The Most Haunted Place In Michigan
The most haunted place in Michigan? Would you believe it’s an island in the upper peninsula? It’s called South Manitou Island – about 15 miles offshore from the Leelanau Peninsula….
1849, Land Survey Map of Michigan Upper Peninsula. (Photo by: Sepia Times/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
The most haunted place in Michigan? Would you believe it’s an island in the upper peninsula? It’s called South Manitou Island - about 15 miles offshore from the Leelanau Peninsula. I'll admit I rolled my eyes a bit when I first heard about this island (from a couple of different sources). But now that I've done a deeper dive into it, oh it's got some weird vibes going on. (For the record, I'm not a "ghost" believer...but my mind is coming around to it as I get older and see more things).
The Most Haunted Place in Michigan - Couple of reasons why
How about the mass grave: In the late 1800s, a steamship pulled into the harbor one night and dropped off more than twenty passengers infected with cholera, some dead, the rest nearly so. The captain and crew promptly left the sick for the local islanders to manage (nice job).
Unfortunately, the islanders had little choice but to dig a mass grave and bury the victims, both dead and alive, to preserve their own lives (told ya...it's creepy). Soon after, the first appearances of ghosts and hauntings began. The mass grave is believed to be located near the Old Cemetery just north of the Bay Campground (which is by the where to dock used to be). And we're just getting started with proof of why this is the most haunted place in Michigan.
Shipwrecks a plenty: There are over 50 known shipwrecks, mainly from the heyday of the steamship era. Traffic was hectic there during the late 1800s, and there were frequent accidents where ships would literally run into each other. Some scuba divers have told stories of hearing tortured cries while diving off of shipwrecks.
The wreck of the Francisco Morazan lies visible off the southwest shore. It ran aground during a snowstorm on November 27, 1960. No lives were lost, but a local island boy drowned while swimming near the wreck several years later.
The creepy tombstone: Located in the official cemetery is a simple cross with the inscription, "Human skeleton found on dunes 1933" (sorry, I know it's just one grave - but this really bothered me)
The identity is unknown, as is what fate the deceased encountered. It is unknown if the remains were from a shipwreck that washed ashore or if it was a long-lost resident or visitor to the island.
The Most Haunted Place In Michigan has to have a Lady Ghost of the Beach: Another tale is of the lady ghost that is seen walking along the beach near the dock carrying a lantern at night...she was either married or engaged to a man from the island, and one day he sailed to the mainland but never returned (wait - isn't this the premise for the song "Brandy"?) She awaited his return, but he never came back. Every evening she would dress in her finest dress, walk down to the dock, and wait for him to return. Years went by, and she continued her daily watch without ceasing. She grew old but continued her nightly walk until she was found dead on the beach one day. Seemingly, she died hopeful that her betrothed would return to her one day. After her death, the locals saw her ghost waiting at the dock and pacing the beach just as she did while alive.
Haunted Lighthouse? Check: It is claimed that the South Manitou Lighthouse is haunted by its former keepers. One day in 1878, lightkeeper Aaron Sheridan and his wife Julia made their way on a small fishing boat with their infant son to the mainland. Unfortunately, their boat capsized in heavy seas upon their return, and all three perished.
South Manitou Island - Anyone up for a road trip to the Most Haunted Place In Michigan?
Our show has made road trips to Winslow, Arizona...over the Mackinac Bridge to get a burger...hell, I've even driven to a bar in Minnesota because of a Bob Seger song. But you'll notice I've never done the haunted / scary thing (that's Ryans world). While I love going to the Upper Peninsula, I'll go for cruising the portage in Houghton, hiking the trails, seeing the waterfalls - but there's no way in hell you're getting me on South Manitou Island...the most haunted place in Michigan.
Michigan Has One of the Top Haunted Houses in America
'Tis the season for haunted houses in America. I love the spooky season, even though I'm more of a spring girl. I actually wish Halloween fell in the spring. But, fall is a good time for all things haunted. America has some incredible haunted attractions. As it turns out, Michigan has one of the top haunted houses in America.
What's neat about haunted houses is that they are popular across American, not just in one part of the country. In a sense, a love for Halloween and spooky things brings Americans together. Often, folks overseas haven't celebrated Halloween much until recently, though. In fact, I was shocked to learn that my friends in Europe have never heard of or tried candy corn. What's wrong with this world?
Even though Europeans may not be as familiar with Halloween, or at least the Europeans I know, it's worth noting that Borley Rectory, in England, was widely considered the most haunted house in the world. "This particular rectory was built on the same site as a Cistercian priory perhaps several hundred years older in what is now Borley, Essex, United Kingdom," according to Skeptoid.com. Is it still haunted today? Who really knows, right?
When it comes to haunted houses in America, different outlets have their favorite picks. I've decided to do some research and pick five must-see haunted attractions across the U.S. that I think you should visit this year. I picked a selection of haunted attractions geographically across the country, so hopefully you live near one. I would love to visit all of these at some point, but truth be told, I'm easily scared, so maybe I'm best to try kiddie haunted houses. Reach out to me with your favorite haunted houses and attractions across America here. Have a great haunting season.
Top Haunted Houses in America
Pennhurst Asylum - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Pennhurst Asylum is a super scary haunted house in America. It an institute for the mentally and physically disabled back to 1908. It closed in 1987, and today, it's a famed haunted house that draws people from all over the state and beyond.
Netherworld Haunted House - Atlanta, Georgia
Netherworld is known around the country as being a super popular haunted house in Atlanta. It's extra scary, offering special effects, live actors, lots of blood and gore and more. Not for the faint!
Scream-A-Geddon Horror Park - Dade City, Florida
Scream-A-Geddon Horror Park offers six attractions that are perfect for the spooky season. You can even add on Zombie Paintball, in addition to all the typical thrills and chills. This one can be fun for the whole family. Just do your research on the attractions before you go.
Erebus Haunted Attraction - Pontiac, Michigan
Everyone in Michigan knows about Erebus Haunted Attraction. It's the biggest haunted attraction in the state and one of the biggest in the country. Detroit folks, especially, flock to this spot, as do people from Flint, Grand Rapids, Lansing and beyond.
Getty Images / stsmhn
Asylum and Hotel Fear - Las Vegas, Nevada
The Asylum and Hotel Fear is a very popular and terrifying haunted house duo in Las Vegas. It's a favorite for Las Vegas tourists and natives, too. Get ready to get your scare on.
