Haunted Hotels in Michigan You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Michigan with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
16 Haunted Hotels Found in Michigan
Grand Victorian Bed & Breakfast Inn
402 N Bridge St, Bellaire, MI 49615
While specific widely publicized ghost stories are less prominent than some other locations, its age (built in 1895) lends itself to local tales. Some guests report feelings of presence or unexplained noises, common in well-preserved historic Victorian homes. The general consensus points to gentle or residual energy rather than active hauntings.
Big Bay Point Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast
4674 Co Rd KCB, Big Bay, MI 49808
The primary ghostly figure associated with Big Bay Point Lighthouse is reportedly its first keeper, William Prior. Distraught over the loss of his son (or by some accounts, loneliness and isolation), he disappeared into the woods and was later found deceased. His spirit is said to still tend to the lighthouse, manifesting as unexplained footsteps on the stairs, doors opening and closing, moving objects, or even fleeting appearances. Some mediums have suggested other entities reside there too. It's considered one of Michigan's most legitimately haunted lighthouses.
Henderson Castle
100 Monroe St, Kalamazoo, MI 49006
Henderson Castle is reportedly haunted by its original owners, Frank and Mary Henderson, whose apparitions are sometimes seen. Other spectral residents include Clare Burleigh, a Spanish-American War veteran and friend of the family, and a ghost dog. Visitors have reported disembodied footsteps, taps on the shoulder, and encountering a ghostly little girl associated with a tragic fall and an indelible name stain in an archway. The spirits are generally considered benevolent, contributing to the castle's mystique, with paranormal tours offered.
National House Inn
102 S Parkview St, Marshall, MI 49068
Built as a stagecoach stop, it's rumored that the spirit associated with the National House Inn is 'the lady in red'. Said to be seen floating down hallways rather than walking, she might be connected to activities during the Inn's time as part of the Underground Railroad. Unusual noises, banging, and general activity are reported, possibly linked to its long and varied history.
Grand Hotel
286 Grand Ave, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Given its long history, the Grand Hotel has collected various ghost stories. Some tales speak of workers from its construction era. More specific stories mention a spectral woman in Victorian clothing appearing in hallways or near windows. Another common account involves inexplicable music or sounds, particularly piano music, emanating from areas where no one is present. One specific area mentioned is the 'West Bluff' area or certain older rooms. Some also report seeing shadowy figures or feeling watched.
Montague Inn Bed & Breakfast
1581 S Washington Ave, Saginaw, MI 48601
This elegant former private mansion, built in 1929, is said to retain some of its past residents in spiritual form. Reports often mention a child's spirit, perhaps linked to the Montague family or subsequent occupants. Phenomena include unexplained noises like children's laughter or footsteps in empty hallways, doors opening or closing on their own, and items being subtly moved. The atmosphere is generally considered non-threatening.
Nahma Inn
13747 Main St, Nahma, MI 49864
The Nahma Inn is famously haunted by 'Nellie' Fleming, believed to be a former kitchen worker from the early 1900s. The story goes that Nell was romantically involved with Charlie Good, the owner of the Bay de Noquet Lumber Company. After he supposedly jilted her, she waited faithfully in her room (Room #16) for his return but died heartbroken. Guests and staff report seeing her apparition, often by the window. Strange occurrences include items being rearranged in her room even when unoccupied, feelings of a presence, and objects moving inexplicably in the dining room and kitchen. Some accounts suggest other spirits, possibly including Charlie Good himself, may also inhabit the Inn.
The Inn on Ferry Street
84 E Ferry St, Detroit, MI 48202
Comprised of several historic homes, reports vary across the buildings. Some suggest residual energies from past residents. In one house, unexplained footsteps or disembodied voices are reported, typical of old buildings with many past occupants. No malevolent entities are consistently reported, but a sense of being 'watched' or encountering cold spots is sometimes mentioned by guests and staff.
The Henry, Autograph Collection
Fairlane Plaza, 300 Town Center Dr, Dearborn, MI 48126
Previously known as the Ritz-Carlton Dearborn. While primarily known for luxury, some anecdotal reports suggest mild paranormal activity, possibly linked to its connection to the Ford family history or items within its vast art collection. Reports are infrequent and might involve feelings of presence or unusual stillness in certain areas, rather than overt ghostly activity. It's not typically listed as a prominently haunted location.
Landmark Inn
230 N. Front Street, Marquette, MI 49855
The Landmark Inn is known for supernatural occurrences, particularly linked to the 'Lilac Room.' Legend tells of a librarian who tragically fell in love with a sailor. After he left via Lake Superior, she supposedly waited for his return, eventually dying in the room, possibly gazing out the window. Her spirit is said to remain. Additionally, there are reports of activity in the basement, attributed to a possible murder victim. Guests and staff report unexplained noises, apparitions, and uneasy feelings in these areas.
Mission Point Resort
One Lakeshore Drive, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Mission Point's haunted reputation centers around a tragic love story. Legend says a young woman named 'Lucy' (or sometimes 'Harvey'), despondent after being rejected or losing her love, took her own life on the bluff or near the property. Her spirit is said to linger, particularly around the theater area or certain rooms. Guests have reported seeing an apparition of a young woman, hearing sobs, experiencing electrical disturbances, or feeling sudden drops in temperature. Another story mentions a little boy spirit.
Terrace Inn
1549 Glendale Ave, Petoskey, MI 49770
The Terrace Inn acknowledges its haunted reputation, primarily centered around Room 308, previously Room 211 before renumbering. The story often involves a lady in white or blue, possibly connected to deaths during the 1918 flu pandemic or other past tragedies within the Bay View community. Guests report flickering lights, unexplained chills, items being moved, and seeing figures. Some feel a gentle presence, while others report more unsettling feelings. The inn sometimes offers ghost hunting packages.
Doherty Hotel
604 N McEwan St, Clare, MI 48617
The Doherty Hotel embraces its haunted lore. One prominent ghost is believed to be related to the Doherty family or a past owner. Another story suggests links to the Purple Gang, Detroit's notorious Prohibition-era bootlegging mob, who supposedly frequented Clare. Guests and staff report seeing shadowy figures, hearing disembodied conversations, experiencing cold spots, and noticing electrical disturbances, particularly in older sections of the hotel and the basement.
The Ojibway Hotel
240 W Portage Ave, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
The Ojibway Hotel is reputed to host several spirits. One frequently mentioned ghost is named 'Captain', possibly related to the area's maritime history and proximity to the Soo Locks. Guests report encounters on the third floor particularly, including doors opening/closing, flickering lights, disembodied voices, and unexplained cold spots. Another story involves a 'woman in white'. The overall feeling is typically more curious than frightening.
House of Ludington
223 Ludington Ave, Escanaba, MI 49829
With a history stretching back to the 19th century, the House of Ludington has accumulated numerous ghost stories. One common tale involves a former owner or long-term guest. Others mention spectral children playing. Reports include disembodied voices, phantom footsteps, objects moving on their own, and full apparitions sighted in hallways or rooms. It is said Al Capone may have stayed here, adding another layer to its lore, though not directly tied to specific haunting reports.
The Red Apple Inn
33600 Michigan Ave, Wayne, MI 48184
The associated 'Red Apple Restaurant' (sometimes described as part of or near the Inn) carries the weight of the haunted reputation. Local legends speak of tragedies occurring on or near the property, possibly involving domestic disputes or accidents. Staff and some patrons have reported flickering lights, objects moving inexplicably in the kitchen/dining area, feelings of unease, and hearing voices when no one is visible. Some claim to have seen shadows or fleeting figures.
Haunted History of Michigan
Michigan's haunted history is inextricably linked to the vast, moody waters of the Great Lakes that surround it. The state is a graveyard of shipwrecks, with thousands of vessels lost to violent storms, and the tales of ghostly sailors and phantom ships like the SS Bannockburn are a cornerstone of its maritime folklore. The lonely, windswept coastlines are dotted with historic lighthouses, many of which are said to be eternally tended by the spirits of their former keepers.
Beyond the water, Michigan's past is defined by its tough, industrial spirit. The Upper Peninsula's "Copper Country" and former logging boomtowns are filled with stories of miners and lumberjacks who met tragic ends, their spirits now lingering in the abandoned mines and decaying buildings. In Detroit, the Prohibition era brought bootleggers and mob violence, leaving behind its own brand of ghostly gangsters, all watched over by the city's legendary harbinger of doom, the Nain Rouge.
Other Haunted Attractions in Michigan
- Traverse City State Hospital: This sprawling former asylum, known for its beautiful but imposing Kirkbride-plan architecture, housed thousands of patients over its lifetime. Though now partially redeveloped, the grounds and unrestored buildings are said to be intensely haunted. Visitors on historical tours have reported hearing disembodied whispers, seeing shadowy figures in the windows, and feeling an overwhelming sense of sadness.
- Mackinac Island & Fort Mackinac: The entirety of Mackinac Island is considered a paranormal hotspot, frozen in a time before automobiles. The historic Fort Mackinac is particularly active, with reports of ghostly soldiers, phantom children playing in the barracks, and the spectral figure of a woman looking out from the windows of the officer's quarters.
- The Whitney (Detroit): This opulent 19th-century mansion, once home to a lumber baron, is now a fine dining restaurant and one of Detroit's most famously haunted locations. The spirits of David Whitney Jr. and his wife are said to still enjoy their lavish home, with staff and diners reporting apparitions on the grand staircase, phantom piano music, and elevators that move between floors on their own.
- Old Presque Isle Lighthouse (Presque Isle): This historic 1840 lighthouse on the shores of Lake Huron is a classic haunted landmark. The ghost of a former keeper, George Parris, is said to still tend the light, which mysteriously turns on by itself. Visitors have also reported hearing his phantom footsteps climbing the tower's spiral staircase.
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Michigan
- Explore Haunted Lighthouse Country: Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state, and many of them have a resident ghost. A road trip along the Great Lakes shorelines to visit these historic and spooky beacons is a must.
- Take a Ferry to a Haunted Island: A trip to Mackinac Island is like stepping back in time—and into a ghost story. Spend a day (or a brave night) exploring the island's historic fort, old cemeteries, and haunted fudge shops.
- Investigate the Upper Peninsula: Drive across the Mackinac Bridge into the rugged U.P. to explore the ghost towns and haunted mines left behind by the copper and iron booms of the 19th century.
- Watch for the Nain Rouge: If you're visiting Detroit in the spring, look out for the Marche du Nain Rouge, a parade where locals gather to "banish" the city's legendary red dwarf, a harbinger of doom who is said to appear before major disasters.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Michigan
Are haunted hotels in Michigan safe to stay in? Absolutely! Haunted hotels in Michigan are known for their hospitality and charm. The ghost stories are a beloved part of their history and provide a unique and thrilling experience, not a threat to guests.
What is the most famous haunted destination in Michigan? Mackinac Island is widely considered the most haunted place in Michigan. With its long history, numerous historic buildings, and a ban on cars that preserves its old-world atmosphere, the entire island is a paranormal hotspot.
Are there stories of ghost ships on the Great Lakes? Yes, the Great Lakes surrounding Michigan are full of ghost ship legends. The most famous is the tale of the SS Bannockburn, a "Flying Dutchman" of the lakes that vanished in 1902 and is still reportedly seen sailing on Lake Superior.
What is the Nain Rouge? The Nain Rouge (French for "red dwarf") is a legendary creature and a harbinger of doom from Detroit folklore, said to have been spotted before major catastrophes like the Battle of Bloody Run in 1763 and the 1805 fire. It has become a unique and celebrated part of the city's spooky identity.
What's the best time of year for a haunted tour of Michigan? Autumn is the perfect season. The state's stunning fall colors create a beautiful and eerie backdrop for visiting haunted lighthouses and cemeteries, and the crisp air is perfect for a spooky walking tour.