The Ghost of Lucy of Mackinac Island Looking for her Parents

A little girl is said to haunt a summer island. According to legend, the ghost of Lucy of Mackinac Island died of an illness when her parents were out of town. Still to this day she is said to roam the island, looking for where her parents went.

In the glistening waters of Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, Mackinac Island is a serene retreat known for its picturesque beauty, historic charm, and an eerie reputation for the supernatural. In fact, Mackinac Island was called the most haunted town in America in 2021, with many stories having been covered over the years. And with only a full time population of around 583 people, the ghosts perhaps even outnumber the living.

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With no cars allowed and transportation limited to bicycles and horse-drawn carriages, the island offers a unique step back in time. Some come to enjoy the quiet seaside and enjoy the famous fudge. The island has become a perfect summer destination for Americans, but after the tourists leave in the fall, the fog from the Straits comes rolling in, and the leaves turn color, the ghost of the island remains to haunt it.

A Brief History of Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island’s history stretches back thousands of years, with indigenous peoples such as the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Huron considering it a sacred place long before European settlers arrived. The island’s name itself, derived from the Ojibwe word “Michilimackinac,” means “big turtle,” referring to the island’s shape when viewed from above.

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The French established a fur trading post here in the 17th century, taking advantage of the rich natural resources and the strategic location that provided access to crucial trade routes. As time progressed, the island gained significance and later became a strategic military outpost during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, playing a key role in various military operations that shaped the early history of the United States.

With its scenic views and pleasant climate, in the late 19th century, it transformed into more of a summer colony and a tourist destination, attracting visitors from far and wide who sought relaxation and adventure. Today, it retains that charm, offering a blend of historical significance and natural beauty that continues to draw tourists looking to escape the bustle of modern life and immerse themselves in its rich heritage.

Free Mackinac Island Michigan photo and picture — **Mackinac Island:** Cars were banned at the end of the nineteenth century due to health and safety concerns for the island’s residents and horses, as local carriage drivers said it scared their horses. This, together with the old historic houses and lush nature makes you feel like stepping back in time and welcoming old ghosts to linger.

The Ghost story of Lucy of Mackinac Island

Another well known ghost story on Mackinac Island is Lucy of Mackinac Island. She is said to be a 12 year old girl, wandering around the island in her light colored sundress and curly hair. At first glance, she probably looks like any other girl, but those looking twice will notice something strange as she appears and disappears like a ghost.

The ghost of Lucy of Mackinac Island is not confined to a single spot on the island but can be seen peeking out from windows from old Pine Cottage B&B and following people on the staircase at Crow’s Nest Trail up to Anne’s Tablet. Anne’s Tablet is a 1916 Art Nouveau sculptural installation by William Ordway Partridge.

More Than One Ghost Haunting The Pine Cottage

Lucy of Mackinac Island is not the only one said to haunt the Pine Cottage. Although Lucy seems like she can come and go as she likes, there are some ghosts that seem trapped in this place. Spirits simply known as the man, the woman and the creature are also said to haunt this place.

A little girl is said to haunt a summer island. According to legend, the ghost of Lucy of Mackinac Island died of an illness when her parents were out of town. Still to this day she is said to roam the island, looking for where her parents went. — **Pine Cottage:** Peering out from the windows at the Pine Cottages, it is said that one of the ghost lingering there, is that of Lucy.

Room number 4 is haunted by a woman, often regarded as a helpful ghost according to the accounts of those who have encountered her presence. She is known for assisting guests in finding lost items, tidying up the space, and exuding a gentle aura that brings comfort to those who stay in the room.

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Some believe that she may be the spirit of a woman who was allegedly murdered there in 1942, a tragic event that remains shrouded in mystery, with the details of the crime never fully uncovered. This unresolved history adds to the intrigue surrounding Room 4, drawing visitors who are eager to experience the soothing presence of the ghost and perhaps glean more insight into the tragic story that lingers in the shadows.

The man is thought to be the killer of the woman. There are however no unsolved murders on Mackinac Island except that of Frances Lacey who were murdered in 1960. She didn’t stay at the Pine Cottages though.

Who was Lucy of Mackinac Island?

Back to Lucy, who is said to wander around the entire island, appearing to tourists with a haunting grace. Who was she when alive? Was her name even truly Lucy? Although a well-known ghost, she remains an enigma, not a well-known girl. There are not really many records that fit her descriptions; fragmented tales and local legends fill the gaps.

According to the local lore, Lucy died from a sickness when her family left town for the weekend, some say they went as far as Detroit. Did they leave her alone, were they as some would have it, drunkard parents? No one knows, but it is said that she was found dead when they returned.

Now she is wandering, lost and calling for her parents. As dusk falls, the stories of her life and untimely death linger in the air, raising questions about her true identity and the life she once led before she became part of the island’s haunting allure.