The self-guided trail links historic sites, local ghost stories and seasonal events across Michigan.
A new Haunted History Trail Michigan gives travelers a reason to pair local history with a little Halloween-season mystery. The project links sites in the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, from a Cold War radar station near Calumet to a cemetery and historic homes in southern Michigan.
The trail is a planning guide, not one fixed route or a single tour. Visitors can choose locations based on their interests, then check each site’s schedule and access rules before setting out. Some offer guided tours or special events; others are open only during public hours.
Michigan road trip guide
Haunted History Trail of Michigan
Use the map to locate the trail’s historic sites, then choose a stop for your next Michigan trip. Tap a map marker or a “Show on map” button to zoom in.
Find a trail stop
Tap a numbered marker to see its name.
Map pins mark the general site area. Check each destination’s website for current hours, tours, events and visitor access before traveling. Map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Eight places with stories to tell
Select “Show on map” to locate any stop.
Portage · Southwest Michigan
Bishop’s Bog
A 152-acre preserve with walking trails and wetlands. The City of Portage describes it as the largest remaining relict bog in southern Michigan.
Keweenaw County · Upper Peninsula
Calumet Air Force Station
This former Cold War radar station stood watch over the skies above the Keweenaw Peninsula. Check ahead for site access and any scheduled tours.
Somerset Center · South-central Michigan
McCourtie Park
The park is known for its folk-art concrete bridges, sculpted to resemble wood. The grounds offer a distinctive stop for architecture and local-history fans.
Coldwater · Branch County
Oak Grove Cemetery
Established in 1854, the cemetery includes the burial place of Cyrus Luce, Michigan’s 21st governor. Follow posted rules and respect the grounds.
Portage · Southwest Michigan
Stuart Manor
Built in 1846, this Greek Revival home is now part of Portage’s Celery Flats Historical Area. Its possible Underground Railroad connection is described as a local rumor.
Coldwater · Branch County
The Beech House
This 19th-century building now serves as a community center. Check its calendar for public programs and access before visiting.
Calumet · Upper Peninsula
The Calumet Theatre
Opened in 1900 during the Copper Country mining boom, the theater still hosts performances and offers guided tours at scheduled times.
Coldwater · Branch County
Branch District Library
The Coldwater library occupies a historic building dedicated in 1886. The library’s own history page describes its architecture and role in the community.
Before you go: The official trail directory may change. Confirm current locations, public access, hours and event details with the Haunted History Trail of Michigan and each destination.
Check the current list before planning a trip
The Haunted History Trail of Michigan website includes a site directory and a calendar of seasonal events. The directory lists seven named sites: Bishop’s Bog, Calumet Air Force Station, McCourtie Park, Oak Grove Cemetery, Stuart Manor, the Beech House, and the Calumet Theatre.
Launch coverage describes eight locations and identifies Branch District Library in Coldwater as part of the 2026 collection. Travelers should check the official site for the current roster and confirm details with each destination before leaving.
From a Cold War radar station to a historic theater
In Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula, the former Calumet Air Force Station offers a link to the Cold War years, when radar sites helped monitor the skies. The nearby Calumet Theatre adds a very different stop. Opened in 1900, the theater remains a working venue and offers guided tours on a set schedule. Check its current tour and performance calendar before visiting.
The Upper Peninsula stops can fit into a longer visit to Copper Country. The National Park Service recommends allowing several hours to see Calumet’s historic district and nearby heritage sites, including the theater.
A Coldwater cemetery and a home with a public role
Coldwater’s Oak Grove Cemetery is among the named trail locations. The city says the cemetery dates to 1854 and includes the burial place of Cyrus Luce, Michigan’s 21st governor. Visitors should respect cemetery hours and posted rules.
The Beech House, also in Coldwater, has a history that predates its current role as a community center. The 19th-century building is being restored and used for community programs. Access may depend on events and operating hours, so check with the center before visiting.
Coldwater’s reported trail stops pair naturally with downtown restaurants and local history sites. Branch District Library, also named in launch coverage, maintains historical materials about the area.
Parks and historic homes add variety
Near Jackson, McCourtie Park is known for its sculpted concrete bridges, built to resemble wood. The Hillsdale County Historical Society says the park’s folk-art features helped earn it historic recognition. As a public park, visitors can combine the trail stop with a walk through the grounds.
In Portage, Stuart Manor is an 1846 Greek Revival house tied to the area’s early history. Kalamazoo Public Library notes that the home was moved and restored at the Celery Flats Historical Area. The city describes its Underground Railroad connection as a rumor, not a confirmed fact.
Bishop’s Bog Preserve, also in Portage, offers a nature-focused stop. The city describes it as a 152-acre preserve and the largest remaining relict bog in southern Michigan. Walking trails let visitors see the wetlands while staying on public paths.
Plan the Haunted History Trail Michigan around access, not just the stories
The trail’s appeal comes from the range of places it brings together: parks, cemeteries, historic buildings and a theater. But a listing doesn’t guarantee a site is open for drop-in visits or paranormal events. Check the trail calendar and each property’s official information, especially for tours that require reservations or have seasonal hours.
Ghost stories are part of the draw, but the sites’ documented histories give travelers another reason to go. A day might include a cemetery visit, a walk through a historic park or a theater tour. The trail lets visitors set the pace and choose the stops that fit their trip.
