Ghost Sightings in Michigan

Mackinac Island Ghost Sightings

The UP (upper peninsula) of Michigan is home to several ghost sightings on Mackinac Island, home of the famous Mackinac Island fudge and Mackinac bridge. With the history and buildings inhabiting the island, it's no surprise that a few reports of ghosts have been reported. Apparitions of children have been seen at the Mission House, which use to be a Christian house that was used for converting Native Americans who lived in the area. When the children became sick with tuberculosis and other illnesses, the story goes that they were locked in the damp basement to keep them quarantined. Now housing for state employees, they report ghostly activity in the old Mission House within the basement walls and upper floors of the building. Do the spirits of those Native American children still roam this house?

Mackinac Bridge

The Mackinac bridge itself can be a spooky thing, considering it's length and height alone. But it's also a place where people continue to jump off in order to end their lives. This could create some unsettled spirit activity on and around this stately bridge. One story mentions that on occasion, people have heard the cries of a baby whose parents reportedly got in an accident and ended up going over the bridge into the water down below. The baby was believed to be in the car at the time of the accident.

Mackinaw Island has so much history that it isn't surprising to hear stories of ghostly tales coming from this gorgeous place. Author Todd Clements wrote a book called "Haunts of Mackinac" where he discusses the ghosts that roam through the straits of Mackinac.

The Lower Peninsula

The Lower portion of Michigan is no stranger to haunting tales either. Stories ranging from haunted old asylums to women in white walking across roads and through local cemeteries abound.

Fenton Hotel

Once a hotel and now used as a bar, the Fenton Hotel is one of the most talked about locations for ghost sightings amongst paranormal enthusiasts. With a rich history of a hotel, the Fenton Hotel is now used as a restaurant. Reports of glasses breaking, footsteps being heard by employees, and even phantom drink orders, this hotel seems to rate high on the scale of ghostly sightings. Local paranormal groups have investigated the hotel and you can normally find public events held here at Halloween. Since this is a restaurant, you can take a drive to the Fenton Hotel, have some lunch or dinner and see for yourself if any spirits are roaming this old building!

Soop Cemetery

Located in Belleville, Michigan, Soop Cemetery is said by some to be the most haunted cemetery in Michigan. Located near Ford Lake, this cemetery was owned by the Soop family and has many Soop burials in it, for obvious reasons. There is a story that a witch is buried in this cemetery and that tends to bring about fear in some people who dare to tread the ground. As a paranormal investigator myself in Michigan, I can say that I have been to this cemetery and haven't experienced anything out of the ordinary as of yet. The supposed witch's name is Elizabeth Soop, wife of Frederick Soop. There is more than one Elizabeth Soop buried in the cemetery, and when myself and my group went, we were given information from the man in charge of maintenance for the cemetery, and according to him, she was not a witch. Reports of large orbs in pictures come from Soop cemetery, along with pennies being left on graves. Whether this is ghosts or not, I will leave that up to you.

Northville Tunnels

The Northville tunnels are located in Southeastern Lower Michigan also, and are situated on the grounds of what use to hold insane asylums. The tunnels ran from one asylum to another as a way to transport the more mentally-ill patients. Even though the buildings are no longer there, the tunnels are. A hot spot for people wanting to check out local stories of ghosts and hauntings, the tunnels were especially frequented by local teenagers. The tunnels were finally closed off because of so many people traveling through to try to catch a ghost, and I suppose because of vandalism.
Reports of screaming voices, footsteps and the feeling of people walking behind you have been reported coming from these old creepy tunnels.

Eloise

Located in Westland, Michigan, Eloise was another insane asylum for many years. After the building was converted into an office building, workers there reported hearing strange noises and lights that went on and off at various times. The office building has been torn down now and only remnants of Eloise remain now. Perhaps the grounds of this old asylum are still haunted by the patients who lived there, and died there also.

Whether you are a seasoned paranormal investigator or a thrill-seeker, there's always something fascinating about reading up on ghost sightings from cities and towns across the globe. The next time you are on vacation in Michigan, visiting Mackinac Island or another town here, remember those who walked before you- and perhaps walk beside you even now.