unidentified little girl, and even a rogue dog! You may find opening and closing doors, disembodied voices, figures at the top of the stairs, and other ghastly activities. You’ll just have to come investigate for yourself!
If you’ve ever wanted to book a room in a haunted hotel, we think you’ll really get your jollies from a stay in the Lilac Room, one of the Inn’s most reportedly haunted rooms. You may catch a glimpse of the librarian who lost her one true love to a shipwreck at sea, who peers out the window waiting for her betrothed’s impossible return. Or perhaps you’ll find unexpected trinkets nestled in the sheets or blankets that weren’t there at check in, such as one guest who reportedly requested housekeeping remove screws from the sheets. Even the front desk has experienced unexpected happenings such as phantom phone calls from the Lilac Room even without guests lodging! Spooky….
The oldest residence hall on campus is located on the West Circle area of Michigan State University’s northern end. It was built in 1931 and named after Mary Anne Mayo, a leading member of several organizations on campus, and a thoughtful leader with progressive views on women’s education. Though rumors swirl that her death was caused by murder, ill-will, or even self-inflicted injuries, she actually passed away of illness in 1903 off-campus. Nevertheless, after years of campaigning for women’s’ equal access and housing on campus, students report seeing her ghost wander the halls of the dorm
The Detroit Masonic Temple is the largest Masonic Temple in the world. This impressive and quite imposing piece of Gothic Architecture has more than 1,000 rooms as well as a cathedral, multiple chapels, 2 ballrooms, lodging facilities, a library, and even a 4,000-seat auditorium. Visitors report seeing the specter of George Mason himself going up and down the stairs, but that may just be a Halloween Tale of Terror. You’ll just have to see for yourself!
Mackinac Island is such a special place it’s known to be a paranormal activity hotbed, so many, in fact, that some speculate there may be more specters than residents at this point.
This historic inn offers 38 rooms to choose from, 1 restaurant on site, and at least 2 resident ghosts. Book a stay at the Terrace Inn and you may encounter the Lady in White or the Man in Tweed. Wander downstairs in this Victorian Era hotel and you may even bump into the Boy from the Basement! Rumor has it, there may even be more aloof apparitions to be found if you keep your eyes open. Ask the front desk and they will gladly share with you the book of Ghost-Tales from past guests and visitors!
Haunted Places in Michigan Part 1 and 2:
Other areas of note for ghost hunting in Michigan:
South Manitou Island in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Hell’s Bridge near Grand Rapids Rockford, Calumet Theater in Calumet, Felt Mansion in Saugatuck Holland, David Whitney House in Detroit, Fayette Ghost Town in Fayette, Holly Hotel in Holly, Fort Shelby Hotel in Detroit, Bowers Harbor Inn in Traverse City, Seul Choix Point Lighthouse in Gulliver, White River Light Station in Whitehall
Review by Ellen Avigliano
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