The Upper Peninsula is renowned for many things pertaining to nature, scenery, sports and reclusiveness. However, beneath its picturesque exterior lies a world of mystery and intrigue, filled with tales of paranormal events that have fascinated locals and visitors alike. From haunted lighthouses to eerie forests, the Upper Peninsula is a hotspot for those seeking a brush with the supernatural. Here are some of the most compelling paranormal events and locations that add an otherworldly charm to this region.
The Haunting of the Big Bay Point Lighthouse
Located on the shores of Lake Superior, the Big Bay Point Lighthouse is not only a beacon for ships but also a hotspot for ghostly activities. Built in 1896, this lighthouse has a storied history and is believed to be haunted by the spirit of its first keeper, Will Prior. According to legend, Prior committed suicide in the lighthouse, and his restless spirit has been seen wandering the grounds ever since. Guests who stay at the lighthouse, which now operates as a bed and breakfast, have reported strange occurrences such as disembodied voices, footsteps, and even sightings of an apparition in old-fashioned clothing.
The Paulding Light
One of the most famous paranormal phenomena in the Upper Peninsula is the Paulding Light, a mysterious, unexplained light that appears in a valley near Watersmeet. Since the 1960s, this light has baffled scientists and paranormal enthusiasts alike. It appears almost nightly, shining brightly and moving erratically. While skeptics attribute the light to car headlights on a distant highway, many locals and visitors believe it is a supernatural phenomenon, possibly the ghost of a railroad brakeman who was killed while trying to stop an oncoming train.
The Mystery of the Ghost Ships
Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes, is notorious for its treacherous waters and shipwrecks. Among these tales of maritime tragedy are stories of ghost ships that continue to sail its waters. One of the most famous is the SS Bannockburn, also known as the “Flying Dutchman of the Great Lakes”. This ship disappeared in 1902 with all hands lost, and ever since, there have been reports of the Bannockburn reappearing on stormy nights, sailing the lake as a spectral reminder of its tragic end.
The Phantoms of Fayette Historic State Park
Fayette Historic State Park, once a bustling iron smelting town, is now a well-preserved ghost town with a reputation for paranormal activity. Visitors have reported hearing the sounds of phantom footsteps, voices, and even the distant ringing of a blacksmith’s hammer. The old hotel and furnace complex are particularly noted for their eerie atmospheres, with many claiming to have seen apparitions of former residents going about their daily lives, unaware that their town is now abandoned. They have a paranormal event in September. Reserve now if you’re interested in attending.
The Eerie Legends of Nahma Inn
Built in the early 1900s, the Nahma Inn in Nahma is another site with a haunted reputation. The inn is said to be haunted by the spirit of a woman named Nell, who was a former innkeeper. Guests and staff have reported a variety of strange occurrences, from objects moving on their own to unexplained cold spots and the feeling of being watched. Nell is believed to be a friendly ghost, but her presence adds a chilling yet fascinating element to the inn’s history.
Seul Choix Lighthouse Ghost Captain
On the shores of Lake Michigan, sits Seul Choir Pointe Lighthouse. The lighthouse has been in operation since 1895, and it’s the only active light left on the lake. But, behind its walls holds the stories of its rich history…and its friendly spirits.
It is said that five spirits that still occupy the lighthouse.
The main spirit is Captain Joseph Willie Townshend, the head light-keeper in the early 1900s. He died at the age of 63 in 1910. Townshend’s cause of death isn’t completely known, but some think a contributing factor was cancer, as Townshend was known to be a heavy cigar smoker. His body was embalmed in the basement of the lighthouse.
There have been numerous encounters with people who have smelled the strong scent of cigar smoke within the lighthouse.
Townshend’s face has also been seen thirteen times in the mirrors of the upstairs bedrooms.
There is a Haunted Lighthouse Paranormal Event on October 19th and 20th 2024. Check the website for details. Check out my blog post where I talk about my encounter with the resident ghost.
Paranormal Convention Here In The UP
The 2024 Michigan Paranormal Convention will bring the biggest names in the paranormal industry to Sault Ste. Marie, MI for the 14th time. Between August 22 and 24, 2024 in Sault Ste. Marie’s Kewadin Casino’s DreamMakers Theater, experts and television stars will be on hand to cover such topics as paranormal investigating, psychic powers, UFOlogy and more. Come see the biggest names speak on today’s hottest topic, the paranormal! Check the website for more information.
Mackinac Island Is The Epicenter For Paranormal Activity
Mackinac Island in Michigan is known for its history of paranormal activity. Some say the island is the most haunted town in the United States, with 3,347 haunted locations, which is nine times more than any other town with a population under 100,000. Some possible reasons for the island’s hauntings include its natural landscape, which is made of limestone and quartz that can store energy, and the large body of water that surrounds it, which can act as a conductor.
Here are some places on Mackinac Island that are said to be haunted:
- Post Cemetery: A mother is said to weep over the graves of her two children
- Rifle Range Trail: Some say the ghost of the first person executed on the island may be present
- Fort Holmes: Some say ghosts of soldiers can be seen inside the restored British stronghold, and others have reported hearing the sounds of a fife playing military tunes
- Crow’s Nest Trail: A young girl named “Lucy” is said to have been seen in many locations
- Mission Point Resort: Some say Harvey, a student of Mackinac College, stalks the rooms, and others have reported being pinched or poked in the theater
- The Grand Hotel: Legend says construction workers found human remains while digging the foundation
- The Drowning Pool: In the 1700s and early 1800s, seven women were accused of being witches and drowned in a lagoon on the island
- Fort Mackinac: Some visitors have reported seeing strange orbs in pictures
- Haunted History Tours on Mackinac Island offer nightly, group, and pet-friendly tours that start in the courtyard of the Lilac Tree Hotel.
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a region steeped in natural beauty and historical significance, but it also holds a treasure trove of paranormal mysteries waiting to be explored. Whether you are a skeptic or a believer, these tales of haunted lighthouses, ghostly apparitions, and unexplained phenomena offer a unique and thrilling glimpse into the supernatural side of the Upper Peninsula. So, the next time you visit this enchanting region, keep an open mind and you might just experience a brush with the otherworldly.
Come stay with us at Hideaway Tiny Cabin before or after your paranormal event(s). Even though we can’t promise you a paranormal experience, you can be assured you’ll be cozy, comfortable and have a good night’s rest. Space is beginning to book for the fall so make your reservations now.
More later
Nancy and Don