Michigan's Most Haunted Lighthouses: Stories Behind the Spectral Glow

Michigan, with its extensive Great Lakes shoreline, is home to more lighthouses than any other state. These beacons have guided sailors through treacherous waters for centuries, but some are said to be home to permanent residents who have never left their posts. Here, we delve into the eerie history and ghostly tales of three of Lake Michigan's most haunted lighthouses.

Seul Choix Point Lighthouse: The Cigar-Smoking Captain

At Seul Choix Point Lighthouse in Gulliver, the ghost of Captain Joseph Willie Townsend is said to still be on duty. Appointed as the lightkeeper in 1902, Captain Townsend passed away in the lighthouse in 1910. Due to the remote location, his body was embalmed in the basement and remained there for several weeks until his family could arrive for a proper burial.

It seems the Captain never truly left. Visitors and staff have reported the distinct smell of cigar smoke, a habit of Townsend's in life, wafting through the lighthouse. Others have claimed to see his ghostly figure looking out from the top of the tower, and some have even reported furniture moving on its own. It appears Captain Townsend is still dedicated to his watch, even in the afterlife.

White River Light Station: A Keeper's Enduring Love

The White River Light Station in Whitehall is a testament to the dedication of its first keeper, Captain William Robinson, and his wife, Sarah. After petitioning for the lighthouse's construction, Captain Robinson was appointed its first keeper in 1875. He and his family lived and worked there for nearly 50 years.

Even after his passing in 1919, it's believed that Captain Robinson and his wife never left. Visitors have reported seeing the spectral figure of a man in the lantern room, still tending to the light. The ghost of Sarah is also said to be present, tidying up the keeper's quarters. It seems that for the Robinsons, their love for the lighthouse and each other keeps their spirits tied to their former home.

South Haven Lighthouse: The One-Legged Veteran's Watch

The South Haven Lighthouse is haunted by a Civil War veteran, Captain James S. Donahue. Despite losing a leg in the war, Captain Donahue served as the lighthouse keeper for over 30 years, from 1874 until his death. He was known for his bravery, having saved several lives from shipwrecks during his tenure.

Today, the keeper's house is used as a research facility by the Michigan Maritime Museum, but it seems the Captain is still around. Staff and visitors have reported hearing unexplained footsteps, doors opening and closing on their own, and other eerie sounds. It's believed that the dedicated Captain Donahue continues his watch, his spirit forever tied to the lighthouse he served so faithfully.

These are just a few of the many haunted lighthouses that dot the Michigan coastline. Each one holds a unique story, a testament to the brave men and women who dedicated their lives to keeping the shores safe.

In the next book in the Murder of Crows fantasy series set by Lake Michigan, we will be exploring what might happen if all the dimensions of reality dumped into one city, Detroit, in the realm of the ghosts. And then the old gods of Michigan began to use a street drug to reach through to the land of the living.

Step Through The Moon, my followup series to Murder of Crows, will explore a similar idea that might be familiar to Michigan residents or ex pats: what if no one ever wanted to leave the Michigan lakefront lifestyle? Whether you get a quick occasional getaway to the Great Lakes beachtowns or live there running a remote business full time, the Great Lakes and their historic lighthouses influence culture, business, and values. How many Michiganders have you met that don't like or value water? Yeah, me neither.

For more ghostly tales, check out my paranormal novels on the Stories and Culture page or on Amazon. The Winged Fox, book 3 in the Murder of Crows interdimensional fantasy series, is out now for pre-order.

AMAZON: Murder of Crows 3: The Winged Fox