Join Northern Michigan History in our 5 part series as we explore the most haunted places in northern Michigan. The first in our series looks at the Northwest Lower Peninsula. From restaurants, to theatres to asylums, there is not a shortage of ghosts in northwest Michigan.
Petoskey
Terrace Inn – In Petoskey’s historic Bay View area the 38 room Victorian resort has been the site of two death since it opened in 1911. There are a couple of rumors about who died. Some say it was two workers that had a beam fall on them during the construction. The other is a women named Elizabeth Abbey Sweet that was staying in room 211. The story is that she was pregnant and fell in room 211 and miscarried and died. That her husband died years later of broken heart mourning the loss of his wife and the twins she was carrying.
The Inn is believed to be home to at least 3 ghosts. A lady in white that wonders the halls and rooms. A man in a tweed suit that overlooks the balcony at the front and a child in the basement. Guests and staff have reported seeing and hearing these ghosts while at the Inn.
Charlevoix
Stafford’s Weathervane Restaurant – Originally a grist mill in the 1800s it was converted into a restaurant in the 1950s. The main bar was made using planks from a shipwreck. Visitors and staff have reported to hear footsteps and see dishes move on their own. Cold spots have been felt at times in the dining room. The ghost is believed to be a miller who was killed on the job.
Bellaire
Grand Victorian Bed and Breakfast Inn – Henry Richardi built the house in 1895 in an attempt to woo a young woman for a wife. He was not successful in his marriage plans and never lived in the house. He moved to California in 1925. It is believed that after Henry died his disappointed spirit came back to Bellaire to rest in the home he built. The house was unoccupied for many years and there were reports of eerie lights in the cupola area during that time.
Traverse City
Bowers Harbor Inn – A two story mansion on the Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City is home to a well-documented ghost. The home was the summer residence of Chicago lumber baron J.W. Stickney and his wife Genevieve. It is believed that Genevieve Stickney is the ghost and is harmless and known to be playful. A friend of this author used to live in that home, and she insists that Genevieve is very much real and harmless. That she had many encounters with Genevieve growing up in the home The Inn is now home to Jolly Pumpkin restaurant and brewery and Mission Table an upscale restaurant.
Traverse City State Hospital – The state hospital was opened in 1885 as the Northern Michigan Asylum and operated for over 100 years. Dr. James Decker Munson was the first Superintendent of the hospital and ran it with the believe that beauty and tranquility could cure mental illness. Later years the hospital accepted patients struggling with addiction and expanded during outbreaks of disease. The hospital consisted of multiple buildings with tunnels connecting them. The tunnels were also used as part of a state-of-the-art ventilation system. Rumors have circulated for years about strange occurrences in the buildings and tunnels. The sounds of footsteps and voices and shadowy figures have all been reported.
The hospital is now home to condominiums, retail stores, restaurants, event venue and more. We highly recommend the tunnel tours that are offered.
Leelanau County
South Manitou Island – The island is located 16 miles offshore from Leland. The island has 300-foot sand dunes, rustic campgrounds, and interesting legends. There are several legends of paranormal activity on the island. Voices heard in an ancient cedar forest, shadowy figures seen in the two cemeteries and sightings of a young boy on the island. The young boy is rumored to be an island boy that died trying to explore the shipwreck of the SS Francisco Morazán. The voices and figures are believed to be the victims of cholera outbreak on a ship. Local legend is that a ship full of passengers stricken with cholera stopped at South Manitou. The sailors buried the victims in a mass grave, some still alive at burial.
Manistee
Ramsdell Theatre – The theater was built in 1903 for TJ Ramsdell and is believed to be haunted. There have been many reports of strange happenings. Doors slamming shut, lights falling to the floor, and electrical equipment failing. Reports of windows opening by themselves and lights going on and off. It is reported that two apparitions have been seen through the building and floating near the balcony. One is believed to be TJ Ramsdell the other is a woman whose identity is unknown.
Cadillac
Escape Bar and Grill – Originally the Northwood Hotel in the 1800s and is rumored to be haunted. There have been reports of a woman in an old-fashioned dress in the ballroom and a workman carrying a ladder. One employee claimed that a glass ornament was thrown at her by unseen hands. The bar is currently closed.
Learn more about the rich history of the Northwest Lower Peninsula.
