A half-century ago, Mackinac Island’s Main Street witnessed an unusual parade: horse-drawn drays carrying spooky creatures designed by a Hollywood special effects artist. These eerie figures made their way from the ferry docks to a historic downtown building, where they’ve stayed ever since.
The 1974 arrival of these mythological monsters marked the opening of one of Mackinac Island’s most beloved attractions: The Haunted Theatre.
“Who would have ever thought?” asked Susan Blum, whose husband, Welden, opened the haunted house in the former Orpheum Theatre at 7396 Main St.
“People that were here as teenagers come back as parents, and I’ve even had some grandparents come back that were here as kids way back when.”
What is Mackinac Island’s Haunted Theatre?
Despite its name, Mackinac Island’s Haunted Theatre isn’t a theater in the traditional sense. It’s more like a three-dimensional gallery of ghoulish creations brought to life by the imagination of Dale Kuipers. A Midwestern artist who gained fame in Hollywood, Kuipers worked on films such as Blood Hook, The Alpha Incident and Caveman starring Ringo Starr, Dennis Quaid and Shelley Long.
For the Haunted Theatre, Kuipers created a cast of spine-chilling stars including Erik the Pianist, the malevolent Manitou and the mighty Ocryx—a winged beast with the head of a wolf, rat-like arms and a serpent’s tail. Visitors are greeted by these creatures, along with the “long-haired dude” featured in the Haunted Theatre’s logo.
“The big thrill is to scream and laugh,” Blum said. “People have a hilarious time. I think the dark is what gets most people. In the dark, it’s scary.”
The History of Mackinac Island's Haunted Theatre
The Haunted Theatre opened in 1974, but its roots reach deep into Mackinac Island’s history. Some of Kuipers’ creations are said to be inspired by Native American legends.
For example, Mackinac Island’s famous Arch Rock has long been considered a portal to the spirit world — perhaps the origin of some of the monsters that now inhabit the theatre.
The building itself, constructed in 1885 by Charles Caskey (who also built Grand Hotel), has had many lives. Over the years, it’s been a roller rink, a dance hall and a “moving picture” theater. It’s even rumored to sit on what was once a burial ground.
Today, the Haunted Theatre retains its nostalgic 1970s aesthetic, perfectly complementing Mackinac Island’s timeless charm.
“Because the island itself is so nostalgic, it just fits,” Blum explains.
When to Experience Mackinac Island's Haunted Theatre
The Haunted Theatre is open daily from May through October. For an even spookier experience, pair your visit with a Haunts of Mackinac walking tour or Mackinac Island’s Halloween Weekend.
Whether you come for a day trip or book an overnight stay in one of the island’s charming places to stay, you’re sure to have a blast meeting the monsters of Mackinac Island’s vintage haunted house.
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