Jeff Adkins from Detroit Paranormal Expeditions returns to Haunted Michigan to discuss Five Places you need to check out for a haunted experience in Michigan.

1. The Whitney – Detroit, MI

The Whitney, a historic mansion built in 1895 by lumber baron David Whitney, is one of Detroit’s most elegant—and haunted—places. The mansion has long been the subject of ghost stories, with staff and visitors reporting mysterious voices and apparitions.

Jeff Adkins recalled his investigation at The Whitney:

"We investigated The Whitney one time and got amazing audio. We captured a woman audibly humming a song. It was a disembodied voice; we have it on our website and SoundCloud. That’s just one of many experiences people have had there."

David Whitney himself passed away in the house in 1900, and since then, numerous accounts of paranormal activity have been reported. From a bathroom attendant who disappears to strange sounds emanating from the upstairs Ghost Bar, The Whitney embraces its spooky reputation.

Jeff added:

"The third floor now is a bar called The Ghost Bar. The staff and guests often report seeing strange things up there, including attendants in the bathroom that don’t exist!"

Why Visit:

The Whitney is a great spot for fine dining, but it's also a great place to experience paranormal activity, and the restaurant embraces it!

2. Huron River Inn – Rockwood, MI

Located in Rockwood, south of Detroit, the Huron River Inn is an old building with a long history of paranormal activity. The inn once served as a hotel, but it’s now a restaurant known for its barbecue—and ghostly encounters.

Jeff described one eerie experience:

"I've been to the Huron River Inn many times. One night after the bar had closed, I was there with the staff, and we heard what sounded like someone laughing from an empty back room. There was no one else in the building."

The Huron River Inn has an old-fashioned charm and a reputation for being one of the most haunted places in the downriver area. Patrons and staff often report unexplained sounds and strange sightings.

Jeff continued:

"The upstairs looks like an old brothel, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was at some point; with its age and the kind of activity people have reported, it’s a place that holds onto its history—and its ghosts."

Why Visit:

The Huron River Inn offers a unique dining experience with its delicious food and rich, haunted past.

3. Canyon’s Lakeside Resort – Lupton, MI

Canyon’s Lakeside Resort in Lupton is located a few hours north of Detroit and served as the hideout for the Purple Gang during Prohibition. What's interesting about the resort is that it has a lot of hidden compartments and secret stashes from its criminal past.

Jeff described one of his team’s most intense experiences at the resort:

"When we investigated Canyon’s, Todd started feeling physically ill during the investigation. He was standing in a room when he felt a push on the back of his shoulder, and suddenly he felt nauseous. It was clear something didn’t want us there."

The resort has maintained its reputation for paranormal activity, with hidden rooms and compartments that add to the mystery. Investigators often feel a strong presence while exploring the building.

Jeff elaborated:

"There are floorboards that pop up where the Purple Gang used to hide weapons and booze. They even found a case of liquor hidden in the walls from back in the Prohibition days!"

Why Visit:

Canyon’s Lakeside Resort combines history and paranormal intrigue. Whether you’re are fascinated by the Purple Gang or a paranormal enthusiast, this resort is a great place to check out.

4. The Pilot House – Grosse Ile, MI

The Pilot House in Grosse Ile has a deep history as part of a former naval air station where pilots trained for military service. The station operated from 1927 to 1969 and was frequented by notable figures such as Bob Barker and George H.W. Bush. Now a bed and breakfast, the Pilot House has become a popular destination for paranormal investigators.

Jeff shared a fascinating story from one of his investigations:

"One of the most interesting experiences we had at the Pilot House was when our friend, took a photo. There was this black smudge in the picture, and when we enhanced it, you could see right through it to a tablecloth in the back. It looked like a woman holding a tray."

Guests often report seeing shadowy figures and hearing strange sounds, many of which seem tied to the building’s aviation history.

Jeff added:

"There’s been a lot of aviation talk that comes through the spirit box when we investigate there. Much of the activity seems tied to the building’s past as a naval air station."

Why Visit:

Today, the Pilot House is a great bed and breakfast, but with it's with a haunted history it's a pretty cool place to check out.

5. Idlewild – Idlewild, MI

Idlewild, located in northern Michigan, was once a thriving resort town for Black Americans during segregation. Legendary Motown artists like Aretha Franklin and the Four Tops frequented the town. Though much of Idlewild has faded away, the Casablanca Hotel still stands and has a reputation for paranormal activity.

Jeff recalled a particularly intense experience at the hotel:

"When we investigated the Casablanca Hotel, things got intense. At one point, a large piece of plaster or a rock shot down the stairs and put a hole in the wall. It was clear something didn’t want us there."

The spirit box sessions at Idlewild also produced unsettling results, with profanity and other negative energy coming through during the investigation.

Jeff explained:

"We heard a lot of profanity through the spirit box, and it seemed like something was angry. It’s rare to see things being thrown or moved, but this was one of those cases where the activity was undeniable."

Why Visit:

Idlewild has a pretty cool balance of cultural history and paranormal activity. The Casablanca Hotel, in particular, is a great spot for exploring a haunted piece of Michigan’s past.

What Kind of Gear You Need

During our conversation, I asked Jeff about the paranormal investigation tools he trusts the most. His go-to? Digital voice recorders.

Jeff explained:

"Digital voice recorders are essential for capturing EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena). There have been many times when we’re in a quiet room, but when you listen back to the recording, you hear clear voices responding to questions. It’s one of the most reliable pieces of equipment we use."

Jeff also uses spirit boxes, which scan radio frequencies, though he notes they can be unpredictable. Still, they’ve captured some intense moments, especially in locations like Idlewild and Canyon’s Lakeside Resort.

Jeff Adkins and Detroit Paranormal Expeditions have explored some of Michigan’s most haunted locations, and these five spots stand out for their rich history and paranormal activity. Whether you're a seasoned ghost hunter or just curious about the supernatural, these locations offer a mix of spooky encounters and historical significance.

For more information on Detroit Paranormal Expeditions or to join Jeff on a future investigation, follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Stay tuned for more episode

 

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