This Creepy Tour Through The Spookiest Places Around Detroit Is Perfect For Fall

Whether or not you believe in the paranormal, there’s something undeniably fun about immersing yourself in a sense of spookiness when fall rolls around. After all, the anticipation of Halloween leads many Metro Detroiters to seek out a few ghost stories. If you’re ready to give yourself a healthy fright, embark on a day trip to some of the spookiest spots in and around Detroit.

For an interactive and adjustable map of our haunted route through Metro Detroit, click here.

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You might not think of Belle Isle as anything more than a scenic island park, but there’s some spooky history here that simply can’t be ignored. After all, the park has been around since the late 1800s, so it’s undoubtedly built up its fair share of ghost stories throughout the years. Many claim that the bridges on Belle Isle are especially haunted, even explaining that honking one’s car horn atop each bridge might summon the appearance of a mysterious "woman in white." Are you spooked yet?

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While this beautifully designed building is a popular venue for concerts, weddings, and other events, it’s also reportedly a hotbed for ghostly activity. Throughout the years, visitors to the Masonic Temple have reported everything from hearing slammed doors to feeling unexplained physical touch. There’s no telling what you might encounter when you check out the Masonic Temple.

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While cemeteries aren’t inherently spooky, there’s something eerie about exploring land that has become a resting place for generations of Detroit residents. Elmwood fits the bill, claiming the title of Michigan’s oldest continuously operating and non-denominational cemetery. Built in 1841, the cemetery features 86 acres and has been touted as a hotspot for paranormal activity.

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Despite its genuine horror, many Motor City residents are unaware of the massacre that took place on St. Aubin Street in 1929, when a religious healer named Benny Evangelista was found decapitated inside his home. The bodies of his wife and children were found upstairs. The murder remains unsolved and the house has been demolished, but a drive down St. Aubin will send chills up your spine.

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Venture to the town of Holly, which sits just an hour from Detroit, to enjoy a meal at this iconic hotel-turned-restaurant. While you’re here, take time to bask in the unique atmosphere and learn about the once-bustling inn’s ghostly past, which includes spotting the spirit of a young girl, mysterious sounds, and paranormal investigations. Talk about an eerie place to dine!

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While redevelopment plans for this now-defunct psychiatric hospital are underway, curious visitors can still drive by to catch a glimpse of Eloise, which features 16 acres and once housed patients with tuberculosis in addition to those with psychiatric care needs. Dating back to 1839, the property is the subject of all sorts of ghost stories - and you’ll feel a sense of unease as you make your way by.

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History buffs and fans of ghost stories alike will appreciate Fort Wayne, a former military fort that was opened in 1849. Visitors are given the chance to explore the fort’s original limestone barracks and check out buildings that once held Michigan soldiers. In addition to classic ghostly tales of military mishaps, the fort’s off-kilter vibe is enhanced by the fact that it was built atop local indigenous burial grounds.

Are there any other spooky spots in and around Detroit that should have been included on our list? Do you have recommendations for future articles? Share your own experiences by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend a haunted destination by filling out our nomination form here.