Explore Flint & Genesee’s Haunted Past

Experience a Haunted Tour of Your Own

Flint & Genesee might be known for a lot of things, but did you know it has a haunted history perfect for any paranormal lover? According to Roxanne Rhodes and Joe Schipani there are plenty of haunted locations throughout Flint as explained in their book Haunted Flint. In the author-duo’s newly released book Ghosts and Legends of Genesee and Lapeer Counties there are more stories of haunts throughout the area.  

You can experience a haunted tour of your own in Flint & Genesee by following the Explore Flint & Genesee’s Haunted Past itinerary and maybe discover a few ghosts of your own.  

Morning

Start your day at Trio Goodrich (formerly Cranberries Café) in Goodrich. The local restaurant is said to have some friendly spirits according to the former owners who discovered the lingering souls while renovating the restaurant after a fire in 1997. According to an article from the Davison Index, Mitch Plant was working one day up on a ladder and looked down to see an apparition watching in approval. In 2009, the restaurant had paranormal investigators check out the place as part of a documentary created by a Davison local called the Haunted Truth. 

Along with the eerie spirits, you can find a great selection of soups, sandwiches, and other items perfect for an early lunch. The restaurant opens at 11 a.m. and is open for lunch and dinner.  

Afternoon

After enjoying a delicious lunch, head to Flint where you can explore some of the haunted spots in the area. Start at Avondale Cemetery, one of the oldest remaining burial grounds in Flint. The cemetery is known for its reinterred graves from the Flint City Cemetery dating back to 1842. However, it is speculated that the bodies may have not made it to their new plots and instead the bodies were left and built over by new construction. Read more on this story in the Explore Flint & Genesee guest blog post by Roxanne Rhodes.  

Once you’re done exploring your first cemetery, head to Glenwood Cemetery and Arboretum – home to some of Flint’s most famous individuals including Henry Crapo and J. Dallas Dort. The local cemetery is also a certified arboretum with 1,000 trees representing 57 species.  

When you’re finished checking out the graves of the people who helped build Genesee County, head over to Stockton House Museum. Built in 1872 by Civil War Colonel Thomas Baylis Whitmarsh Stockton, the house and its natural springs nicknamed ‘Spring Grove,” are said to be haunted by the late Colonel Stockton who roams the house and grounds. The museum is open to the public every third Saturday of the month from 1-4 p.m. for tours and the grounds are open year-round, weather permitting. Private tours can also be set up through the museum’s website.  

Evening

Cap off the evening by heading to the Fenton Hotel Tavern & Grille in the southern part of Genesee County. The local restaurant and former hotel has been listed as one of the most haunted bars in America according to Thrillist. The hotel was first built in 1856 and has quite a few stories of haunted sightings at in the restaurant and other parts of the building. One common sighting is of the place’s old custodian who still works around the dining room. Another ghost is known to order a Jack & Coke but always seems to disappear once the drink has been poured. The restaurant also has a delicious menu featuring seafood, comfort food and tavern classics.  

Explore more in Flint & Genesee