Historical Ghost Lantern Tour
Meeting point
Duration
90 Mins.
Start time
Held seasonally (Spring-Fall); check live calendar for evening start times
Tour Operator
Overview
Walk Among the Restless Spirits of Traverse City
Step into the shadows of Northern Michigan’s most beautiful downtown on the Historical Ghost Lantern Tour. As twilight fades over Grand Traverse Bay, join the Haunted Traverse Tour Company for a spine-chilling journey into the city’s eerie past. This is more than just a ghost walk; it is a theatrical immersion into the origins, architecture, and lingering spirits of Traverse City. Led by a local guide carrying a flickering lantern, you will explore the "spirited" side of the city, weaving through historic streets where the past is never truly buried.
Whether you are a seasoned paranormal investigator or a history buff looking for ghost tours near you, this experience offers a perfect blend of macabre lore and documented history. As the premier haunted history tour in the region, we highlight the legends that have made Traverse City ghost tours a must-do for visitors. Discover why certain landmarks remain restless and learn the secrets of the families who built this town—and perhaps never left it.
What to Expect
Prepare for a 90-minute haunted tour that covers approximately one mile of Traverse City’s most historic and haunted ground. Your adventure begins at the Higher Self Bookstore on Front Street and concludes at the iconic Perry Hannah Statue, just blocks away from the downtown core.
- Historic Landmarks: View the imposing Perry Hannah House, the grand City Opera House, and the Carnegie Library from the outside while hearing of the spirits that reportedly dwell within.
- Paranormal Investigation: During the final segment of the tour, guests are introduced to real ghost-hunting equipment to check for spirit activity near the site of the city's first official cemetery.
- Atmospheric Storytelling: Our guides use theatrical flair to bring local legends to life, making this one of the most engaging haunted walks in Michigan.
- Accessibility & Comfort: This is an outdoor experience; please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. The route is wheelchair and stroller-friendly, navigating mostly flat sidewalks and park lawns.
- Pet-Friendly Vibes: Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to join the outdoor walk, making this a rare paranormal experience the whole family can enjoy.
Hardy Parking Garage is directly across from the meeting point; metered street parking is available nearby. Visit Parkopedia for the best parking information
No public restrooms on-site; please use facilities downtown before the tour starts. Visit Toilet Finder for restroom information
Wheelchair & stroller friendly; mostly flat terrain with minor grass/dirt paths. (for more info contact tour operator)
Leashed, friendly dogs are welcome on this outdoor walking adventure.
Interior access at meeting point only; all ghost stories told from outdoors. (for more info contact tour operator)
Great for families; spooky history told with a theatrical, kid-friendly touch. (for more info, contact tour operator)
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FaQ's
what is a ghost tour
A ghost tour is a guided experience that explores haunted locations and shares stories of paranormal activity, local legends, and historical events. These tours often take place at night in historic towns, cemeteries, or old buildings, blending history with spine-tingling storytelling. Ghost tours offer a fun and immersive way to learn about a location’s past while enjoying a spooky adventure.
Why do people go on ghost tours?
People go on ghost tours to explore local history, hear chilling stories, and experience the thrill of the unknown. Ghost tours blend entertainment, folklore, and real historical events, making them popular with travelers, paranormal enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a unique nighttime adventure. They’re a fun way to discover hidden stories, learn about haunted locations, and enjoy a memorable, spine-tingling experience.
Is a ghost tour scary?
A ghost tour can be spooky, but it’s usually not overwhelmingly scary. Most ghost tours focus on storytelling, history, and exploring haunted locations rather than jump scares or intense horror. The level of fear often depends on the setting, the guide, and your own comfort with eerie tales. They’re designed to be enjoyable for most people, including beginners who want a fun, slightly spooky experience.
What is ghost tourism
Ghost tourism, also known as spooky tourism, is a type of travel focused on visiting haunted locations, paranormal sites, and historic places with spooky stories. It combines history, folklore, and supernatural experiences, attracting travelers who enjoy ghost tours, haunted attractions, and eerie adventures. Ghost tourism offers a unique way to explore a destination’s culture while experiencing thrilling, memorable moments.
What to Expect on a Ghost Tour?
A ghost tour typically combines history, storytelling, and paranormal legends as you explore haunted locations, old towns, and places known for unexplained activity. Expect your guide to share true local stories, including tragic events, mysterious sightings, and eerie folklore tied to the area’s past. Many tours visit historic buildings, cemeteries, alleyways, and landmark sites after dark to heighten the atmosphere.
Most ghost tours are walking tours, so prepare for 60–90 minutes of light to moderate walking, sometimes on uneven ground or dimly lit streets. Some guides may use ghost-hunting tools—like EMF meters or spirit boxes—to demonstrate paranormal investigation techniques, giving you an interactive experience.
You can expect a mix of education, entertainment, and spooky fun, but not guaranteed scares or staged jump moments. The goal is to immerse you in the history, mystery, and unexplained stories that shape each location. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, a ghost tour offers a unique way to discover a city’s hidden past and explore its most haunted corners.
What to Bring on a Ghost Tour?
Preparing properly can make your ghost tour safer, more comfortable, and far more enjoyable. Here are the key items guests are recommended to bring to any ghost walk, haunted history tour, or paranormal investigation.
Essentials:
Comfortable walking shoes for uneven or historic streets
Weather-appropriate clothing: jacket, hoodie, or raincoat
Fully charged phone for photos, notes, or emergencies
Small torch/flashlight for dark areas
Helpful Extras:
Portable power bank for devices or ghost-hunting apps
Bottle of water to stay hydrated
Bug spray for outdoor or older locations
Small backpack or crossbody bag to keep hands free
Optional Paranormal Gear:
EMF detector for interactive ghost-hunting
Thermometer for detecting “cold spots”
Notebook & pen for logging encounters
Red-filtered flashlight to maintain night vision
Safety & Comfort:
Small snacks for longer or late-night tours
Personal medication if needed
Hand sanitizer or wipes for older buildings and high-touch areas