Michigan’s spooky spectacles: 5 spooky places to visit if you dare

Exterior of the former Traverse City State Hospital. Image via Shutterstock

By The 'Gander Staff

October 18, 2023

Check out five of Michigan’s spookiest attractions, places, and events—just in time for Halloween.

As the air turns crisp and the leaves transform into fiery hues, Michigan comes alive with the spirit of Halloween. It’s a time when ghosts and goblins make their presence known, and adventurous souls seek out haunted venues to embrace the season’s spine-tingling thrill. 

In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through five of Michigan’s most hauntingly intriguing places, offering tips on what to expect and how much it will cost. So, gather your courage, and let’s explore the supernatural side of the Great Lakes State.

Eloise Asylum

Located in Westland, Michigan, Eloise Asylum is a place that has been shrouded in mystery and intrigue for decades. Once a sprawling mental health facility, the asylum now serves as a haunted house attraction. However, some visitors have found the experience to be underwhelming, with the actors’ performances feeling rushed and less than terrifying. You’ll have to see for yourself!

The haunted house is open until Nov. 4, with tickets starting at $45. 

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Michigan Museum of Horror

The Michigan Museum of Horror, located in downtown Monroe, is the state’s first year-round, multi-story horror attraction. Among other fascinating oddities, visitors get to see real coffins, ouija boards, and human heads (including some that you can even hold yourself!). For even more spookiness, on Oct. 21, you can attend a special investigation at the museum performed by the famous Detroit Paranormal Expeditions team. 

Tickets to the museum cost $6 to $15, while the Oct. 21 event costs $55. 

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Historically Haunted Detroit: The Dark Side of History Bus Tour

Michigan’s biggest city may be known for its automotive history, but the Historically Haunted Detroit tour explores the city’s lesser-known haunted past. If you’re brave enough to hop aboard the bus, you’ll get to visit Detroit’s scariest locations and hear all the spooky lore that accompanies them. Because of potential drinking and swearing, the tour is limited to guests 21 and older.

Tours start at $58.50 and run through Nov. 3. 

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Glenlore Trails’ Haunted Forest

With its Haunted Forest, Glenlore Trails in Commerce Township provides a Halloween experience that’s more enchanting than terrifying. The dark outdoor location and CarnEvil theme are creepy but not super scary, making it suitable for younger visitors. The trails are interactive and offer a great way to spend an evening with friends.

The attraction is open until Oct. 29, and tickets cost $15 to $25. 

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Traverse City State Hospital

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, formerly called the Traverse City State Hospital, is considered one of the most haunted places in Michigan. Although the hospital is no longer in operation, there have been many reports of ghostly activity over the years. There’s also a rumor that a portal to hell is located beneath a tree out back. 

The Asylum Twilight Tour costs $35 and includes a tour of the abandoned campus plus first-hand accounts from former employees. 

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Ready to Get Spooked?

Whether you seek heart-pounding scares or enchanting adventures, the Great Lakes State has a diverse array of spooky spectacles waiting for you to explore. So, don your favorite costume, gather your friends and family, and venture forth into the world of the supernatural. In the end, it’s not just the fear but the shared experiences and lasting memories that make Michigan’s haunted history truly unforgettable. Happy Halloween!

This story was written and edited by The Gander staff, and produced with the assistance of AI.

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