24 of the most haunted places in metro Detroit to scare your pants off

By on Fri, Oct 29, 2021 at 10:01 am

Here in metro Detroit, something sinister looms. Ghosts, anyone? We're talking music venues, bars, museums, old asylums, and even statues that are said to be haunted. We're talking creaking stairs; doors and windows opening without human intervention; moaning, crying, and howling coming from all directions; foul odors, and old ghost cops pelting visitors with rocks.

In other words, some seriously spooky shit. While not everyone believes in ghosts, who some believe are spirits that have unfinished business on this plane of existence, but stick a non-believer alone in Westland's former Eloise Psychiatric Asylum with nothing but a flashlight and we bet they'll change their tune... to a scream. These are but a few of the Detroit area's most haunted spots. Happy haunting?

 

 

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Fair Lane, Home of Clara and Henry Ford 1 Fair Lane Dr., Dearborn; 313-668-3200; henryfordfairlane.org The Fair Lane estate, which was where Henry Ford died, is allegedly haunted by a ghostly butler who has appeared inside of the vehicles on the grounds, which is totally terrifying. The estate has been investigated by a Michigan paranormal team that said they recorded evidence of various strange sights like floating orbs and mist. Though the home is closed to the public for a massive restoration effort, the grounds are open to the public, so visitors can try and see for themselves. Oh, and there have been reports of doors and windows opening and closing on their own. PASS! Photo via Henry Ford Estate/Facebook

Fair Lane, Home of Clara and Henry Ford


1 Fair Lane Dr., Dearborn; 313-668-3200; henryfordfairlane.org
The Fair Lane estate, which was where Henry Ford died, is allegedly haunted by a ghostly butler who has appeared inside of the vehicles on the grounds, which is totally terrifying. The estate has been investigated by a Michigan paranormal team that said they recorded evidence of various strange sights like floating orbs and mist. Though the home is closed to the public for a massive restoration effort, the grounds are open to the public, so visitors can try and see for themselves. Oh, and there have been reports of doors and windows opening and closing on their own. PASS!

Photo via Henry Ford Estate/Facebook
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Northville Psychiatric Hospital 41000 Seven Mile Rd., Northville Opened in 1952 and closed 50 years later, this hospital might just be home to some patients that have yet to leave. At the time, this Northville facility was touted as Michigan's first attempt at scientific treatment of mental illness, and had everything from a movie theater, bowling alley, and therapeutic baths available to patients. However, the tunnels, which were designated as fallout shelter at the height of the Cold War, have been the source of some of the facility's spookiest paranormal shit, like hearing voices, footsteps, and clanking chains. Some have even reported having experienced touch and breathing down their necks by the unseen. While the asylum is no longer standing, it is said to be surrounded by a creepy-ass forest where many of the spirits have allegedly relocated to. Photo via Northville Psychiatric Hospital/Wikipedia Commons

Northville Psychiatric Hospital


41000 Seven Mile Rd., Northville

Opened in 1952 and closed 50 years later, this hospital might just be home to some patients that have yet to leave. At the time, this Northville facility was touted as Michigan's first attempt at scientific treatment of mental illness, and had everything from a movie theater, bowling alley, and therapeutic baths available to patients. However, the tunnels, which were designated as fallout shelter at the height of the Cold War, have been the source of some of the facility's spookiest paranormal shit, like hearing voices, footsteps, and clanking chains. Some have even reported having experienced touch and breathing down their necks by the unseen. While the asylum is no longer standing, it is said to be surrounded by a creepy-ass forest where many of the spirits have allegedly relocated to.

Photo via Northville Psychiatric Hospital/Wikipedia Commons
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Two-Way Inn 17897 Mt. Elliott St., Detroit; 313-891-4925; 2wayinn.com Detroit’s oldest bar, Two-Way Inn has one hell of a history — and you bet it’s haunted. Established in 1876 and now a watering hole, the building once served as a brothel, general store, a jail, and a Prohibition Era-speakeasy. Anyway, the former owner and resident of the inn, Philetus Norris, has been said to have been seen by patrons and owners. Reports note that the Union spy, archaeologist, and Yellowstone National Park superintendent still dons his cowboy-like duds, even in the afterlife. Photo via Two-Way Inn/Facebook

Two-Way Inn


17897 Mt. Elliott St., Detroit; 313-891-4925; 2wayinn.com
Detroit’s oldest bar, Two-Way Inn has one hell of a history — and you bet it’s haunted. Established in 1876 and now a watering hole, the building once served as a brothel, general store, a jail, and a Prohibition Era-speakeasy. Anyway, the former owner and resident of the inn, Philetus Norris, has been said to have been seen by patrons and owners. Reports note that the Union spy, archaeologist, and Yellowstone National Park superintendent still dons his cowboy-like duds, even in the afterlife.

Photo via Two-Way Inn/Facebook
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Westland’s Former Eloise Psychiatric Asylum 30712 Michigan Ave., Westland; eloiseasylum.com Once the largest psychiatric asylum in the country and, later, a beloved abandoned playground for urban explorers, Westland's hulking Eloise Psychiatric Hospital has been called “the Holy Grail” of paranormal investigation sites. Since it closed in 1981, the site has maintained a grisly history that is the stuff of urban legends. Originally erected as the Wayne County poorhouse in 1839, it soon housed people with mental and psychiatric disabilities, and at its peak, developed into a sprawling campus of 75 buildings that cared for as many as 8,000 patients a day. This year a new immersive experience was introduced for anyone brave enough to explore the asylum. Photo via Detroit Paranormal Expeditions

Westland’s Former Eloise Psychiatric Asylum


30712 Michigan Ave., Westland; eloiseasylum.com
Once the largest psychiatric asylum in the country and, later, a beloved abandoned playground for urban explorers, Westland's hulking Eloise Psychiatric Hospital has been called “the Holy Grail” of paranormal investigation sites. Since it closed in 1981, the site has maintained a grisly history that is the stuff of urban legends. Originally erected as the Wayne County poorhouse in 1839, it soon housed people with mental and psychiatric disabilities, and at its peak, developed into a sprawling campus of 75 buildings that cared for as many as 8,000 patients a day. This year a new immersive experience was introduced for anyone brave enough to explore the asylum.

Photo via Detroit Paranormal Expeditions
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Ypsilanti’s Michigan Firehouse Museum 110 W Cross St., Ypsilanti; 734-547-0663; michiganfirehousemuseum.org When Al G. Dyer Jr. took over as director of Ypsilanti's Michigan Firehouse Museum in July of 2018, he was warned that he'd likely be contacted by ghost hunters interested in the building's alleged paranormal activity. As far as the actual nature of the museum's alleged haunting, Dyer says he is still trying to get the story straight. The gist of it is this: The former fire station's chief Alonzo Miller died in 1940, and is believed to haunt the building. Immediately after his death, Miller's crews reported hearing strange noises in the station, with reports extending into the 1970s. Photo via Ypsilanti’s Michigan Firehouse Museum/Facebook

Ypsilanti’s Michigan Firehouse Museum


110 W Cross St., Ypsilanti; 734-547-0663; michiganfirehousemuseum.org
When Al G. Dyer Jr. took over as director of Ypsilanti's Michigan Firehouse Museum in July of 2018, he was warned that he'd likely be contacted by ghost hunters interested in the building's alleged paranormal activity. As far as the actual nature of the museum's alleged haunting, Dyer says he is still trying to get the story straight. The gist of it is this: The former fire station's chief Alonzo Miller died in 1940, and is believed to haunt the building. Immediately after his death, Miller's crews reported hearing strange noises in the station, with reports extending into the 1970s.

Photo via Ypsilanti’s Michigan Firehouse Museum/Facebook
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Elmwood Cemetery 1200 Elmwood St., Detroit; 313-567-3453; elmwoodhistoriccemetery.org Elmwood Cemetery was first dedicated in 1846 and holds the title of Michigan's oldest operating cemetery. Some of Michigan's most famous residents have been buried here; from governors to war heroes, and this cemetery is the location of the Battle of Bloody Run. With so much history, surely paranormal activity could be part of it. Photo via Elmwood Cemetery/Wikipedia Commons

Elmwood Cemetery


1200 Elmwood St., Detroit; 313-567-3453; elmwoodhistoriccemetery.org
Elmwood Cemetery was first dedicated in 1846 and holds the title of Michigan's oldest operating cemetery. Some of Michigan's most famous residents have been buried here; from governors to war heroes, and this cemetery is the location of the Battle of Bloody Run. With so much history, surely paranormal activity could be part of it.

Photo via Elmwood Cemetery/Wikipedia Commons
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Historic Fort Wayne 6325 W. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313-628-0796; historicfortwaynecoalition.com The land that Detroit's Fort Wayne sits on was once a Native American burial mound, and when the mounds were excavated in the early 20th century, remains as old as 900 years were found. Funny enough, the hauntings reported here usually revolve around the dealings of the American troops that carried out orders here. Many paranormal investigations have taken place here, and folks say they've found definitive evidence that this place is really haunted. Disembodied footsteps and voices have been reported along with ghostly figures. Photo via Historic Fort Wayne/Facebook

Historic Fort Wayne


6325 W. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313-628-0796; historicfortwaynecoalition.com
The land that Detroit's Fort Wayne sits on was once a Native American burial mound, and when the mounds were excavated in the early 20th century, remains as old as 900 years were found. Funny enough, the hauntings reported here usually revolve around the dealings of the American troops that carried out orders here. Many paranormal investigations have taken place here, and folks say they've found definitive evidence that this place is really haunted. Disembodied footsteps and voices have been reported along with ghostly figures.

Photo via Historic Fort Wayne/Facebook
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The Masonic Temple 500 Temple St., Detroit; 313-832-7100; themasonic.com The largest Masonic Temple in the world is right here in our backyard. Opened in 1926, Detroit's Masonic Temple spans 14 floors with 1,037 rooms including bowling lanes, a barbershop, two ballrooms, a chapel, and a 17,500 square foot drill hall, and the massive building is said to be home to many paranormal experiences. (Those who believe in sort of thing say the temple is currently haunted by George D. Mason, who went bankrupt because he helped to fund the construction of the temple. After that, his wife left him. Mason killed himself by jumping off the top of the temple.) Guests have been said to encounter cold spots and doors shutting suddenly. Photo via GoogleMaps

The Masonic Temple


500 Temple St., Detroit; 313-832-7100; themasonic.com
The largest Masonic Temple in the world is right here in our backyard. Opened in 1926, Detroit's Masonic Temple spans 14 floors with 1,037 rooms including bowling lanes, a barbershop, two ballrooms, a chapel, and a 17,500 square foot drill hall, and the massive building is said to be home to many paranormal experiences. (Those who believe in sort of thing say the temple is currently haunted by George D. Mason, who went bankrupt because he helped to fund the construction of the temple. After that, his wife left him. Mason killed himself by jumping off the top of the temple.) Guests have been said to encounter cold spots and doors shutting suddenly.

Photo via GoogleMaps
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St. Agnes Church 7601 Rosa Parks Blvd., Detroit St. Agnes Church was originally built in 1921 and was abandoned in 2006. Some say a nun’s spirit can be felt inside, who was once part of the church's congregation. Oftentimes visitors feel cold spots, smell strange smells, and hear bizarre bangs. A haunt for the senses! Photo via St. Agnes Church/Google Maps

St. Agnes Church


7601 Rosa Parks Blvd., Detroit
St. Agnes Church was originally built in 1921 and was abandoned in 2006. Some say a nun’s spirit can be felt inside, who was once part of the church's congregation. Oftentimes visitors feel cold spots, smell strange smells, and hear bizarre bangs. A haunt for the senses!

Photo via St. Agnes Church/Google Maps
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Detroit Institute of Arts 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-7900; dia.org We have no Night at the Museum fantasies about the Detroit Institute of Arts after learning that security guards have been said to encounter strange activity at night, like reports of hearing loud thuds and other unexpected noises. Most of the bizarre activity is said to occur in the African art gallery, where the "Nail Figure" is. Photo courtesy of DIA

Detroit Institute of Arts


5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-7900; dia.org
We have no Night at the Museum fantasies about the Detroit Institute of Arts after learning that security guards have been said to encounter strange activity at night, like reports of hearing loud thuds and other unexpected noises. Most of the bizarre activity is said to occur in the African art gallery, where the "Nail Figure" is.

Photo courtesy of DIA
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Belle Island Lake Tacoma 99 Pleasure Dr., Detroit; 313-821-9844; michigan.org/belleislepark "The Old Woman of Belle Isle?" We’re good! Apparently, the bridge near Lake Tacoma is home to the legend of an old woman. Scared yet? OK, well legend says that if you drive your car, stop on the bridge, and turn the motor off, an old and decaying woman will appear before your eyes. She will then try and lead the passenger into the woods, which you should absolutely not do. Or should you? Photo via Belle Island Lake Tacoma/Google Maps

Belle Island Lake Tacoma


99 Pleasure Dr., Detroit; 313-821-9844; michigan.org/belleislepark
"The Old Woman of Belle Isle?" We’re good! Apparently, the bridge near Lake Tacoma is home to the legend of an old woman. Scared yet? OK, well legend says that if you drive your car, stop on the bridge, and turn the motor off, an old and decaying woman will appear before your eyes. She will then try and lead the passenger into the woods, which you should absolutely not do. Or should you?

Photo via Belle Island Lake Tacoma/Google Maps
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The Leland Hotel 400 Bagley St., Detroit; 313-962-2300; theleland.net The Leland used to be one of Detroit's top hotels. Hell, Jimmy Hoffa and the Purple Gang were known to be regulars. Over the years there have been rumors as well as multiple deaths and more than 15 suicides, and ghosts have been spotted on the fourth floor of the building, including a woman who has been seen in the basement haunting the bathrooms and dance floor. (We're not surprised this place became a popular goth nightclub.) Photo via GoogeMaps

The Leland Hotel


400 Bagley St., Detroit; 313-962-2300; theleland.net
The Leland used to be one of Detroit's top hotels. Hell, Jimmy Hoffa and the Purple Gang were known to be regulars. Over the years there have been rumors as well as multiple deaths and more than 15 suicides, and ghosts have been spotted on the fourth floor of the building, including a woman who has been seen in the basement haunting the bathrooms and dance floor. (We're not surprised this place became a popular goth nightclub.)

Photo via GoogeMaps
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The Alhambra Building 100 Temple St., Detroit This apartment building along the Cass Corridor was built in the late 1890s. In 1905, a woman named Rose Barron allegedly poisoned 40 families, killing two people with arsenic biscuits she made. It is said that the two victims still haunt the area, which is now part of Little Caesars Arena's District Detroit renovation efforts. We have some bad bad news: you can’t evict ghosts. Photo via The Alhambra Building/Google Maps

The Alhambra Building


100 Temple St., Detroit
This apartment building along the Cass Corridor was built in the late 1890s. In 1905, a woman named Rose Barron allegedly poisoned 40 families, killing two people with arsenic biscuits she made. It is said that the two victims still haunt the area, which is now part of Little Caesars Arena's District Detroit renovation efforts. We have some bad bad news: you can’t evict ghosts.

Photo via The Alhambra Building/Google Maps
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Detroit Symphony Orchestra 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313.576.5100; dso.org The Phantom of the Opera doesn’t have shit on the ghosts of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Building, which is said to be haunted by its former music director, Ossip Gabrilowitsch. Visitors have claimed to have heard voices, footsteps, and have felt cold spots. Some employees and guests have also said to have encountered strange smells and hear music when no one is there. Photo via GoogleMaps

Detroit Symphony Orchestra


3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313.576.5100; dso.org
The Phantom of the Opera doesn’t have shit on the ghosts of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Building, which is said to be haunted by its former music director, Ossip Gabrilowitsch. Visitors have claimed to have heard voices, footsteps, and have felt cold spots. Some employees and guests have also said to have encountered strange smells and hear music when no one is there.

Photo via GoogleMaps
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Stevens T. Mason Monument 1317 Griswold St., Detroit; historicdetroit.org/stevens-t-mason-monument Though Michigan’s first and youngest governor, Stevens T. Mason, was originally buried in New York, his remains were relocated to Detroit in 1905 in a tomb beneath his statue. In 2010, Mason’s statue was refurbished and his grave was exhumed, but nothing was there. A couple days later, Mason's tomb was discovered several feet away. Photo via Stevens T. Mason Monument/Wikipedia Commons

Stevens T. Mason Monument


1317 Griswold St., Detroit; historicdetroit.org/stevens-t-mason-monument
Though Michigan’s first and youngest governor, Stevens T. Mason, was originally buried in New York, his remains were relocated to Detroit in 1905 in a tomb beneath his statue. In 2010, Mason’s statue was refurbished and his grave was exhumed, but nothing was there. A couple days later, Mason's tomb was discovered several feet away.

Photo via Stevens T. Mason Monument/Wikipedia Commons
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Detroit Police 6th Precinct 640 McGraw Ave., Detroit; detroitparanormalexpeditions.com The building at 640 McGraw Ave. has been abandoned since 2005, according to MLive, but dates back to 1931. It was featured on Travel Channel's Most Terrifying Places (where explorers detailed the time they were mysteriously pelted by rocks in the precinct's basement). Photo courtesy of Todd Bonner/Detroit Paranormal Expeditions

Detroit Police 6th Precinct


640 McGraw Ave., Detroit; detroitparanormalexpeditions.com
The building at 640 McGraw Ave. has been abandoned since 2005, according to MLive, but dates back to 1931. It was featured on Travel Channel's Most Terrifying Places (where explorers detailed the time they were mysteriously pelted by rocks in the precinct's basement).

Photo courtesy of Todd Bonner/Detroit Paranormal Expeditions
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The Whitney 4421 Woodward Ave., Detroit, Detroit; 313-832-5700; thewhitney.com Fancy dinner? Check. Historic home? Check. Ghosts? Check, please! Lumber baron David Whitney and his wife, Sarah, died in this house, and rumors that it's haunted have persisted. For nearly three decades, folks have reported seeing apparitions, hearing clanging dishes when no one is around, and having their place settings mysteriously rearranged. While beautiful and well-maintained, the mansion is spooky AF: maybe it's all those giant paintings of young hooded girls with eyes that burrow into the soul. Stop by for a drink in the Whitney's aptly named Ghost Bar to see for yourself. Photo via The Whitney/Facebook

The Whitney


4421 Woodward Ave., Detroit, Detroit; 313-832-5700; thewhitney.com
Fancy dinner? Check. Historic home? Check. Ghosts? Check, please! Lumber baron David Whitney and his wife, Sarah, died in this house, and rumors that it's haunted have persisted. For nearly three decades, folks have reported seeing apparitions, hearing clanging dishes when no one is around, and having their place settings mysteriously rearranged. While beautiful and well-maintained, the mansion is spooky AF: maybe it's all those giant paintings of young hooded girls with eyes that burrow into the soul. Stop by for a drink in the Whitney's aptly named Ghost Bar to see for yourself.

Photo via The Whitney/Facebook
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Jackson State Prison 100 Armory Ct., Jackson; 517-817-8960; experiencejackson.com/jackson-historic-prison-tours Michigan's first state prison opened in 1838 and maintained operation for nearly 100 years. As one can imagine, it wasn't a friendly place; in fact, it was known for neglecting its prisoners — and worse, torturing them. The place has been renovated and turned into an arts village, where local artists have studios. Some of the cells were even renovated into apartments. Some of the folks who live there swear they have less-than-human roommates, and paranormal investigators claim they have turned up quite a bit of evidence that they might be right. Photo via Jackson State Prison/Google Maps

Jackson State Prison


100 Armory Ct., Jackson; 517-817-8960; experiencejackson.com/jackson-historic-prison-tours
Michigan's first state prison opened in 1838 and maintained operation for nearly 100 years. As one can imagine, it wasn't a friendly place; in fact, it was known for neglecting its prisoners — and worse, torturing them. The place has been renovated and turned into an arts village, where local artists have studios. Some of the cells were even renovated into apartments. Some of the folks who live there swear they have less-than-human roommates, and paranormal investigators claim they have turned up quite a bit of evidence that they might be right.

Photo via Jackson State Prison/Google Maps
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The Crocker House Museum 15 Union St., Mount Celemens; 586-465-2488; crockerhousemuseum.org There are plenty of stories abound of a shadowy figure that appears in the windows and doorways here, as well as manifestations of unusual temperature shifts. Embalming was performed here back in the day, a few of the old implements — like an antique cooling table — are still on display. A local historical society also does a cemetery walk in Mount Clemens from time to time. Photo via The Crocker House Museum/Facebook

The Crocker House Museum


15 Union St., Mount Celemens; 586-465-2488; crockerhousemuseum.org
There are plenty of stories abound of a shadowy figure that appears in the windows and doorways here, as well as manifestations of unusual temperature shifts. Embalming was performed here back in the day, a few of the old implements — like an antique cooling table — are still on display. A local historical society also does a cemetery walk in Mount Clemens from time to time.

Photo via The Crocker House Museum/Facebook
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Tuberculosis Sanatorium 1491 Blakeslee St., Kalamazoo This former four-story, 45,000 square foot building may no longer be standing — it was razed in 2011 to make way for senior housing — but residents of the surrounding area claim to still hear screams, cries, and moans and see visions of those TB patients and psychiatric patients, who seem to be having a hard time moving on from our world. Photo via Tuberculosis Sanatorium/Google Maps

Tuberculosis Sanatorium


1491 Blakeslee St., Kalamazoo
This former four-story, 45,000 square foot building may no longer be standing — it was razed in 2011 to make way for senior housing — but residents of the surrounding area claim to still hear screams, cries, and moans and see visions of those TB patients and psychiatric patients, who seem to be having a hard time moving on from our world.

Photo via Tuberculosis Sanatorium/Google Maps
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