We’re just past the halfway point in October, which means the Halloween fun is really ramping up.

And if you’re the kind of person who thinks “fun” means getting chased by a chainsaw-wielding clown through a fog-filled warehouse—well, today you’re in luck.

The ’Gander’s Chaunie Brusie rounded up 10 of the most terrifying haunted houses across Michigan, from historic asylums to haunted forests and underground mazes. Whether you’re in it for the adrenaline or just to see how long your friends can last before running for the exit, there’s no shortage of places to test your courage this Halloween season.

Plus: Did you know Mackinac Island is open year-round? From the annual Christmas Tree lighting to snowshoeing, read on to learn what you can enjoy in the off-season.

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Michigan SOS: 2024 election audit confirms accurate results (MLive): Audits of Michigan’s 2024 general election confirmed the results were “secure and accurate,” according to a new report from the Bureau of Elections. Hand counts of more than 119,000 ballots showed only a 0.03% difference from machine tallies—well within normal margins. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson praised election officials for their “professionalism and attention to detail,” noting the findings reinforce public confidence in Michigan’s voting system after a record turnout of 5.7 million voters.

New transit center proposed for Michigan Central Station (WXYZ): Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood is set to get a new $40 million transit center that could bring train service back to the Michigan Central Station grounds for the first time in decades. Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the plan Wednesday, calling it a key step toward creating a “multimodal transportation hub” connecting buses, Amtrak, and regional transit. The project aims to open by late 2028 and replace aging bus and train facilities.

Moose-car collisions rise in UP (WOOD-TV): State officials are warning Upper Peninsula drivers to watch for moose on the roads after a rise in vehicle collisions. Since 2021, 60 moose have been killed in crashes—triple the annual average from previous decades. Most incidents happen in late summer and fall, especially in Iron, Baraga, and Marquette counties. The Michigan DNR says the trend threatens the region’s stagnant moose population, with up to 5% lost to crashes each year.

From underground warehouse tunnels to multi-level scares, these haunted houses in Michigan will terrify even the most hardened of thrill seekers. (Scarefest Scream Park)

By Chaunie Brusie

With miles of uncharted forests and unpredictable lakes, Michigan is full of ghostly stories and ghoulish visitors who have braved the elements—and lost. And while not everyone loves a good ghost story (sorry, I’m one of the scaredy cats), plenty of other Michiganders are looking to spend their Halloween season in the most terrifying haunted houses Michigan has to offer.

From real former abandoned asylums to multi-level warehouses full of terror, chainsaws, and creatures too horrifying to describe, we found the most highly-rated haunted houses in Michigan guaranteed to make you scream, including:

1. Scarefest Scream Park

The Scarefest Scream Park on 28-Mile Road isn’t just a haunted house—it combines four haunted attractions in one location, including a Forest of Darkness, Terror Zone Corn Maze, Castle of Dead haunted house, and a Hayride of Doom. The first three haunted attractions are all geared for older teens and adults, but the Hayride is family-friendly, so there’s something for everyone.

2. The Howling Haunted Trail & Halloween Party

When you visit the popular Halloween attraction, The Howling Haunted Trail in Fenton, Mich., you might encounter a wait before you’re allowed in. However, this venue is professional—after checking in to secure your place in line, there’s plenty to do while you wait. For instance, you can enjoy adult or non-alcoholic beverages on the Midway, jam or dance to music, visit the food truck, warm up by the fire, or engage in some fun themed games or tarot card readings.

The Howling is not a haunted house per se, as the attraction is a trail that winds through the woods, but it’s one of the highest-rated haunted attractions in Michigan and not meant for kids or the easily scared.

Michigan’s Mackinac Island transforms into a quaint winter wonderland during the off-season. (Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau)

By Chaunie Brusie

I love a lot of things about living in Michigan, but Mackinac Island just might be one of my very favorite Michigan treasures. Rich with history, Mackinac Island is a place set apart from the rest of the world, and while the summer and fall seasons are the most popular times to visit the island, it’s always worth a trip, no matter what time of year.

In a technical sense, Mackinac Island does not “close,” although several attractions and businesses do shut down over the winter months. That being said, some businesses stay open all year round on the island, and there are even special events you can attend specifically in the off-season. Some even say that Mackinac is even more magical in the off-season.

If you’re looking to spend some time on Mackinac Island in the off-season, here are some great ideas for when and where to visit.

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with stories by Chaunie Brusie. It was edited by Brook Bolen.

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