There’s something special about fall in Michigan. Cooler weather arrives, leaves bloom with color before fading and falling, and legends of the state’s spookier side begin to emerge. If you’re keen on the creepier elements of autumn here in the Great Lakes State, we’ve got the perfect road trip for you. Hop in the car and get ready for a spine-tingling adventure at some of Michigan’s eeriest destinations.
Note: for the sake of travel time, this particular trip focuses on Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. If you can’t set aside a full day of driving, split the trip up into a multi-day adventure or simply save some spots for future outings! To access an adjustable version of the travel route we’ve crafted, please click here.
1. Terrace Inn and 1911 Restaurant (1549 Glendale Ave, Petoskey)
As its name suggests, this historic spot has long offered lodging and dining options for Michiganders. While most have appreciated the hotel’s charming decor and the on-site eatery’s finely crafted selections, others have reported spookier experiences. The inn has been the site of multiple deaths, including the tragic loss of a woman who fell and passed away while pregnant with twins. Whether you stop here for a quick meal or book a stay, you might just find yourself face-to-face with a spirit.
2. Traverse City State Hospital (830 Cottageview Dr, Traverse City)
Now standing as part of the Village at Grand Traverse Commons (a large shopping, dining, and lodging complex), the original Traverse City State Hospital once served as a psychiatric treatment facility for Michiganders of all ages. It also housed patients suffering from illnesses like typhoid, polio, and tuberculosis - so it’s easy to imagine the dark and dreary events that might have occurred here. Today, guests can embark on tours of the grounds or simply admire the building’s exterior. Visitors should be prepared to encounter a few spooky vibes along the way.
While this locale now serves as a popular special event venue, it also boasts its fair share of ghost stories. Built in 1927, the estate’s primary purpose as a home for the family of businessman Dorr E. Felt was short-lived. His wife, Agnes, passed away in the house just months after it was completed - and Felt himself followed just a few years later. Today, visitors report everything from apparitions (perhaps the sad ghost of Agnes?) to strange sounds from the surrounding woods. Are you brave enough to check it out?
Don’t let its name fool you: the Holly Hotel no longer operates as a hotel, but instead serves as a restaurant. Of course, it did offer lodging during its early days, and legend has it that many of the original inn’s guests still linger today in the form of spirits. From reports of a ghostly little girl who plays with a meat cleaver to unexplained orbs in photographs, there’s no shortage of spookiness here.
This Detroit institution was built in the late 1800s and has served all sorts of purposes over the years, operating as everything from a hospice to a private mansion. Today, its primary use is as a restaurant, but spooky remnants of the building’s past life are frequently reported. Guests have witnessed empty elevators moving between floors, unexplained footsteps, and glasses shattering with no explanation. Paranormal enthusiasts will have a field day as they dine here.
6. Ganong Cemetery (3036 S Henry Ruff Rd, Inkster)
During the fall months, strolling through a cemetery offers the chance to appreciate colorful foliage and crisp weather while experiencing a dose of spookiness. Ganong Cemetery in Westland has earned a reputation as one of the state’s most haunted graveyards, having served as a burial site since the 1830s. The cemetery is no longer open for new burials, but some who have stopped by have reported spotting a "woman in white" or even experiencing car accidents in front of the entryway. Proceed with caution!
7. River Raisin National Battlefield Park (1403 E Elm Ave, Monroe)
If you’re a history buff and a fan of all things paranormal, you’ll absolutely love this park. During the War of 1812, the Battle of River Raisin took place right here on Michigan soil, ultimately resulting in the deaths of over 500 American soldiers - along with Indigenous participants and British troops. Over the years, visitors to the battlefield park have reported everything from disembodied cries to ghostly apparitions. You’ll certainly want to keep your eyes peeled for spirits when you stop by.
Have you visited these or any other supposedly haunted sites throughout the Great Lakes State? We would love to hear about your spookiest encounters, so share your experiences in the Facebook comments or recommend a must-visit haunted locale by filling out our nomination form here.
