Haunted Houses In Mackinaw City Mi
by Nabewise
Mackinaw City, Michigan, offers a few spooky attractions for those seeking haunted house thrills, especially around Halloween or during the tourist season. Here's a rundown of the main haunted house experiences in the area.
Mackinaw Manor Haunted Mansion
- Location: 114 S Huron Ave, Mackinaw City, MI 49701 (within Mackinaw Crossings)
- Description: This is the primary haunted house in Mackinaw City, known for being a fully automated experience. It uses cutting-edge animatronics, special effects, and state-of-the-art sound technology to create a “frighteningly haunting” atmosphere. It’s designed to be family-friendly yet spooky enough to deliver jump scares and thrills.
- Season: Typically open from May through October, with hours often listed as 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM daily during this period. However, exact dates can vary year to year, so it’s wise to check their official site or social media closer to your visit.
- Reputation: Reviews are mixed but generally positive for casual visitors. Guests on Tripadvisor have praised its affordability (around $5-$7 per person historically) and the friendly staff, with some calling it a fun, quick scare (5-10 minutes long). Others found it underwhelming compared to larger haunts, describing it as small (just a few rooms) and not overly terrifying—better suited for kids or those new to haunted attractions.
- Unique Aspect: Its location in Mackinaw Crossings, a shopping and entertainment area, makes it an easy add-on to a day of exploring the city.
Other Haunted or Spooky Options
While Mackinaw Manor is the standout haunted house, Mackinaw City has additional eerie experiences tied to its history and seasonal events:
- Paranormal Mackinaw Tour
- Details: A one-hour walking tour visiting some of the city’s most haunted locations, starting at MaMa Mia’s and ending at the Depot Restaurant. It includes stories of paranormal activity and playback of electronic voice phenomena (EVPs) from past tours.
- Season: Typically a summer or fall offering, though exact availability varies.
- Vibe: Less of a traditional haunted house and more of a guided ghost tour, blending history with spooky tales.
- Haunted Lighthouses Nearby
- The Mackinaw Area Visitors Bureau highlights lighthouses like Waugoshance Shoal Light (in ruins, offshore near Wilderness State Park) and Point Iroquois Lighthouse (59 miles away) as rumored haunted spots. Legends include ghostly keepers and lost sailors, but these are more for historical exploration than structured haunts. Visiting involves travel and isn’t a typical haunted house setup.
Practical Notes
- Current Status: As of now, Mackinaw Manor’s operational status for 2025 isn’t fully confirmed beyond its usual May-October run. Some sources suggest it’s “no longer operational” as an escape room, but its haunted house function seems intact based on recent visitor feedback. Check www.mackinawmanor.com or their Instagram for updates.
- Scare Level: Mackinaw Manor leans toward mild-to-moderate scares—think animatronic surprises rather than intense actor-driven horror. It’s not on par with Michigan’s scariest haunts (e.g., Erebus in Pontiac), but it’s a solid local option.
- Family-Friendly: Both the haunted house and the paranormal tour cater to a broad audience, including families, though small spaces in the Manor might challenge those with claustrophobia.
Final Thoughts
Mackinaw City isn’t a haunted house hotspot like bigger Michigan cities, but Mackinaw Manor Haunted Mansion is your go-to for a classic haunt experience here. Pair it with the Paranormal Mackinaw Tour for a fuller spooky adventure, especially if you’re visiting during the summer or fall. For a more intense scare, you might need to venture south to places like Traverse City or Pontiac, but Mackinaw City’s offerings fit its quaint, tourist-friendly vibe perfectly. Enjoy the chills!
