Come along with Northern Michigan History in our enthralling 5-part series as we delve into the enigmatic world of the most haunted locales in Northern Michigan. Our third installment guides us to the Eastern Upper Peninsula, where we unravel stories of a mysterious death that may have concealed murder, tales of witches, brave soldiers, and a once-infamous brothel. The Eastern Upper Peninsula certainly has its share of haunting stories to share!
Mackinac Island
Mission Point Resort: The resort is rumored to have a ghost that comes for an occasional visit. It is believed to be a college student named Harvey who died behind the resort in the late 60s. It was reported that he shot himself because of his broken heart. Some believe that he may have been murdered by a jealous boyfriend and not by his own hand.
Drowning Pool: In the lagoon on the island between Mission Point and downtown Mackinac, there are reports of suspicious activities. Visitors and residents report splashing, shadows, and dark figures floating above the surface. It is believed to be the ghosts of seven women who were accused of being witches in the late 1700s/early 1800s and were thrown into the lagoon with rocks tied to their feet. This was a common method to determine if someone was a witch. If they floated, they were a witch; if they sank, they were innocent.
Rifle Range Trail: The trail is located off Rifle Range Road at the base of Fort Holmes. This is the area where soldiers practiced marksmanship, becoming some of the finest sharpshooters in the entire U.S. Army. A soldier was framed for the murder of another soldier of the fort. He was hung on Rifle Range Trail, and it is said that he is still seeking vengeance. People walking along the trail have claimed to have felt bullets whizzing past their ears and the sound of footsteps behind them. Reports of hair being pulled, being touched, and sometimes thrown to the ground.
Sault Ste. Marie
Ramada Ojibway Plaza: The hotel overlooks the Soo Locks and opened its doors for business on New Year’s Eve in 1927. Rooms that occupy what consisted of the original owner’s suites experience unusual occurrences. Guests have reported that their suitcases have been unpacked and their room made up even though housekeeping service had not entered the room. Guests and employees have seen a tall man in dress clothes and top hat wandering through the lobby area.
Antlers Restaurant: The restaurant was originally named The Bucket of Blood Saloon when it began around 1915. It was presented as an ice cream shop during prohibition, but there was a lot more than ice cream being served. Rumor was that it was a brothel and a speakeasy. The government caught up with them when it showed a profit of $900. The restaurant is believed to be haunted by both a lady of the night and possibly a server. Doors open on their own, office equipment turns on and off by itself, and decorations in the restaurant have been moved in the middle of the night. One person claimed they were pushed on a stairway in the kitchen by an unseen force.
Learn more about the rich history of the Eastern Upper Peninsula.
