Twilight in the Tunnels of the Grand Traverse Commons

Oct. 26, 2026

This week’s Northern Express — sister publication of The Ticker — is all about Halloween. And while many consider the Village at Grand Traverse Commons haunted, local tour guides and employees think otherwise.

The site's timeline starts in 1881, when the Michigan Legislature approved funding for the construction of the Northern Michigan Asylum for the Insane, the state’s third such institution. At its peak in 1966, the hospital had about 3,600 patients, but by 1989, it had dwindled to about 200 before its closure due to lack of funding and new medications.

“So many people come here thinking it’s going to be this really scary place, and that there were all these really scary stories,” says Kate Angove, who handles tour bookings and scheduling. “People were here because they were sick and they had issues, so not every story is a happy one, but they really were trying to care for people here and that’s really what we want to remind everyone and make sure that people who visit here know. …When you learn the history of it, it creates a way more meaningful visit to the property.”

But what about all the ghostly rumors surrounding the old hospital?

“Your guess is as good as mine,” tour guide Natalie Balogh says of the inquiries about the unexplained and apparitions on the property. “I would like to think if there are people still here, instead of being angry, vengeful or stuck, maybe this is the nicest place they have ever had. Or maybe this is the best they were ever treated. Maybe they are just fine hanging out.”