Historical Ghost Lantern Tour Downtown Traverse City

Traverse City , United States

Historical Ghost Lantern Tour Downtown Traverse City

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(122 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Wander through downtown Traverse City by lantern-light, tracing the city’s origins, history, architecture and the ghost stories. This 100% outdoor walking tour weaves authentic stories of hauntings and spirits with compelling historical narratives.

This is a 100% outdoor walking tour, rich in storytelling — part history, part local hauntings & lore. At the end, we visit the grounds of what was once Traverse City’s first cemetery. Though the graves were relocated long ago, the land still holds its memory… & some say, more than memory.

️Please note no public restrooms at meet-up location. Humor is found on this tour. The intro to ghost hunting is the last 5 minutes of the tour.

Best For: History lovers, ghost-story enthusiasts, families seeking a spooky-yet-informative evening.

Heads-Up: Not ideal for those wanting a cemetery tour, a pure paranormal or “ghost-hunting” adventure or those allergic to history.

Seeking a cemetery tour? Check out our Oakwood Cemetery Tour

Available options

Historical Ghost Lantern Tour Downtown Traverse City

What's included

Haunted Traverse Tour Co.'s Tours are hosted by experienced local guides

100% Outdoor Walking Tour

History of Traverse City

Ghost Hunting Equipment for OPTIONAL intro to ghost hunting

Ghost Stories at reported haunted locations in downtown Traverse City

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Experience a walking tour that brings the ghosts of Traverse City back to life. The Historical Ghost Lantern Tour starts in the heart of downtown Traverse City & explores the hauntings occurring on Front Street before heading south to 6th ST to share the ghostly tales of the Perry Hannah House and Carnegie Library. The tour will come to a climactic conclusion with a ghost-hunting experience at Traverse City's first official cemetery with actual ghost-hunting equipment where we conclude at the Perry Hannah Circle statue on the corner of Union and 6th street.

Your adventure begins at 313 E Front Street, Traverse City. Please meet your tour guide, holding a lantern, OUTSIDE the Higher Self Bookstore.

Parking can be a challenge. Please allow yourself an extra 30 minutes to park & use the restroom before your tour begins. The Hardy Parking Garage is located on Front Street very close to where your tour meets.

This tour always starts on time. Please call if running late.

What's not included

No restroom stops that are organized but you can pop into local biz' restrooms we walk past.

Bug Spray-The last 5 minutes of the tour walk through a wooded park with flying insects

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

44 reviews

5★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

78 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Haunted Traverse Tour Company starts this tour OUTSIDE Higher Self Bookstore located at this address. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to the tour to meet your guide and check in. Please use a restroom prior to meeting at this location-it does not have a public restroom.

Important notes

We check in our guests by the name on the booking. Please be ready with that information when your group arrives to check-in in with your steampunk-costumed tour guide. We meet outside the Higher Self Bookstore to check in for the tour. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the tour, as the tour will always start on time.

About Traverse City

Traverse City is a charming lakeside destination in Northern Michigan known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant cherry orchards, and thriving arts and culinary scene. Nestled along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay, it offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, and small-town charm.

Top Attractions

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

A stunning national park featuring massive sand dunes, forests, and over 100 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Perfect for hiking, picnicking, and scenic drives.

Nature Half day to full day Free

Downtown Traverse City

The heart of the city with a vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, galleries, and historic buildings. A great place to stroll, dine, and explore local culture.

Cultural Half day Free to explore, costs vary for dining and shopping

Old Mission Peninsula

A picturesque peninsula offering stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay, wineries, and the historic Old Mission Lighthouse. Ideal for scenic drives and wine tasting.

Scenic Half day Free to drive, wine tastings vary

Traverse City Beach

A beautiful sandy beach along Grand Traverse Bay, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The beach is family-friendly and offers stunning sunsets.

Beach Half day Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cherry Pie

A classic dessert made with fresh cherries from the region, often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy

Pasties

A traditional savory pastry filled with meat and vegetables, originally brought to the area by Finnish immigrants.

Snack Contains gluten and dairy

Cherry Wine

Wine made from locally grown cherries, a specialty of the region's wineries.

Drink Alcoholic

Popular Activities

Hiking at Sleeping Bear Dunes Kayaking on Grand Traverse Bay Mountain biking in Traverse City trails Wine tasting at local wineries Sunbathing at Traverse City Beach Spa treatments at local resorts Visiting the Dennos Museum Center Attending performances at the Interlochen Center for the Arts

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak season with warm weather, outdoor activities, and festivals. The National Cherry Festival in July is a major highlight.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5) or EDT (GMT-4) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Traverse City is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, it's always important to take basic precautions, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
• Only use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Cherry Capital Airport • 3 miles from city center
Gerald R. Ford International Airport • 100 miles from city center

By bus

Traverse City Transit Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and convenient for getting around town. Buses run on a regular schedule.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Old Mission Peninsula East Bay

Day trips

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

30 miles • Half day to full day

A stunning national park featuring massive sand dunes, forests, and over 100 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Perfect for hiking, picnicking, and scenic drives.

Leelanau Peninsula

20 miles • Full day

A picturesque peninsula known for its wineries, cherry orchards, and stunning coastal views. Ideal for wine tasting, scenic drives, and outdoor activities.

Interlochen

20 miles • Half day

A charming arts community known for the Interlochen Center for the Arts, a renowned arts education institution. Offers cultural events, performances, and scenic beauty.

Festivals

National Cherry Festival • July Traverse City Film Festival • Late July to early August Winterfest • February

Pro tips

Visit the Traverse City Visitor Center for maps, brochures, and local recommendations
Check the weather forecast and dress in layers, as temperatures can change quickly
Explore the local wineries and breweries, as the region is known for its craft beverages
Try the local cherry-based products, such as cherry pie, cherry wine, and cherry-infused treats
Take a scenic drive along the Old Mission Peninsula for stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay