Historical Ghost Lantern Walking Tour

Des (or Dez, as she's affectionately called) emerges as the star of these walking tours, bringing genuine passion and theatrical flair to Traverse City's spooky history. Guests consistently praise her deep knowledge of local lore and her ability to weave together historical facts with paranormal tales in an entertaining way. She personalizes each experience by asking about interests and tailoring content accordingly, drawing from her own extensive research. The tours cover various locations around downtown TC, including cemetery visits and other haunted spots, with a relaxed walking pace that's accessible to most ages. A few guests felt misaligned expectations, wishing for more indoor access to locations or preferring historical content over ghost stories (or vice versa). One particularly harsh review found the asylum tour too talk-heavy with limited actual exploration. However, the overwhelming majority found Des engaging and the blend of history and hauntings just right. If you're interested in discovering Traverse City's darker past through an enthusiastic local guide who clearly loves what she does, this experience delivers. Just know you'll be outside most locations rather than exploring interiors, and the vibe leans educational with spooky elements rather than pure haunted house thrills.