If you’re the kind of person who keeps the Halloween spirit alive all October long, this one’s for you. 

Michigan’s most haunted city offers more than just ghost stories. From eerie battlefield sites and haunted highways to ghastly walking tours and even a museum dedicated to horror, it’s a perfect mix of history, folklore, and fun.

Today, The ’Gander’s Sophie Boudreau takes us on a spooky little road trip to Monroe, where Michigan’s haunted past comes alive.

Gov. Whitmer signs roads deal (ClickOnDetroit): Gov. Gretchen Whitmer visited Macomb County Monday to sign the deal fulfilling her long-promised plan to “fix the damn roads.” Nearly $2 billion from Michigan’s new $81 billion budget will go toward repairing state and local roads over the next four years, alongside major investments in water and airport infrastructure. Whitmer said drivers can expect to see more orange barrels soon.

Lansing passes LGBTQ+ welcoming city resolution (WLNS): Lansing City Council voted unanimously Monday to declare the city a welcoming place for the LGBTQ+ community. The resolution condemns discrimination and violence, pledging that Lansing won’t penalize anyone seeking or providing gender-affirming care. Advocates say it’s an important first step toward stronger protections and lasting policy change.

‘No Kings’ protests scheduled across Michigan (MLive): Thousands are expected to join “No Kings” protests across more than 100 Michigan cities Saturday, opposing what organizers call federal overreach under President Donald Trump. Demonstrations will take place from Detroit to the UP, with major rallies planned in Detroit’s Roosevelt Park and at the state Capitol in Lansing. Organizers say the movement aims to defend democracy and civil rights.

An aerial view of East 1st Street in historic downtown Monroe, Mich. (Wangkun Jia/Shutterstock)

By Sophie Boudreau

Horror movies, silly costumes, and ghost stories are fun, but why not take your Halloween adventures to the next level this year by visiting a bona fide haunted city? OK, OK—we can’t actually verify that a place is haunted, but it’s fun to dive into the eerie vibes, especially when October rolls around.

Thankfully, the most haunted city in Michigan is loaded with things to do and see, even if you’re a newcomer to the paranormal world. Here are five reasons why Monroe is the perfect place for Michigan ghost hunters, true believers, or otherwise.

A visit to the Michigan Museum of Horror is not for the faint of heart. (Colton Sturgeon/Unsplash)

If you want to kick off your Monroe adventure with a slightly more dramatic experience, the Michigan Museum of Horror fits the bill. This year-round attraction in the heart of downtown Monroe is a paradise for all things macabre, from creepy movie props to true crime photos to Ouija boards.

When you step inside, you’ll find a fun combination of educational content, historical information, and—of course—a few frights. We can’t think of a better way to set the mood for a day in Michigan’s most haunted town.

You might not want to drive down Telegraph Road alone in the nighttime hours. (K8/Unsplash)

While driving in and around Monroe, you’ll almost certainly spend some time on Telegraph Road. This main thoroughfare, also known as US-24, has captured imaginations throughout the decades with numerous tales of ghost sightings and creepy paranormal encounters.

While the so-called “Phantom Bridge” along Telegraph is one focal point, the entire stretch of highway earned the moniker “Bloody Telegraph” in local newspapers during the early 20th century. The reason? Telegraph was the site of numerous devastating traffic accidents during this period, which surely influenced the reported presence of lost spirits wandering the highway. Are you brave enough to take a drive down Telegraph after dark?

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with a story from Sophie Boudreau. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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