Michigan is a state steeped in history, but beneath its scenic beauty and charming towns lies a darker, more mysterious side. From ghostly sightings to sinister secrets buried in forgotten mansions and hotels, the haunted corners of Michigan are not for the faint of heart. Stay tuned as I will break down the most haunted places in Michigan, and believe me when I say, some will surprise you.
The long awaited part 5 is here, Haunted Places in Michigan. if you’re new here I have linked the other 4 parts of this series at the bottom of this article as well as a video about Michigan legends. I will be tackling 5 extremely haunted places in Michigan that I have never talked about before from hotels and mansions to attractions right here in Metro Detroit, so without further ado, let’s dive in shall we.
Haunted Places In Michigan:
#1 - The Doherty Hotel
Address: 604 N McEwan St, Clare, MI 48617
Finding our way in northern Michigan with #1, we have the one and only Doherty Hotel, which was built in 1924 in Clare, Michigan, stands as a beacon of history, but within its grand halls, a chilling tale of violence and hauntings continues to send shivers down the spines of visitors. In 1938, the hotel became the site of a grisly murder that left a permanent mark on its reputation. Isaiah Leebove, a lawyer with deep connections to the notorious Purple Gang, met a violent end in the Doherty's bar when his cousin and business associate, Jack Livingston, shot him dead in a fit of rage. The murder was not just any ordinary crime—it was tied to the dangerous underworld of mobsters, Prohibition-era deals, and brewing tensions within the criminal underbelly of Michigan.
As the years passed, the story of Leebove’s murder evolved into something far darker.
Visitors who stayed in the room near where Leebove died reported unsettling experiences—cold drafts brushing against their skin, the faint sound of gunshots in the night, and inexplicable whispers coming from empty hallways. Many who have stayed in or near the bar where the murder occurred claim they feel a heavy, oppressive presence, as though someone—or something—is watching them. Hotel staff frequently report seeing shadowy figures flicker at the corners of their vision, and lights have been known to turn on and off by themselves without explanation.
One of the most terrifying encounters was experienced by a guest who checked into the hotel late one winter evening. As she lay in bed, drifting off to sleep, she suddenly awoke to the feeling of someone sitting on the edge of her bed. The room was dim, illuminated only by the soft glow of the bedside lamp, but when she looked toward the foot of the bed, she saw the unmistakable outline of a man, sitting quietly. As she blinked, startled, the figure slowly faded from view, leaving her heart pounding in terror. The next morning, when she recounted the experience to the staff, they merely nodded—her story was just one of many.
The Doherty Hotel has stood the test of time, but its walls seem to hold onto the memories of its dark past. For those who believe in the supernatural, Isaiah Leebove’s restless spirit may still roam the halls, unable to move on from the place where his life was so violently cut short. Visitors continue to flock to the hotel, drawn not just by its history but by the possibility of experiencing the paranormal for themselves.
Haunted Places In Michigan:
#2 - The Landmark Inn
Address: 230 N Front St, Marquette, MI 49855
Jumping up to the upper peninsula for #2 on this list, we have The Landmark Inn in Marquette, Michigan, is not just known for its historic elegance but also for the ghostly presence that haunts its halls. One of the most famous spirits said to reside there is known as "Lily," a heartbroken woman who met a tragic end in the early 1900s. Lily was said to be a young woman waiting for her lover, a sailor who never returned from a voyage on Lake Superior. Heartbroken and overcome with grief, Lily is believed to have taken her own life in the hotel, and ever since, her spirit has lingered.
Guests and staff alike have reported eerie experiences, particularly on the sixth floor, where Lily is said to reside. Visitors often hear soft weeping or the faint sound of footsteps pacing back and forth. Some have even seen the apparition of a woman dressed in white, gazing out the window toward Lake Superior, as if still waiting for her lover’s return. The chill in the air and sudden cold spots are commonly felt, leaving many to believe that Lily's presence remains tied to the hotel, forever locked in her sorrowful vigil.
The Landmark Inn’s rich history, paired with these paranormal encounters, has solidified its reputation as one of Michigan's most haunted locations. Many guests visit not just for the beautiful views and historical charm but for the chance to glimpse Lily or experience her ghostly presence.
Haunted Places In Michigan:
#3 - The Governor Warner Mansion
Address: 33805 Grand River Ave, Farmington, MI 48335
Shifting gears to haunted place #3 and that’s The Governor Warner Mansion in Farmington, Michigan, is a beautiful Victorian home with a dark, mysterious past. Built in the 1860s, the mansion was the home of Michigan’s 26th governor, Fred Warner, and his family. Over the years, the mansion has become known not only for its historical significance but also for its paranormal activity. Many believe that the spirits of Governor Warner, his wife, and their children have never truly left the home.
The mansion has been preserved as a museum, but the spirits of its former residents seem to have never truly moved on. Paranormal activity has been frequently reported, with many claiming the mansion is haunted by the Warner family themselves.
One of the most common sightings is of a woman in Victorian clothing, believed to be Governor Warner’s wife, who has been spotted wandering the mansion's halls. Guests and staff have seen her looking out windows or standing quietly in various rooms, as if she is still tending to her duties as the lady of the house. In addition to these apparitions, doors are known to slam shut for no apparent reason, and strange, cold drafts seem to move throughout the house even in the summer months. Some visitors have reported hearing disembodied voices and laughter coming from empty rooms, while others have felt sudden, unexplained cold spots.
The second floor of the mansion is said to be particularly active. Several people have claimed to hear the sound of children playing, despite the mansion being empty. The Warner children, who grew up in the house, are believed to still roam the upper floors. Some have even seen shadowy figures darting out of sight, adding to the mansion’s eerie atmosphere. These hauntings have made the Governor Warner Mansion a local attraction for ghost hunters and history enthusiasts alike, all eager to catch a glimpse of the Warner family's lingering spirits.
Haunted Places In Michigan:
#4 - The Bruce Mansion
Address: 5985 N Van Dyke Rd, Brown City, Michigan
Considered to be one of the most haunted places in Michigan, we have #4, The Bruce Mansion in Burnside Township, Michigan. A striking yet eerie Victorian mansion that has long been rumored to be one of the most haunted places in the state. Built in the late 1800s, the mansion was home to wealthy businessman William Bruce and his family. However, tragedy and death have stained its history, giving rise to countless ghost stories and paranormal encounters. Over the years, the mansion has been abandoned and changed hands many times, but it is the unexplained events that continue to captivate visitors.
Locals have long believed that the Bruce family never truly left the mansion. Visitors have reported ghostly apparitions, shadowy figures, and strange noises coming from the house’s empty rooms. One of the most chilling tales involves the spirit of a man seen standing near the mansion’s windows, watching passersby with a cold, unsettling gaze. Some believe this to be William Bruce himself, eternally guarding his home. Inside, visitors have heard disembodied voices, doors slamming on their own, and footsteps echoing through the halls when no one else is present. The mansion’s basement is said to be particularly active, with rumors of dark rituals having taken place there, amplifying the already ominous energy of the property.
The Bruce Mansion’s reputation has drawn paranormal investigators from across the country, all eager to experience the unsettling atmosphere that surrounds the property. Whether it’s the mysterious deaths associated with the mansion or the sinister energy that seems to pervade its walls, the Bruce Mansion remains a chilling and fascinating place for those brave enough to explore its haunted history. These chilling details add to the Bruce Mansion’s mystique, making it one of Michigan’s most notoriously haunted locations, with a history filled with tragedy, mystery, and lingering spirits.
Haunted Places In Michigan:
#5 - Fort Wayne
Address: 6325 W Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48209
Moving over to haunted place #5 on this list Fort Wayne in Detroit, Michigan, is more than just a relic of military history; it’s a place where the echoes of the past seem to come alive in the most unsettling ways. Constructed in the 1840s to guard against British invasion, the fort never saw battle, yet its walls have borne witness to countless stories of tragedy, death, and despair. As soldiers came and went, many never truly left, and their restless spirits are said to roam the grounds to this day.
Visitors often report hearing the sound of ghostly footsteps echoing through the old barracks, even when no one is around. Muffled voices, as if in conversation, can be heard coming from the empty corridors. Some have even claimed to see shadowy figures moving in the distance, only for them to vanish the moment they are approached. The most chilling tales come from those who visit at night, when the fort’s dimly lit halls seem to come alive with the presence of the past. Cold spots appear suddenly, sending shivers down the spines of those who dare to walk through its gates after dark.
But perhaps the most unnerving part of Fort Wayne is its connection to the Native American burial mound on the property. This ancient site has long been considered sacred, and many believe that disturbing it has awakened spirits who now haunt the fort. Visitors have reported a profound sense of unease near the mound, with some even claiming to hear drumming or chanting in the distance. Whether it’s the lingering energy of the soldiers or the spirits of those long forgotten, Fort Wayne remains a place where the past is never quite at rest.
The hauntings at Fort Wayne are as diverse as its history, with specific stories emerging from different areas of the fort. One of the most haunted spots is the old officers' quarters, where many visitors and paranormal investigators have experienced strange phenomena. Reports include the sensation of being watched, unexplained cold drafts, and doors opening and closing on their own. Some have seen shadowy figures standing in the windows or moving swiftly through the rooms, only to disappear when approached. Disembodied voices—sometimes whispers, sometimes urgent cries—have also been heard echoing through these empty quarters, leaving visitors with a sense of dread.
The fort’s tunnel system, which was once used for transporting supplies and moving troops, is another hotspot for paranormal activity. Many who venture into the tunnels describe hearing footsteps following them, yet when they turn around, no one is there. Some have claimed to feel unseen hands brushing against their skin or tugging on their clothing. The dark, narrow passages intensify the feeling of being pursued by something unseen, and many who enter report a palpable sense of fear and foreboding. Paranormal investigators have captured strange electronic voice phenomena (EVPs) in the tunnels, further fueling the belief that Fort Wayne’s haunted past is alive and active.
The fort’s eerie atmosphere, combined with these specific hauntings, has made it a popular destination for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers, but the lingering spirits ensure that those who visit Fort Wayne never quite leave the same as they entered.
For those of you that have lived, vacationed or passed through the state of Michigan, what other mysteries, legends and haunted places do you know of? Drop them in the comments below.
Click the links below to binge my haunted places in Michigan series if you haven’t already.
MENTIONED VIDEOS 🔗
→Haunted Places In Michigan (Part One): https://youtu.be/rWCec9UaBtE?si=gTi9RYgmnF_MnIar
→Haunted Places In Michigan (Part Two): https://youtu.be/yIQOm3xAEoo?si=7j5M0JOnuJSmRe2w
→Haunted Places In Michigan (Part Three): https://youtu.be/li6DCbG9K24
→Haunted Places in Michigan (Part Four): https://youtu.be/anJrnwlkhL0?si=CezIHMV9Ni2-AxwX
→TOP 10 CREEPY Legends About Michigan: https://youtu.be/yn99U2KvTN4
If you’re not too scared to move to Michigan, I help people all over the world move to, within and out of the state of Michigan, and I love it, so if you ever need anything don’t hesitate to reach out I’m happy to be a resource. Until next time.
Cheers,
Andrew
Andrew McManamon is a Michigan REALTOR® with Signature Sotheby’s International Realty and provides real estate services to Buyers, Sellers and Investors throughout SE Michigan including Livingston County, Oakland County, Washtenaw County, Genesee County & beyond. Andrew has become one of the pillars of Michigan real estate. Prior to his real estate career Andrew was responsible for managing a senior living facility in Brighton, Michigan as a dining supervisor and an activities assistant. Andrew’s passion to help people is unlike any other, and he continues to strive to be the best resource he can be. Andrew graduated from Cleary University in Howell, Michigan with a double major in business and marketing, and currently resides in Brighton, Michigan.
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