Like many of Michigan’s most notable cities, Detroit has a long and storied past. With this sense of history comes a healthy dose of superstition and mystery that adds a spooky touch to many of the Motor City’s most famous places. Here are nine haunted spots in Detroit that will undoubtedly send shivers down your spine.
1. The Alhambra building
This apartment building was the site of a poisoning in 1904, when a disgruntled employee slipped arsenic into the food over 40 families, resulting in two deaths. To this day, visitors to the Alhambra sense the presence of these departed spirits.
2. The Whitney
This famous home-turned-restaurant was built in the late 19th century by a lumber tycoon and is frequently listed as one of Detroit’s most haunted spots. Visitors have reported spotting apparitions, unexplained shadows, and other spine-tingling sights while perusing The Whitney.
3. The Masonic Temple
This historic building is an absolutely playground for ghosts. Reports of everything from slammed doors to physical touch from spirits have been reported here, and it’s hard to visit without feeling spooked.
4. St. Aubin house
This Detroit house was the site of a murder in 1929, when the severed head of religious cult-leader Benny Evangelist was found placed neatly at the feet of his dead body. His four young children and wife were also discovered dead in the home, and the crime was never solved.
5. Historic Fort Wayne
While no historic battle ever took place at Fort Wayne, it still gives off an undeniably creepy vibe. This military location once housed displaced Detroiters during the Great Depression, and was the site of many difficult times.
6. Cadieux Cafe
Dine at this cafe if you dare — patrons have spotted moving objects, frightening apparitions seated at the bar, and other ghostly images throughout the building. Many employees and diners even claim to have seen the ghostly figure of the cafe owner’s late mother.
7. Eloise Asylum
This abandoned asylum is located approximately fifteen miles outside of downtown Detroit, but it’s worth the drive. Catch a glimpse of broken windows and keep your eyes peeled for sightings of long-dead patients who once walked this property.
8. Detroit Symphony Orchestra building
Legend has it that the DSO building is home to the ghost of Russian pianist Ossip Gabrilowitsch, who worked for the orchestra beginning the early 1900s. Visitors and employees alike have spotted the pianist’s apparition and heard inexplicable sounds and voices.
9. Elmwood Cemetery
This cemetery is one of the oldest in Michigan, and its history as the site of a bloody battle between British soldiers and Pontiac’s army make it a great spot for ghost-hunters. Enter the spooky grounds if you dare.
Are you thoroughly spooked? These haunted places in Detroit are certainly not for the faint of heart. If you’ve had a frightening encounter in one of these locations, we would love to hear your stories in the comment section below.
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