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Mackinac Island has long served as a favorite destination for tourists and Michiganders alike. Its charming shops, delicious fudge, and breathtaking views make it an ideal vacation destination. One of the island’s most iconic spots is the Grand Hotel, known for its stately appearance and beautiful location overlooking Lake Huron and the Straits of Mackinac. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is the Grand Hotel haunted?”, you’re certainly not alone. After all, this historic hotel in Michigan has a darker, more ominous legacy — and some even claim that it’s the most haunted hotel in Michigan. When you decide to spend the night, you might just find yourself at the center of some of the eeriest Michigan ghost stories.

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Flickr/Michael Patterson
The Grand Hotel was constructed in the late 19th century and has always drawn in visitors with its beautiful architecture and top-of-the-line lodging and dining. For many, this sense of beauty and charm overshadows any perceived spookiness that's associated with the area.
Flickr/straightedge
While it's known primarily as an enchanting tourist attraction today, the history of Mackinac Island is actually riddled with darkness. In fact, it was originally home to indigenous people, most of whom were buried on the island. After its transformation into a military fort, the island saw even more deaths and burials. This means that the Grand Hotel is essentially seated above a massive burial ground.
Flickr/upnorthmemories
Legends state that during the construction of the Grand Hotel, builders unearthed so many bodies that they simply couldn’t keep track of them all. They eventually decided to continue building without removing the skeletons. Talk about an unconventional (and spine-tingling) building experience.

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Reports of inexplicable sightings at the Grand Hotel have persisted throughout the years. One story states that guests have seen a woman in Victorian clothing meandering the halls at night or even crawling into bed with hotel staff. The island's isolated vibe and surrounding waters make for an even more mysterious atmosphere at times.
Flickr/Joey Lax-Salinas
One famous haunted tale from the Grand Hotel involves a so-called "evil entity" that appeared to a group of maintenance workers in the hotel’s theatre. One of the men claims that he felt a "presence" and looked up to see a dark shadow marked with two glowing red eyes, which proceeded to rush toward him and knock him out, sending him to the hospital. The man never set foot in the Grand Hotel again -- and we can't say we blame him.
Flickr/Joey Lax-Salinas
The popular hotel is also home to a uniquely decorated piano bar, where many have reported seeing an old man smoking a cigar and wearing a top hat in one particular section of the room. They claim that the distinct odor of cigar smoke can only be sensed in this area, indicating the presence of a music-loving spirit.
Flickr/Mark Cameron
While the Grand Hotel is certainly beautiful, there’s no denying that certain elements of its history and lore are enough to make your skin crawl. You shouldn't let that deter you from visiting, though — just don’t be surprised if you sense an extra set of eyes of peering over your shoulder as you venture to your room.

For additional information, head to the Grand Hotel website. Have you had the opportunity to spend the night at the Grand Hotel? Did you notice anything particularly spooky during your stay, or did you simply bask in the building’s historic beauty? We would love to hear your best Mackinac Island ghost stories, so share our experiences with us by leaving a Facebook comment. Or, if you’d like to tell us about other haunted hotels in Michigan, feel free to complete our official nomination form.

Are you searching for a great place to dine during your stay at the Grand Hotel? You’ll want to read about the most iconic restaurant on Mackinac Island.

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More to Explore

Is The Grand Hotel Haunted?

Sophie Boudreau | August 22, 2022

What should I know about the history of the Grand Hotel?

While it might be one of the most haunted places on Mackinac Island, it's also one of the most fascinating. There are so many things to know about the most famous hotel in Michigan, including the fact that it features one of the world's longest porches -- measuring in at a whopping 660 feet! Since its construction in 1887, the Grand has even hosted five United States presidents during overnight stays on the island. Talk about history.

Are there any other haunted hotels in Michigan?

If you're a sucker for Michigan ghost stories, you'll be glad to learn that there are plenty of purportedly haunted lodging options throughout the state. From the Nahma Inn in Escanaba to the Inn on Ferry Street in the heart of Detroit, it's easy to find a sufficiently spooky place to rest your head. Just be sure not to upset the spirits during your stay at any of the seven most haunted hotels in Michigan!

Where can I find another great waterfront hotel in Michigan?

One of the draws of the Grand Hotel, haunted or not, is its proximity to the water and its beautiful lakefront views. If it's waterfront charm you're after, but you can't quite get to Mackinac Island, never fear -- Michigan has loads of great places to unwind along the shore. Check out one of the best waterfront hotels in Michigan, Blue Water Inn, when you're seeking peace and quiet. This welcoming spot in Saint Clair combines dining and relaxation in the most wonderful way possible.

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Grand Hotel, 286 Grand Ave, Mackinac Island, MI 49757, USA