Ever thought what becomes of the areas that people abandon? What secrets and tales do they carry? The best five ghost towns in Michigan, where you can explore historical remains and envision what life was like for those who formerly lived there, are listed in this article.
For those who enjoy adventure, these ghost towns—which may be found in the Upper or Lower Peninsula and are mining or port towns—offer a singular and exhilarating experience. Prepare to explore Michigan’s top five abandoned settlements.
Central
Central is a renowned ghost town in Michigan, situated in the Upper Peninsula near Copper Harbor. In its heyday, it thrived as a bustling copper mining community, boasting a population of over 1,200 along with a school, a church, a post office, and a hotel.
However, as the mines shuttered in the late 1800s, the town experienced a gradual decline, ultimately becoming abandoned. Today, visitors have the opportunity to explore remnants such as the mine shaft, the cemetery, and standing buildings.
Additionally, the well-preserved Central Mine Methodist Church still hosts services every summer, offering a glimpse into the town’s historical past.
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Fayette
Fayette, located on the shores of Lake Michigan in the Upper Peninsula, is a former thriving iron smelting town. In its heyday, it boasted a population of over 500, along with a blast furnace, dock, company store, and hotel. However, as the iron industry declined in the 1890s, the town was deserted and fell into disrepair.
Nowadays, Fayette is a state park where visitors can explore the restored buildings, delve into the town’s history, and soak in the picturesque vistas of the lake and cliffs.
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Pere Cheney
In the Lower Peninsula, close to Grayling, is a ghost town called Pere Cheney. There used to be a sawmill, a railroad, a school, and a cemetery in this former lumber town. However, the community frequently experienced natural disasters including fires, floods, and illnesses.
The town was supposedly cursed by a witch, who was also held responsible for the diphtheria outbreak that killed the majority of the village’s children. In the early 1900s, the village was abandoned and now just the cemetery is present.There are others who claim that the town is inhabited by ghosts and that you can hear their cries at night.
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Singapore
Singapore, located in the Lower Peninsula near Saugatuck, resembles a ghost town today. In its heyday, it thrived as a prosperous port town boasting a sawmill, bank, hotel, and school.
However, a critical error proved detrimental when the town decided to clear-cut all the trees in the area to provide lumber for the reconstruction of Chicago following the Great Fire of 1871.
The absence of trees left Singapore vulnerable to the harsh winds and sand dunes from Lake Michigan, ultimately burying the town under layers of sand. Abandoned in the 1880s, only a handful of buildings still stand as visible remnants of its past.
For those curious about its history, a visit to the nearby Saugatuck Dunes State Park offers an opportunity to explore the area. Here, visitors can engage in activities such as hiking and biking while observing the remains of the once-thriving town of Singapore.
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Glen Haven
Glen Haven, located in the Lower Peninsula near Glen Arbor, is a deserted settlement that once thrived as a fishing and logging community. It boasted essential establishments like a sawmill, a canning factory, a blacksmith shop, a general store, and a hotel.
However, increased competition from neighboring towns and the decline of the fishing and logging industries led to the town’s downfall. Abandoned in the 1930s, Glen Haven is now part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Visitors can explore meticulously restored structures such as the Glen Haven Inn, the Cannery Boathouse Museum, and the General Store. These buildings provide insight into the lives and work of the town’s inhabitants during its heyday.
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To Conclude
The abandoned communities in Michigan provide a special fusion of mystery, history, and scenic beauty. Whether you’re drawn to the ruins of once-bustling mining towns, the eerie charm of a village steeped in myth, or the stunning backdrop of a once-thriving port community, these ghost towns provide an intriguing look into the past.
Now put on your hiking boots, gather your spirit of adventure, and set out to uncover the mysteries revealed by Michigan’s abandoned villages. Keep in mind that every step you take will reveal more than just a desolate terrain—you are unraveling the remnants of a past period.