Hauntings Across Michigan’s Northern Lower Peninsula

Michigan’s Northern Lower Peninsula is steeped in ghostly tales, from haunted lighthouses and inns to eerie forests and islands. These historic locations hide chilling stories of tragic deaths, paranormal encounters, and spirits that refuse to rest.

Northeast Lower Peninsula

Old Presque Isle Lighthouse

After George Parris died, his widow saw an impossible light glowing from the disconnected lantern room. Many believe it’s George’s way of keeping the lighthouse’s spirit alive.

Anchor Inn (Houghton Lake)

Paranormal investigators have reported shadowy figures, moving objects, and even a vortex at the front of this 100-year-old building.

Pere Cheney (Roscommon)

This ghost town is rumored to be cursed by a witch, haunting its cemetery and leaving handprints on visitors’ cars.

Pack House Inn (Oscoda)

Closed now, this 19th-century inn is still believed to be haunted by Grace Pack, with sightings of her spirit in the upstairs windows.

Bois Blanc Island

Disembodied footsteps, glowing orbs, and shadowy apparitions—said to be the spirits of two British soldiers killed by Native American bounty hunters—are commonly reported.

Northwest Lower Peninsula

The Terrace Inn (Petoskey)

This historic inn is haunted by a woman who tragically died in Room 211, a man in a tweed suit, and a child in the basement.

Stafford’s Weathervane (Charlevoix)

The ghost of a miller haunts this converted grist mill, where visitors report hearing footsteps and dishes moving on their own.

Bowers Harbor Inn (Traverse City)

The playful ghost of Genevieve Stickney still lingers in this former mansion-turned-restaurant, making her presence known to staff and guests.

Traverse City State Hospital

Once the Northern Michigan Asylum, the eerie tunnels and abandoned buildings are said to be haunted by voices, footsteps, and shadowy figures.

South Manitou Island (Leelanau County)

Haunted by victims of a cholera outbreak and a boy who drowned exploring a shipwreck, the island’s cemeteries and woods are filled with voices and apparitions.

The Final Rest

From the glowing light of Presque Isle’s lighthouse to the shadowy figures of South Manitou Island, Michigan’s haunted history lingers in every gust of wind and creaking floorboard. Some say these spirits still walk among us, waiting for their next encounter. Will you be the one to meet them?

Marisa Fancy along with her husband and four children dreamt of moving “Up North”. They had vacationed for years in northern Michigan and in 1995 they finally made the move.

The family was always out exploring, but with 4 kids there was some limitations on what they could do. Marisa discovered the amazing network of trails in Northern Michigan after Steve died and she would walk for miles. The trails provided her with peace, comfort and solitude at a difficult time in her life. Later, after meeting Guy who would become her second husband, she learned to golf and found another passion she could enjoy in beautiful Northern Michigan.

Marisa has been the family historian, writer, and poet for as long as she can remember. She has always loved to write and has now found a creative outlet for it other than family. You can read her articles in Adventures in Northern Michigan, Northern Michigan History and Golf Up North.