Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, known for its rich history of over 350 years, offers more than natural beauty – it’s also home to some haunted sites that have captivated ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts alike. Here’s your guide to the haunted places in Sault Ste. Marie that you’ll want to explore if you’re looking for supernatural thrills!
Upper Peninsula Paranormal Research Society – UPPRS’s Fascinating Findings
For over 20 years, the Upper Peninsula Research Society (UPPRS, pronounced “Yoopers”) has been delving into the unexplained in the Soo and across the Eastern Upper Peninsula. Their findings have led to two captivating books: Yoopernatural Haunts, recounting their most compelling cases, and Great Lakes Monsters and Mysteries, an exploration of the eerie and unsolved around the Great Lakes. If you’re in search of haunted locations and thrilling stories, these resources are a must-read.
Here are some of the locations that will leave you thinking it’s “Boo Ste. Marie”. For more on these locations and to learn about other haunted locations throughout the UP, be sure to grab a copy of “Yoopernatural Haunts.”
1. The Old Secondhand Childhood & Adult Too Building
Once a frequent stop for the UPPRS, the former Secondhand Childhood building perhaps houses something out of this world. The building is believed to be haunted by a former ship captain whose family originally built the structure, and ran retail operations after leaving the Great Lakes. Activity includes disembodied footsteps from the upper floor and a Christmas caroller doll which would be moved to different locations in the store overnight.
Although known for serving pints and spirits, “the Frog” has had its own run-ins with spirits. Reported activity includes nickels turning up on a formerly vacant bar, and the spirit of a little girl who has been both seen and heard at the rear of the establishment. In a picture taken several years back, a gnarled, disembodied hand is seen gripping the shoulder of a young lady. There has been no explanation given to where the “hand” came from.
Located in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, the Museum Ship Valley Camp has its own ghostly history. While the ship itself was never involved in a tragedy, it houses lifeboats from the ill-fated Edmund Fitzgerald. Visitors and investigators have reported hearing coughing sounds and shadowy figures along the decks at night, making the Valley Camp a must-visit for ghost seekers.
As history buffs know, the Valley Camp houses two lifeboats from the Great Lakes’ most famous doomed vessel, the Edmund Fitzgerald. These crafts have been known to conjure emotions across the scope, and the UPPRS takes an investigative look at them in a portion of the Valley Camp chapter.
This beloved family restaurant once served as a speakeasy and brothel. Many believe it’s haunted by a “lady of the night” and a waitress, who reportedly cause doors to open, lights to flicker, and sometimes even push unsuspecting visitors on the stairs.
UPPRS and MIPARACON – A Legacy of Paranormal Investigation
The UPPRs has a long history in Sault Ste. Marie and beyond for delivering bone chilling paranormal experiences to the masses. The group wrapped up a 15 year run of hosting the Midwest’s premiere paranormal convention this August – MIPARACON. The beloved convention has had a cult following since its first year. While it won’t be returning in 2025, we highly recommend all fans of the paranormal and spooky places in Sault Ste. Marie stay tuned to the UPPRs! There may be more treats than tricks come this Halloween.
Ready to Explore Haunted Sault Ste. Marie?
Whether you’re a history buff, a paranormal enthusiast, or just looking for an October thrill, Sault Ste. Marie has haunted locations you’ll want to visit. Be sure to grab a copy of Yoopernatural Haunts and immerse yourself in the supernatural stories that make Sault Ste. Marie so unique.
Plan Your Haunted Trip to Sault Ste. Marie
As always, if you’re traveling to the Soo to enjoy the natural (and supernatural) beauty of the area, don’t forget to tag your photographs with #ilovethesoo on your social media so we can share in the adventure. For more stories about the Soo make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest.
