Traverse City State Hospital

Following a need for a third psychiatric hospital in 1885 the Northern Michigan Asylum for the Insane was built. The first building was creatively named Building 50. Later the name was changed to Traverse City State Hospital but also linked to the hospital were the names Traverse City Regional Psychiatric Hospital, Northern Michigan State Hospital and Willow Lake State Hospital.

Between 1885 and 1924 under the supervision of Dr. James Decker Munson the institution expanded. Dr. Munson believed in “beauty is therapy” which meant patients were treated with kindness and comfort. Flowers grown from the asylum’s own greenhouses were brought to the patients every day. Restraints, like straitjackets were forbidden. The patients also worked by farming, canning and other various trades.

Though built to care for only the mentally ill, the outbreaks of polio, diphtheria, typhoid, tuberculosis and influenza cause the expansion of the hospital. It also trained nurses and served as a rehab for drug addicts. The hospital closed its doors for good in 1989.

With a lot of paranormal activity claimed, it is almost inevitable that this asylum would be one of the haunted places in Michigan. There are many claims of hearing voices and screams coming from inside the abandoned building. Lights have been seen coming on inside patient rooms even though no electricity has been run to the buildings in years.

Numerous apparitions of both children and adults have been seen throughout the hospital grounds as well as in the Chapel. It is claimed the apparition of a priest can be seen in the chapel. The priest is said to have committed suicide in the chapel.

Since 2000 the main building is being renovated into The Village at Grand Traverse Commons and commercial and residential development. Phase one was completed in 2005 and in 2008 the main building 50 was completed. The estimates are that it will take 12 years and $300 million to complete the transition. I can only imagine what some of the residents see today.