Haunted Michigan with Meltdown

Haunted Michigan - Paranormal Investigators Chris Baird & Jasko

I talked with Chris Baird and Jasko, paranormal YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ7xxNQDS57PXlAmJR0OLrA] investigators, about their adventures in the supernatural world. The two are set to explore Eloise Asylum in Westland, Michigan, and they share some insight into their journey and experiences with the paranormal. New York Roots Chris Baird and Jasko hail from upstate New York—Chris from Clayville and Jasko from Syracuse. The area is known for its beauty, especially in the fall, when people come from all over the country to see the stunning views of the Adirondacks. "This time of year is the best," Chris said. "The views of the Adirondacks are amazing." Jasko agreed, adding, "It's a beautiful place." From Best Buy to Full-Time Paranormal Investigators The two met working at Best Buy before they decided to pursue paranormal investigations. What began as a hobby became a full-time job as the duo started documenting their experiences on camera. "One day, we picked up a camera, and it just transitioned into a full-time job," Jasko explained. They have seen some pretty amazing and downright scary places, including the Indiana State Sanatorium. The Craziest Experiences Jasko said the scariest from the Indiana State Sanatorium. "One night, we were the only people on the property, and we heard the loudest sound ever. It turned out the front door slammed shut with no wind. We tried to replicate it, but it would have taken a lot of force to do it—it was intense," Jasko said. The experience was so intense that Chris and Jasko took a few weeks off afterward to recover. "It was one of the few times we were genuinely freaked out," Chris admitted. Investigating Eloise Asylum The duo is excited about their upcoming investigation of Eloise Asylum [https://wrif.com/2024/08/07/screams-captured-on-video-at-eloise-asylum/], but they plan to go in with as little information as possible. "We're going in pretty much blind. Sometimes it's better that way—it keeps you open-minded and helps you get a more genuine experience," Chris explained. Jasko added, "It's cool to compare your experiences afterward with the actual history of the location." The Fine Line Between Stirring Things Up and Investigating "I want to live comfortably at home, so I don't push things too far," Chris said. "But sometimes, pushing boundaries can lead to better activity." Jasko said his fiancé supports his work but won't get involved. One time, she woke him up in the middle of the night, opening his eyelids after visiting the real Annabelle doll to make sure he wasn't possessed. Spirit Boxes and Paranormal Tools "At first, I was skeptical, but sometimes the responses are so accurate, it's hard to dismiss," Jasko said. "It'll give you names of people who passed there - it's amazing." But Chris joked, "I'm pretty sure someone must be behind the scenes typing answers, but the accuracy can be mind-blowing." What's Next? They're also considering visiting haunted locations in Japan, the West Coast, and Florida. "Tonight is more about getting a feel for the place," Jasko said about their upcoming visit to Eloise. I suggested they check out other haunted spots in Michigan, like the Whitney in downtown Detroit or Fort Wayne, and the duo was more than enthusiastic. "Absolutely. Let us know—we're always up for more investigations," Chris said. From abandoned asylums to haunted dolls, these thrill-seekers push the boundaries of the paranormal. Follow Chris Baird and Jasko on their paranormal adventures for more thrilling investigations.   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Haunted Michigan: 5 Haunted Spots Around Michigan with Jeff Adkins Of Detroit Paranormal Expeditions

Jeff Adkins from Detroit Paranormal Expeditions returns to Haunted Michigan to discuss Five Places you need to check out for a haunted experience in Michigan. 1. The Whitney – Detroit, MI The Whitney, a historic mansion built in 1895 by lumber baron David Whitney, is one of Detroit’s most elegant—and haunted—places. The mansion has long been the subject of ghost stories, with staff and visitors reporting mysterious voices and apparitions. Jeff Adkins recalled his investigation at The Whitney: "We investigated The Whitney one time and got amazing audio. We captured a woman audibly humming a song. It was a disembodied voice; we have it on our website and SoundCloud. That’s just one of many experiences people have had there." David Whitney himself passed away in the house in 1900, and since then, numerous accounts of paranormal activity have been reported. From a bathroom attendant who disappears to strange sounds emanating from the upstairs Ghost Bar, The Whitney embraces its spooky reputation. Jeff added: "The third floor now is a bar called The Ghost Bar. The staff and guests often report seeing strange things up there, including attendants in the bathroom that don’t exist!" Why Visit: The Whitney is a great spot for fine dining, but it's also a great place to experience paranormal activity, and the restaurant embraces it! 2. Huron River Inn – Rockwood, MI Located in Rockwood, south of Detroit, the Huron River Inn is an old building with a long history of paranormal activity. The inn once served as a hotel, but it’s now a restaurant known for its barbecue—and ghostly encounters. Jeff described one eerie experience: "I've been to the Huron River Inn many times. One night after the bar had closed, I was there with the staff, and we heard what sounded like someone laughing from an empty back room. There was no one else in the building." The Huron River Inn has an old-fashioned charm and a reputation for being one of the most haunted places in the downriver area. Patrons and staff often report unexplained sounds and strange sightings. Jeff continued: "The upstairs looks like an old brothel, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was at some point; with its age and the kind of activity people have reported, it’s a place that holds onto its history—and its ghosts." Why Visit: The Huron River Inn offers a unique dining experience with its delicious food and rich, haunted past. 3. Canyon’s Lakeside Resort – Lupton, MI Canyon’s Lakeside Resort in Lupton is located a few hours north of Detroit and served as the hideout for the Purple Gang during Prohibition. What's interesting about the resort is that it has a lot of hidden compartments and secret stashes from its criminal past. Jeff described one of his team’s most intense experiences at the resort: "When we investigated Canyon’s, Todd started feeling physically ill during the investigation. He was standing in a room when he felt a push on the back of his shoulder, and suddenly he felt nauseous. It was clear something didn’t want us there." The resort has maintained its reputation for paranormal activity, with hidden rooms and compartments that add to the mystery. Investigators often feel a strong presence while exploring the building. Jeff elaborated: "There are floorboards that pop up where the Purple Gang used to hide weapons and booze. They even found a case of liquor hidden in the walls from back in the Prohibition days!" Why Visit: Canyon’s Lakeside Resort combines history and paranormal intrigue. Whether you’re are fascinated by the Purple Gang or a paranormal enthusiast, this resort is a great place to check out. 4. The Pilot House – Grosse Ile, MI The Pilot House in Grosse Ile has a deep history as part of a former naval air station where pilots trained for military service. The station operated from 1927 to 1969 and was frequented by notable figures such as Bob Barker and George H.W. Bush. Now a bed and breakfast, the Pilot House has become a popular destination for paranormal investigators. Jeff shared a fascinating story from one of his investigations: "One of the most interesting experiences we had at the Pilot House was when our friend, took a photo. There was this black smudge in the picture, and when we enhanced it, you could see right through it to a tablecloth in the back. It looked like a woman holding a tray." Guests often report seeing shadowy figures and hearing strange sounds, many of which seem tied to the building’s aviation history. Jeff added: "There’s been a lot of aviation talk that comes through the spirit box when we investigate there. Much of the activity seems tied to the building’s past as a naval air station." Why Visit: Today, the Pilot House is a great bed and breakfast, but with it's with a haunted history it's a pretty cool place to check out. 5. Idlewild – Idlewild, MI Idlewild, located in northern Michigan, was once a thriving resort town for Black Americans during segregation. Legendary Motown artists like Aretha Franklin and the Four Tops frequented the town. Though much of Idlewild has faded away, the Casablanca Hotel still stands and has a reputation for paranormal activity. Jeff recalled a particularly intense experience at the hotel: "When we investigated the Casablanca Hotel, things got intense. At one point, a large piece of plaster or a rock shot down the stairs and put a hole in the wall. It was clear something didn’t want us there." The spirit box sessions at Idlewild also produced unsettling results, with profanity and other negative energy coming through during the investigation. Jeff explained: "We heard a lot of profanity through the spirit box, and it seemed like something was angry. It’s rare to see things being thrown or moved, but this was one of those cases where the activity was undeniable." Why Visit: Idlewild has a pretty cool balance of cultural history and paranormal activity. The Casablanca Hotel, in particular, is a great spot for exploring a haunted piece of Michigan’s past. What Kind of Gear You Need During our conversation, I asked Jeff about the paranormal investigation tools he trusts the most. His go-to? Digital voice recorders. Jeff explained: "Digital voice recorders are essential for capturing EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena). There have been many times when we’re in a quiet room, but when you listen back to the recording, you hear clear voices responding to questions. It’s one of the most reliable pieces of equipment we use." Jeff also uses spirit boxes, which scan radio frequencies, though he notes they can be unpredictable. Still, they’ve captured some intense moments, especially in locations like Idlewild and Canyon’s Lakeside Resort. Jeff Adkins and Detroit Paranormal Expeditions have explored some of Michigan’s most haunted locations, and these five spots stand out for their rich history and paranormal activity. Whether you're a seasoned ghost hunter or just curious about the supernatural, these locations offer a mix of spooky encounters and historical significance. For more information on Detroit Paranormal Expeditions or to join Jeff on a future investigation, follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Stay tuned for more episode   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Haunted Michigan - Actor Douglas Tait

Actor/Stuntman Douglas Tait [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_Tait_(actor)] came by the RIFF studios before his event at Eloise Asylum [https://wrif.com/2024/08/07/screams-captured-on-video-at-eloise-asylum/] this weekend to meet fans, take pictures, and sign autographs. He brought along his lovely wife, who is also in the business, Isabel Cueva.  Doug also stars in the Jack Links commercials as BigFoot. I asked him if he tells anyone about that when the spots air while he's in public. I tell everybody. I love people to know that I play that character because I love the character. So it's so cool that, any time anybody talks about it, they just said, I. Man, those are my favorite commercials because commercials are boring and they really provide entertaining ones" Doug also directed the movie Angel Baby, which his wife stars in. "Yes, it’s a thriller that’s available on Apple, Vudu, Google, YouTube—pretty much everywhere except Netflix, but we’re working on it! I star in it alongside Rebecca De Mornay and Daniel Roebuck. Doug directed it, which was his debut." Doug told me about his appearance at Eloise on September 28th. "Tomorrow night, I’ll be signing autographs and doing a special Jason photo op in costume from Freddy vs. Jason between 7 and 8 p.m. After that, I’ll be signing for the rest of the night. We’ll also have movie posters and headshots, so come on down!" He loved playing Jason. "Oh, it was amazing. I’ve been a huge Halloween fan all my life, so putting on that mask for the first time was surreal. It was like a dream come true." He plays scary characters on the big screen, but he also loves the paranormal. "I love haunted houses and anything paranormal. When I was asked to be part of Eloise Asylum’s opening night, I was all in. I’ve read up on the history, and I’m really excited to experience it firsthand." Before we started recording the interview, I had Doug and Isabel listen to the screams we caught [https://wrif.com/2024/08/07/screams-captured-on-video-at-eloise-asylum/] on video at Eloise a month ago. He loved it! "That was wild! And the fact that you’re skeptical but still can’t explain what you caught makes it even more intriguing. I can’t wait to check it out tonight." Watch the video below to learn about an experience he had at a location in Los Angeles. Doug has lots of stuff coming up, some of which he couldn't talk about just yet. "I’ve got more Jack Link’s Sasquatch commercials coming up, and I recently shot a Halloween-themed commercial for Uber Eats. I’m always working on something—indie horror films, commercials—there’s always something in the pipeline." A huge Thank You to Doug and Isabel for coming by the station. Great to meet them, as you'll be able to this Saturday at Eloise. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Haunted Michigan - Great Lakes Ghost Hunters' Terri Houlton On Activity In Wayne, Westland, And More

Terri contacted me a few weeks back, then I ended up meeting her at a party. She agreed to come on Haunted Michigan and talk about her experiences with the paranormal. She started by talking about her group and how long she's been investigating. To watch the entire interview, scroll to the bottom of the story..... Terri Houlton: The group has been around for a while, with many experienced members. I’ve been with them since 2019. We investigate everything from residential locations to museums and libraries—places like Eloise, for example. My first ghost-hunting experience was actually in the basement of Eloise in 2019, and it was a wild night. Screams Captured At Eloise...Click Here [https://wrif.com/2024/08/07/screams-captured-on-video-at-eloise-asylum/] Meltdown: We’ll definitely get into that in a bit. You’ve been doing this for five years, so did you start the group, or did you join it? Terri Houlton: I joined the group. There are people in the group who have been doing this much longer, and I’ve learned a lot from them. Meltdown: I’m sure. So, where are you based? Southeast Michigan? Terri Houlton: Yep, southeast Michigan. Meltdown: You mentioned Eloise earlier. How many times have you investigated there? Terri Houlton: Oh wow, probably around 40 or 50 times over the past couple of years. Meltdown: No kidding! I assume you’ve done investigations with both large and small groups? Terri Houlton: Yes, I’ve done both. I was even a tour guide there for a couple of years. Haunted Michigan With Terri Houlton Meltdown: As a tour guide, you must have experienced a lot. I saw a Facebook live session from there recently, where they talked about hearing footsteps. What was your experience like at Eloise? Terri Houlton: Definitely. One of the first things I heard during my first investigation was footsteps in high heels. It was in the basement, and everyone else was outside taking a break. Suddenly, I heard these distinct steps in the hallway, and I wasn't near a staircase or anything like that. I looked at my companion, and she confirmed she heard it too. That same night, I was pushed into a closet, discovered a portal, and even saw a woman floating over a chair. Meltdown: A portal? A floating woman? You can’t just breeze past that! Tell me more. Terri Houlton: (laughs) Yeah, so I was using my dowsing rods in a small janitor's closet, and suddenly my rod started spinning, which signifies a portal. I pointed it out to the others, and they confirmed what they were seeing. That same night, a gentleman took pictures of the floating woman, and while I couldn’t capture anything on my phone, I took a picture of his screen. There seemed to be a special connection between him and the entity because when we handed him the dowsing rods, they started answering his questions. Meltdown: I’ve always been a bit skeptical about dowsing rods, but maybe I’ll have to try them myself. They seem to work well for you. Terri Houlton: They do. I’ve seen them work for others too, and I’d be happy to teach you how to use them. Meltdown: I might take you up on that. So, besides Eloise, what other places in Michigan have you investigated? Terri Houlton: Our group investigates homes, museums, and historical sites. We’ve had paranormal activity at places like the Wayne Museum and the Westland Historical Society’s Octagon House. There’s even a small Eloise museum that’s quite active. Meltdown: Interesting. Have you ventured outside of Michigan? Terri Houlton: Yes, one of the most intense weekends was in New York, where we investigated Wildwood Sanatorium and the Hinsdale House. That’s where I saw my first shadow figure, and we encountered strange activity with mirrors. My husband took a picture where his eyes were looking in a different direction than where he was actually looking—it was surreal. Meltdown: That sounds wild! Where is the Hinsdale House? Terri Houlton: It’s in Hinsdale, New York, in a very remote, wooded area. The house is built on Seneca Indian land, and I experienced drumming sounds while exploring the area. Meltdown: Wow! Let’s shift back to Michigan for a second. You mentioned earlier that you were shoved into a closet at Eloise. Can you explain what happened? Terri Houlton: That was my first night at Eloise. I was in the basement in what used to be the pottery closet. Suddenly, I felt a force push me into the closet, and I stumbled forward, even though I was walking very slowly. There were others around, and they witnessed it too. Meltdown: Was that the most intense physical contact you’ve experienced? Terri Houlton: Yes, definitely the hardest. I’ve felt touches before, but this one was stronger. Meltdown: And no scratches or anything like that? Terri Houlton: No scratches, but I’ve had moments where the bed I was sitting on kept shaking violently. Meltdown: That must have been intense! Did you stay on the bed while it was shaking? Terri Houlton: Yes, I stayed on it. I asked the person next to me if they were shaking the bed, but they weren’t. It was definitely something paranormal. Meltdown: I was at Eloise in August, and I still can’t explain the screams I heard there. Have you experienced anything like that? Terri Houlton: Yes, we’ve captured strange sounds on video, including metal-on-metal noises from an empty closet. I asked around, but no one was near the area at the time. It’s a very active place. Meltdown: What about investigations in other parts of Michigan or even the U.P.? Terri Houlton: I haven’t been up to the U.P. yet, but I’d love to go. I’ve done investigations in Ohio, like an old sheriff’s station where we encountered shadow figures and lots of activity. Great Lakes Ghost Hunters Terri Houlton On Haunted Michigan Meltdown: When you investigate homes, do families reach out to you directly? Terri Houlton: Yes, families reach out to us. One of the more intense cases involved a young boy who seemed possessed. There were scratches on the walls and strange things happening. At one point, this two-year-old pulled a grilling fork from under the couch—something he shouldn’t have been able to reach. Meltdown: That’s crazy! Did you hear from the family after the investigation? Terri Houlton: We did, but I think they were trying to stir up activity on their own without following the proper precautions, which made things worse. Meltdown: That’s intense. So, what other places have you investigated? Terri Houlton: I hosted an investigation at a downtown church and schoolhouse, which had a lot of activity. I’ve also spent time at the Monroe Horror Museum, which has a ton of paranormal energy, especially with all the Ouija boards they have now. Meltdown: I know Nate at the Monroe Horror Museum [https://wrif.com/2023/01/17/visit-the-museum-of-horror-in-monroe-mi-meltdown/], and I’ve heard about some of the wild things happening there. Monroe seems like a hotspot for paranormal activity, right? Terri Houlton: Absolutely! There was another house in Monroe that had so much going on, we didn’t even get to the bottom of it. Meltdown: So, who else is in your group? Terri Houlton: Brenda, Ryan, Tim, and Jeff [https://www.facebook.com/glghmi] have all been with the group for a while. We also have a psychic named Carrie who lives in Indiana. Meltdown: You mentioned that you’ll be working at the haunted house at Eloise this season. How’s that going? Terri Houlton: I’m in charge of the “scary hair” for the characters, so it’s a lot of fun. It’s always busy during haunt season. Meltdown: That sounds awesome! Terri, thanks so much for your time. Maybe I’ll see you at Eloise, and I’d love to have you back with some of your team members. Terri Houlton: I’d love that! I’ll send you some pictures too. Meltdown: That would be great! Thanks again, Terri. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Haunted Michigan - Rusty Jones of the Central Michigan Paranormal Investigators

Rusty Jones of the Central Michigan Paranormal Investigations [https://www.facebook.com/CentralMichiganParanormalInvestigations] (CMPI) is my guest on this episode of Haunted Michigan. As I post this it's Friday, September 13th, a perfect day for the paranormal. A Particularly Haunted Central Michigan Location Rusty spoke to me about how his journey started. "I founded Central Michigan Paranormal Investigators back in 1988 after reading a book on paranormal phenomena and visiting some local sites. That got me hooked, and I’ve been doing this ever since." Rusty spoke to some of the most active places they've investigated, and it's somewhere I've heard people bring up before. "One of the most active places we investigate regularly is the Michigan Theater in Jackson. We go there annually, and every visit brings a new experience. It’s an incredibly active site." He went on "One time, we had a guest investigator who heard me call his name from the balcony while he was near the stage. The strange thing? I was outside the building at the time. These doppelganger effects are common there, along with physical sensations like shirt tugs and footsteps in empty areas." Another location that CMIP found active was the old Jackson prison. "We’ve done several investigations at the old prison in Jackson, which was Michigan’s first maximum-security prison, dating back to the 1800s. There’s a lot of history there, including stories of wardens mistreating inmates, which has left some residual energy. We've also investigated several businesses in Lansing, and we’re returning to the USS Edson in Bay City this weekend for another overnight investigation. (more on that later) One of the wardens in the early 1900s was notorious for his cruelty. In one story, he hosed down a prisoner in freezing temperatures, then left him naked in his cell to die. The warden himself ended up being imprisoned later and was found hanged in the same facility." Rusty passed along one of his craziest experiences with the paranormal. "One time in Lansing, I was investigating a house where only the kids had seen the entity. I made a provocative remark, trying to stir activity, and right as I did, something told me to move my head. As I did, a frying pan flew across the room and hit the wall behind me. That’s the last time I tried provoking spirits!" Full-Body Apparitions and Visual Encounters I asked him if he's ever seen a full-body apparition. "I’ve only seen two in all my years of investigating. The first was at a lighthouse in Escanaba. A woman walked right out the door, solid as you and me. She walked toward the lighthouse and started ascending the stairs, but by the time she reached the top, she had faded until she was completely transparent. Now, back to the USS Edson. He visited over the weekend and told me there was a lot of activity in their overnight stay. " It was very eventful, to say the least. It started almost as soon as we got on the ship and continued throughout the night." He went on "Well, as soon as we got on the ship, we started hearing footsteps on the deck above us while we were in the galley getting set up. We knew for a fact that we were the only ones on the ship at that point. We sent someone up to check, but no one was there. And that was only about 6:05 p.m., with the sun still out." He said they split up into two groups. The other group was experiencing a lot of happenings. "After about 45 minutes, they came back and said they couldn’t go back down there because it felt really evil, and they started hearing voices. So, naturally, I said, "Let’s all go down there and see for ourselves!" The atmosphere in the back of the ship felt completely different from the front. It was really draining." Rusty said there's a place on the boat that puts out a lot of energy. "It’s different every time. The first two visits, we had some interesting experiences in the ship’s woodworking shop, near what’s called the "suicide hatch." A sailor, who received a "Dear John" letter while at sea, isolated himself down there to clear his head. He didn’t realize the hatch cut off airflow, and by the time he tried to open it, it was too late. He suffocated, which is why it’s called the suicide hatch." Really good stuff, and a great way to kick off the haunting season [https://wrif.com/podcasts/haunted-michigan-with-meltdown-2/]. You can listen to this interview, and others, by clicking the link here [https://wrif.com/podcasts/haunted-michigan-with-meltdown-2/] for my Haunted Michigan podcast. Thanks, Rusty!!   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].