The Ultimate Fall Adventure Awaits With These 3 Haunted Places in Michigan

Everyone experiences strange things once in a while, whether they be odd bumps in the night, unusual shadows out of the corner of your eye, or an object that seems to move on its own. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, it can be a lot of fun to hear the stories and to visit supposedly haunted places—and what better time to do it than on a crisp, fall evening? 

Michigan is the perfect state for spooky adventures in the fall. The leaves turn brilliant colors before falling, hot cocoa is everywhere you look, and pumpkins are ready for carving. Along with its cozy atmosphere, the state also has a great lineup of haunted spots to explore. Here are three of my favorites that would make perfect fall adventures.

1. The Holly Hotel - Holly

Located in Holly, Michigan, the Holly Hotel has been referred to as the most haunted historic building in the state. Numerous guests and employees have reported seeing and hearing strange things in its rooms and hallways. The building was constructed in 1891 and has faced its share of hardships; some even consider it cursed. The hotel was consumed by a fire in 1913 and then again 65 years later to the exact day and hour, almost as if someone or something had planned it.

One of the most common ghostly sightings is of Mr. Hirst, the original proprietor of the hotel. Visitors claim to smell cigar smoke and spot a strange man in a top hat roaming the halls, who disappears if anyone gets too close. Another frequent spirit is Nora Kane, a petite woman remembered for her perfume and music. Guests have reported catching whiffs of her flowery perfume in the air and hearing faint piano music echoing through empty halls.

2. The Whitney Mansion - Detroit

The Whitney is a Detroit restaurant housed in a famous mansion constructed by David Whitney, a lumber baron. Ghostly sightings have been reported since the mid-1980s, with many believing that David Whitney Jr. and his wife are the ones behind the haunting. The pair died inside the mansion, and visitors have heard their laughter through the walls of their rooms. Guests also claim to find objects moved, and some even say they feel an unseen presence. 

One of the most haunted areas is the elevator, which will sometimes operate on its own, moving up and down without an operator. On the second floor, guests have reported seeing an elderly man staring wistfully out of windows. Visit for a drink at The Ghostbar... if you dare.

3. Henderson Castle - Kalamazoo 

The Henderson Castle in Kalamazoo, Michigan, was built in 1895 as a personal residence. It now stands as a bed and breakfast, one which many visitors have reported as being inhabited by something paranormal. 

The spirits of the original owners, Frank and Mary Henderson, have been seen roaming the halls late at night, sometimes disappearing into and out of the walls and rooms of the castle. An old Spanish-American War veteran has also been spotted, with the story going that he loved the home so much that he decided to make it his permanent residence. A small dog has also been reported, with some visitors claiming that they’ve had the spirit jump into their beds with them, only to find nothing there upon flipping the lights on.

Have you experienced any of these haunted places or any other haunted Michigan spots? If you’ve got other ghostly areas that you want us to look into, please share them through our nomination page.

 If you're feeling inspired to create your own spooky experience, plan a trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.