Is your favorite part of the Halloween season the chance to be scared out of your skin? We’ve found some of the scariest and spookiest spots around West Michigan, ranging from entertainment scares to historically creepy stops.
Please note that the below was accurate at the time of publication. You are encouraged to confirm with locations before visiting, and make sure to adhere to local safety guidelines.
Haunted Adventure Weekends, Marshall
If you’re looking for a haunted stop that also includes fall fun, head to Cornwell’s Turkeyville in Marshall! They’re hosting Haunted Adventure weekends during October, with a Scary Barn and Hayride that will take you to the corn maze and pumpkin patch to pick your own pumpkin.
Bonus Activity: Stop by their restaurant for a homemade turkey dinner, made just the way grandma used to.
Ghost Isle Brewery, New Buffalo
In the heart of New Buffalo lies Ghost Isle Brewery, an indoor/outdoor restaurant and brewery that takes its name from nearby Ghost Island, an area claimed to be home to quite a bit of supernatural activity.
Moveportz Private Car Service, South Haven
Going haunting? Moveportz Private Car Service is providing roundtrip transportation from South Haven and surrounding towns to the Niles Scream Park between October 2nd and November 7th. The ride is $115.00 for two people and $450 for a larger party of up to 10 passengers, which includes travel and waiting time for a four hour excursion. Call 269-270-6690 to reserve your private car service.
Henderson Castle, Kalamazoo
Henderson Castle in Kalamazoo is said to have a handful of ghostly guests. Among these spirits are the castle’s original owners (Frank and Mary Henderson), a Spanish-American War veteran, a little girl, and even a dog. These ghostly figures often interact with guests, speaking to them, opening cabinet doors, even appearing as apparitions.
Halloween Beer Tour: Kalamazoo
Get in the spooky spirit with West Michigan Beer Tours at the Halloween Beer Tour in Kalamazoo. Tours will be held October 24th and 30th and feature great fall seasonal beers as well as some of Kalamazoo’s favorite haunted attractions. Be prepared for a night of frights, flights, and fun. Costumes are encouraged!
Meet the Ghost of Grill House, Allegan
“Jack” is the nickname given to the legendary ghost of a lumberjack who was killed in a barroom knife fight in 1847 at what is now the Grill House Restaurant in Allegan. Sometimes, you can hear footsteps at night. His blurry presence has even shown up in photos taken at the restaurant. On rare occasions a single shot of whiskey, Jack’s drink of choice, will even be found sitting on The Rock bar, acting as a haunting reminder of the supernatural companion.
Wolves’ Haunting Howls, Hastings
Known for their haunting howl, wolves have been vilified for centuries in fairy tales and real-life. Come explore the true nature of this misunderstood mammal and their conservation comeback through stories, hands-on activities, and suggestions for short “strolls” on trails or through your neighborhood. Pierce Cedar Creek Institute in Hastings will host this Virtual Stroll with Nature: Cry of the Wolf on Saturday, October 10th. This free program is open to all ages but is geared towards families with preschool through elementary-aged students.
Haunted Forest at Cannonsburg, Belmont
The Haunted Forest at Cannonsburg in Belmont is filled with hungry zombies, scary witches, ghosts, and other monsters that exist only in your worst nightmares. Be prepared to encounter all of them, as you try to make your way through the woods. The walk is roughly ½ mile long, and takes place on a lit path through the trees. The Haunted Forest will run every Friday and Saturday starting October 2nd through October 31st.
“City of the Dead” Cemetery Tour, Muskegon
Learn some local history (and maybe even local haunts) with the “City of the Dead” cemetery tour in Muskegon. You’ll take a walking tour of Evergreen Cemetery and meet historical re-enactments of Muskegon’s founding fellows (names both wellknown and not). This event takes place rain or shine on October 10th and 11th; $5 per person.
Thriller Virtual Reality, Ludington
What are you scared of? Test your nerves with one of Jump Around Fun Center’s Thriller Virtual Reality Games! The VR arcade located at their Ludington park is available for by appointment Saturdays and Sundays during the month of October. There is a variety of Rated E and Rated M experiences for all age groups, so bring your family & friends and book your session online, if you dare to try!
Haunted Prison Night, Ludington
Are you ready to get scared this season in Ludington? You’ll find a collection of local haunts, including a “Haunted Prison Night” and “Haunted Forest.” The Haunted Forest will be held drive-through style this year, to keep visitors safe while giving them a good scare.
“A Haunting on McDonald,” Mt. Pleasant
Face your fear of clowns with the haunted circus maze in Mt. Pleasant! This is the second year for “A Haunting on McDonald,” and you’ll find lots of new scares. If you have kids who aren’t sure about being scared, check out their “timid hours” times designed just for children.
Hauntings Around Mecosta County
Mecosta County has numerous activities to “haunt” your days throughout the month. Make your way through a haunted corn maze while helping out community organizations and visit the Haunted Fish Hatchery run by Ferris State University or the Morley Stanwood High School’s Annual Haunted Trail. Keep an eye on the Mecosta community calendar for more spooky fun.
Ghosts of Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island
The Grand Hotel, one of Mackinac Island’s most popular tourist destinations, was built in the late 19th century and since then, many odd and disturbing stories have come from its grounds. Most notably, it is said that there were human skeletons unearthed when the foundation was originally laid. The horse corral on the grounds is right atop the island’s original Post Cemetery. The hotel is allegedly home to an ominous red-eyed shadow, a piano playing man in a top hat, and a wandering woman in Victorian clothing who all have been spotted in various places throughout the Grand Hotel’s grounds.
The Ghosts of Marquette
Marquette County has a long and rich history, and is home to some of Michigan’s most famous supernatural histories as well. Hauntings and ghostly activity have been reported for decades, and more and more thrill-seekers make their way to Marquette to see what kind of spirits might still be lurking about. Come meet the ghosts of the area lighthouses, the spirits wandering through an old cemetery, and those that call nearby inns and restaurants home.
Copper County Ghost Town, Keweenaw
Located on the west coast of the Keweenaw Peninsula you’ll discover the small community of Freda which is the site of the former Champion Stamp Mill. After the mill closed in 1967, the populace dramatically declined to create one of the Copper County’s most beloved ghost towns. Explore the ruins set on the shore of Lake Superior, and decide for yourself if this is a friendly or spooky ghost town.
Find more fall fun, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes here!
Add these Halloween & Trick-or-Treating events to your calendar.
