Take A Thrilling Road Trip To The 8 Most Abandoned Places In Michigan
Abandoned sites are hauntingly beautiful. There’s nothing quite as chilling as looking up at a once-grand building and imagining its bustling heyday as it sits in ruin, overtaken by wayward plants and graffiti. Michigan is home to some incredible abandoned places, some of which are more haunting than others. If you’re an urban explorer or simply curious about some of our state’s long-defunct sites, here’s a tour that will fascinate you. Some of these abandoned places in Michigan are still standing, while others have been torn down to make way for something else. But either way, you can still at least drive by and wonder about the stories that originated from some of the creepiest places in Michigan.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
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For the sake of travel time, we've split this route into two mini-road trips for the spots listed below, one in the Upper Peninsula and the other in the Lower Peninsula. Take one -- or both -- to check out some of the most incredible abandoned places in Michigan.
1. Michigan Central Station (2001 15th St, Detroit)
Opened in 1913, Detroit’s Michigan Central Station was once the tallest rail station in the world. It served as bustling hub for people moving in and around the city. As the automobile grew in popularity and the Great Depression set in, the station began to lose its economic prowess. After decades of ownership turnovers and attempted renovations, the building was abandoned in 2004.
This large complex in Wayne County opened in 1839 as a farm and poor house and was eventually turned into a sanitarium and psychiatric hospital. Most of the buildings were closed by the late 1970s, and only 4 of the original 78 buildings in the complex remain, in addition to a small cemetery.
Often cited as one of the most haunted places in Michigan, the Northville Psychiatric Hospital is certainly an eerie sight to behold. It operated for 50 years beginning in 1952 and now attracts urban explorers from across the state.
As far as abandoned attractions go, the Prehistoric Forest is certainly one-of-a-kind. Opened in the mid-1960s, it housed 70 fiberglass dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. It closed in 1999, leaving the forest’s remaining structures to gather moss.
5. The Southwest Michigan Tuberculosis Sanitarium (1500 Blakeslee Avenue, Kalamazoo)
Situated on a hillside overlooking the city of Kalamazoo, this abandoned tuberculosis asylum served as a highly successful treatment center during the 1950s. Ultimately, its success led to its decline, as patients who were treated and cured no longer needed to stay at the sanitarium. The building remained part of the Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital until its closure in 1990. While many of the original buildings have been demolished, a few still stand as this property is still a hospital to this day.
6. Holy Family Orphanage (600 Altamont Street, Marquette)
Holy Family in Marquette was the Upper Peninsula’s first orphanage, established in 1915. The orphanage has a sad history: its initial purpose was to house Native American children who had been torn from their families by government officials. The orphanage remained in use until 1967, and the building was completely abandoned by 1987. In 2016, renovations on this building began and it now houses apartments.
7. Bay Shore Road Bridge (Old US-41 and US-2, Escanaba)
This partially collapsed bridge over the Escanaba River was constructed in 1911 by the Delta County Road Commission. The bridge was built in an unusual way for concrete structures of its kind, using a more “bare bones” approach and employing fewer laborers. This likely contributed to its demise.
This ghost town in the Upper Peninsula was once a successful iron ore hub that housed the Jackson Iron Company. It was most bustling during the late 19th century, but as the iron industry declined, the area quickly lost its residents and economic success. Today, visitors can explore the abandoned homes of former residents and check out buildings that once aided in iron ore production.
If you choose to visit any of these abandon places in Michigan, enter at your own risk. Use caution and be aware of trespassing laws. If you have any amazing photos from your explorations of abandoned Michigan buildings, share them on our page!
Are you fascinated by abandoned places in Michigan? Are there any unusual spots in your hometown? We’d love to hear about them in the comments.
What is the most famous abandoned place in Michigan?
As time moves on, it is only natural that we find more and more abandoned places in Michigan. Things change and develop and sometimes buildings, and even entire towns, are left to be reclaimed by nature. These spots are often considered some of the creepiest places in Michigan, and it’s easy to see why with such a mysterious atmosphere. In addition to the 8 abandoned places in Michigan mentioned above, learn more about this town that was also left on its own.
What is the most haunted place in Michigan?
When you talk about abandoned places you often also mention some of the most haunted places in Michigan. They go hand in hand and we have plenty throughout our state to explore. If you’d like to take another road trip through Michigan, check out these 7 haunted destinations.
Can I go ghost hunting in Michigan?
If you have an interest in the paranormal, you can absolutely go ghost hunting in Michigan. From haunted buildings to creepy hiking trails, we have all sorts of ghostly adventures. For starters, check out this haunted road in Michigan that’s said to be home to a few ghosts.
