We jump headfirst into each of Michigan’s fall festivities. From pumpkin patches, apple picking, and autumnal hikes through changing leaves, there’s no shortage of exciting adventures. Plus, it brings with it one of our favorite holidays: Halloween! Some people enjoy the traditional trick or treating and corn mazes, while others enjoy the thrill of dressing up as their favorite horror movie character and challenging their survival instincts. If you fall into the latter category, we put together a helpful list of haunted houses in Michigan that you should try this year.
We realize that there’s a difference between the seasonal attraction “haunted” houses and homes that are haunted so we picked 5 of our favorite places for each section to cater to both tastes this Halloween. Speaking of tastes, if you’re in need of some liquid courage before or after your haunted house journey, grab a can of Farm Stand Hard Cider in one of our delicious fall flavors.
Without further a-boo, we proudly present our picks for the scariest haunted houses in Michigan.
5 “Haunted” Houses in Michigan
Complete with scare actors, jump scares, and who knows what else…
Witches of New Salem
Dorr
Witches of New Salem is an annual tradition for many, and with good reason. This Haunted House is made up of three separate attractions: The Wicked Woods, Twisted Trail, and Haunted Corn Maze. Each of them are crawling with terrifying actors and jump scares to get visitors in the mood for the spooky season. There are combo pricing options for brave souls who want to experience all of the spookiness. Ticket information and this year’s schedule are available here.
Darksyde Acres Haunted House
Jonesville
The Darksyde Acres Haunted House is 70,000 SF of horror through five different haunted attractions for only $25. With 500 great Google Reviews over the 17 years that this haunted house has been operating, visitors are guaranteed to get their fill of fear. Click here to see this year’s Halloween attractions.
Quick note: just make sure to pick up your feet as you go through Darksyde Acres; a few reviewers have mentioned tripping as they go through the haunted house.
Awaken Haunted Attraction
Leslie
Four connected and haunted attractions spanning over 42,000 SF for one single price. Each attraction blends seamlessly into each other, with cemeteries, demonic creatures, and dark tunnels taking each visitor through a variety of frightening situations. Plus, they have Zombie paintball! Click here to view their schedule for this fall and purchase tickets.
Lochaven Haunted House
Waterford Township
This thoroughly decorated haunted maze is completely free, family-run, and supported by donations. The Lochaven Haunted House is suitable for older children who aren’t scared easily according to reviewers. News about the maze is only posted on their Facebook Page, so keep an eye on it and stop by if you’re in their neck of the woods.
The Howling Haunted Trail & Party
Fenton
Visitors will walk (or run) down a twisting mile long trail in a dark forest while actors and other surprises await the opportunity to catch one off guard. Individuals waiting for their turn on the trail can eat at the food truck, get drinks at the beer tent, and partake in tarot card readings. This absolutely frightening experience is a bucket list item that supports Adopt-A-Pet, Inc in Fenton Township.
Honorable Mention: Eloise Asylum Haunted Attraction
4 Michigan Homes That Are Haunted
Multiple people have reported paranormal encounters in these places; do you want to add your name to the list?
Felt Mansion
Saugatuck
Local legends speak of melonheads, the ghost of Agnes Felt, and the mansion’s dark history as a prison in the 1970s. During the month of October, visitors can join special paranormal investigations to what spirits still lurk in the 1928 home. Learn more about the history of the Felt Mansion here or purchase tickets to one of their Hauntings and History Nights.
Old State Asylum
Traverse City
What began as a State Hospital with good intentions soon turned into an abandoned piece of history. Originally built in 1885, the expansive hospital (complete with underground tunnels) was a great example of progressive patient care for the time. However, the need and affordability for the Asylum decreased over time, resulting in its closure in 1989 despite multiple patients still residing there. Now, a few untouched buildings remain to tell its story. Employees and visitors report unexplained lights, voices telling them to leave, slamming doors, and shadowy figures on the grounds. You can book a twilight tour of the existing space here.
Michigan Bell Telephone Co.
Grand Rapids
Previously a mansion, this building is said to be haunted by an unhappy couple. The ghosts of Virginia and Warren Randall are supposedly the cause of late-night prank calls from within the building to nearby Grand Rapids residents. You can learn more about the building’s history by joining a Grand Rapids Ghost Tour, which includes information about the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, the Michigan Bell Building, and the Peck Building.
Eloise Asylum
Westland
Take a guided tour of the Kay Beard building and hear the chilling stories of the ghosts who haunt this building from house historians. Once home to psychiatric patients, this 150,000 SF five-story space is now open for guided tours. Visitors report hearing footsteps and humming in the building. Book your ticket here.
Beware…
Haunted Houses of any kind should not to be taken lightly. Please read the fine print for whichever haunted house intrigues you the most to make sure there are no medical conflicts that may cause you or your group unintentional harm. Make sure to do your research, purchase tickets if necessary, and prepare yourself for a freakishly good time. Cool down with a refreshing sip of Farm Stand Hard Cider once you’ve conquered one of these scary haunted houses in Michigan.
Send us your photos with your favorite Farm Stand Hard Cider after a scary Michigan haunted house on socials using #farmstandcider. Purchase our spirits at our tasting room in Saugatuck or a retailer near you. Follow us on our Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on the latest from Farm Stand Cider.