Let’s Explore the Paranormal: Haunted Hotels and Happenings Across Michigan

Oct 19, 2022

We love things that go bump in the night and give us a chill of fright! That’s why we’re exploring even more fun haunted road trip destinations. Today, we’re traveling to nearby Michigan. Why stop at exploring haunted sites like graveyards and theatres when you can book a stay with a surprise ghost as an extra guest? We’ve got plenty of haunted hotels, inns, and resorts that are still open to the public today. Check it out on today’s blog and see for yourself!

Doherty Hotel in Clare

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.

Henderson Castle in Kalamazoo

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!

The Landmark Inn in Marquette

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 Terrace Inn in Petoskey Michigan

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!

Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island, Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island…and more

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.

Check out these videos from MattsRadShow on Youtube to learn more about a few of the haunted happenings on this iconic resort island:

Masonic Temple in Detroit

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!

Mary Mayo Hall in Lansing

The oldest residence hall on campus is located on the West Circle are aof 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 womens’ education. Though rumors swirl that her death was caused by murder, ill-will, or even self-inflicted injuries, she actaully passed away of illness in 1903off-campus. Nevertheless, after years of campaigning for womens’ equal access and housing on campus, students report seeing her ghost wander the halls of the dorm.