Hidden away on the picturesque Mackinac Island in Michigan, Mission Point Resort is more than just a serene lakeside paradise. This charming resort, with its sprawling lawns and panoramic views of Lake Huron, is beloved by vacationers for its relaxing atmosphere, cozy accommodations, and timeless beauty. But look a little deeper, and you’ll uncover a compelling history marked by transformation, faith, education, and mystery. And if you’re attuned to the unexplained, you might just sense something unusual drifting through the halls—because Mission Point Resort is home to more than just scenic sunsets and cozy bonfires. Ghostly whispers, tragic tales, and unexplained phenomena make this spot a compelling destination for paranormal investigators and curious travelers alike. Let’s take a journey into the fascinating past—and haunted present—of Mission Point Resort.
The History
Early Missionary Roots
The story of Mission Point Resort begins long before it ever welcomed modern-day guests. In the early 19th century, Mackinac Island was a hub for religious and cultural transformation. Around 1820, Protestant missionaries arrived to spread Christianity to Native American tribes in the region. Led by Reverend William Ferry, the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions established a mission near what is now Mission Point. Their goal was to educate and convert the local Ottawa and Ojibwa tribes.
This mission founded one of the first formal schools in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and significantly impacted the region’s spiritual and educational development. Though the mission eventually waned in influence and closed by the mid-1800s, its legacy left a mark on the land—both physically and, some say, spiritually.
The Mackinac College Era
Fast-forward to the 20th century, and the peaceful shoreline that once hosted spiritual teaching underwent a radical transformation. In the 1950s, an ambitious religious group—the Moral Re-Armament movement (MRA)—built what is today the core of Mission Point Resort. They envisioned a site for international peace conferences, cultural exchange, and educational programming. Out of the wilderness, they constructed the Main Lodge, theater, and other buildings using local materials and labor from Mackinac Island and nearby areas.
By the 1960s, the site evolved once again—this time into Mackinac College, a liberal arts school that welcomed its first class in 1966. Sadly, this chapter was short-lived. Financial difficulties forced the college to close its doors just four years later in 1970. However, many of the college-era structures remain today, some repurposed for resort activities and accommodations.
The Birth of Mission Point Resort
After the college’s closure, the property changed hands multiple times and served several unconventional uses, including filming locations and temporary housing. But in 1987, the Messner family purchased the property and gave it new life as Mission Point Resort. Since then, it has blossomed into a premier lodging and vacation destination on Mackinac Island, welcoming families, honeymooners, and yes—even ghost hunters.
The resort retains much of its architectural charm and historical integrity. Its sprawling lawns, iconic Adirondack chairs, and secluded trails through the forest create a nostalgic, almost cinematic ambiance. But for those sensitive to energetic imprints of the past, that sense of nostalgia might be more literal than they realize.
The Haunt
The Ghost of Harvey
One of the most enduring ghost stories at Mission Point Resort is the tale of Harvey—a spirit said to haunt the theater and surrounding buildings. According to local legend, Harvey was a student at Mackinac College during its brief operation in the 1960s. Like many young people, he faced immense academic and emotional pressures. When a romantic relationship failed, Harvey fell into despair.
The story goes that he walked into the woods behind the resort and took his own life. His body wasn’t discovered for months. Disturbed and alone, Harvey’s spirit is said to have never left the area. Guests and staff have reported cold spots, eerie whispers, and sightings of a young man in outdated clothing wandering the halls and backstage areas of the theater.
Strange Occurrences and Residual Energy
Beyond Harvey, visitors often report other strange phenomena at the resort. The Main Lodge is known for its unnerving nighttime activity. Guests have awakened to find their lights flickering or televisions turning on by themselves. Others sense the presence of someone standing at the foot of their bed—only to find no one there.
EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) sessions in the old theater have yielded unexplained voices and unusual acoustic responses, lending credence to staff stories of ghostly sounds echoing long after the last curtain call.
The grounds themselves are no exception. People report a heavy, watchful feeling while walking through the wooded paths where Harvey’s body was found. Dowsers and sensitives claim there’s a high concentration of spiritual energy around certain trees and natural landmarks.
Paranormal Investigations
Mission Point Resort has captured the attention of seasoned paranormal investigators and has even been featured on episodes of popular shows like “Ghost Hunters” and “Most Terrifying Places in America.” Those with paranormal equipment have documented anomalies ranging from EMF (Electromagnetic Field) spikes to thermal imaging inconsistencies—especially in and around the original Mission District where early missionary buildings once stood.
Whether you’re armed with a full spectrum camera, a simple dowsing rod, or just an open mind, Mission Point presents an array of locations ripe for investigation—from below-ground tunnels once used for transport, to secluded grottoes by the water’s edge.
Plan Your Visit, Ghost Hunters!
Mission Point Resort is more than just a gorgeous retreat—it’s a living storybook of American history with echoes of the past reverberating through every hallway. Whether you’re drawn by its historical significance, lakeside serenity, or rich supernatural lore, this resort offers a truly unique experience.
As a paranormal enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the respectful preservation of historical architecture, the documented reports of hauntings, and the natural beauty that sets the perfect stage for a haunted getaway. Tour the historic theater, explore the wooded trails, and perhaps conduct your own investigation. Just be sure to treat the spirits—both the liquid kind and the ghostly—with respect.
So pack your EMF meter, your camera, and your courage—because Mission Point Resort isn’t just a place to relax, it’s a place to uncover mysteries. Are you ready to make contact?