The Tale Begins
Welcome, dear readers, to an intriguing journey through the corridors of Mission Point Resort. This is no ordinary destination; it’s a place where century-old history and peculiar occurrences cross paths, creating an ambiance of intrigue and mystery. Nestled in the heart of idyllic Mackinac Island, this time-honored resort may offer sunshine-washed views by day, but when the moon rises, a different tale emerges.
At Mission Point Resort, the whispers of the past echo through the halls. There’s an ethereal presence, a palpable aura that hangs in the air. A place where intriguing stories are manifest in hushed tones, drawing thrill-seekers and curious travelers alike from the world over. Dive with me into a world suspended between reality and the otherworldly, a place that many claim to be home to residents of a spectral persuasion… residents who never really checked out.
Hold on to your candlesticks, my fellow enthusiasts of the eerie, because you’re about to discover the haunting charm that threads its way through the very fabric of Mission Point Resort – a transcendent quality that lingers long after your visit, tantalizing your senses and beckoning your return. Brace yourselves, because this is where history doesn’t die– it merely fades into the twilight realm of the supernatural.
The History of Mission Point Resort
Mission Point Resort is one of the renowned hospitality destinations on Michigan‘s Mackinac Island. The resort’s history is quite interesting. Would you believe it all started with a moral re-armament initiative?
In 1825, the land where the Resort sits was home to a grape vineyard owned by an Irish settler Jeremiah Cronin. The area was later utilized by the military during the War of 1812.
The place was then transformed into a college campus in the mid-20th century, known as Mackinac College. This college was an initiative by Moral Re-Armament (MRA), an international ethical and social movement, originated from a group in Caux, Switzerland. The college was established in 1966 with the ambition of bringing students together from all around the world to learn about different cultures and solve global issues.
The college unfortunately closed down in 1970 due to financial problems. It wasn’t until 1977 that Rex and Nelle Stoppel decided to convert the abandoned college into a summer retreat. However, they couldn’t maintain the expensive upkeep and sold it to John Shufelt in 1987.
John Shufelt, being a man of vision, saw the immense potentiality the site offered and began renovations. He renamed it Mission Point Resort, as a nod to its adjacent neighborhood, Mission District.
In 2014, the Ware family acquired the property. They’ve since committed to major renovations and improvements to upgrade the resort while still keeping its traditional charm. Today, Mission Point Resort is widely cherished for its charming facilities, stunning views, and warm hospitality. It continues to reflect the historical and cultural richness of Mackinac Island despite the modern touches and developments.
Is it really haunted at Mission Point Resort?
Mission Point Resort, located on Mackinac Island, is known for its scenic beauty, rich history, and many stories. Some of those stories include sightings and experiences that cannot be easily explained, leading some to believe that the resort might indeed be haunted.
One of the most famous tales involves a student named Harvey, who presumably attended a Jesuit college once located on the property before it became a resort. Harvey is said to have tragically died in the 1960s, either by suicide or a bicycle accident, after a bad breakup. Ever since then, guests and staff have reported seeing an apparition matching Harvey’s description in the theater or wandering the property’s grounds.
Guests and hotel staff have reported strange occurrences such as mysteriously moving objects, unexplained cold spots, and strange sounds in the night. Some also claim to feel a strange presence in certain rooms, particularly those that previously housed the college’s infirmary.
Another location within the resort reported to be haunted is the theater. Reports have been recorded of lights flickering during performances, props moving around, and sudden cold spots. These unexplained activities are often attributed to Harvey, who was an aspiring actor.
Finally, the sound of children running and playing in the hallways, when there are no children present, have also been reported. These incidents were primarily reported during the off-season, adding to the sense of mystery.
While these reports can’t be scientifically validated, they certainly fuel the rumors, adding a sprinkle of intrigue and mystique to Mission Point Resort‘s reputation.
Wrapping Up
Mission Point Resort, located on Michigan‘s historic Mackinac Island, has a storied past intertwined with fascinating tales of supernatural occurrences. The property was initially used as a congregation hub by missionaries in the late 1820s. By the mid-20th century, it had evolved into a center for moral rearmament, an international peace movement, before finally transforming into the modern resort it is today.
As for the resort’s spectral reputation, a young man named Harvey is often at the center of the ghost stories. Harvey was reportedly a college student staying at the religious institution that once occupied the resort grounds. His tragic demise occurred after a spurned love affair, leading to an unfortunate trend of sightings and unexplainable incidents at the resort. Elements of mischievous activities such as the flipping of pages, sudden cold spots, and odd breezes have been attributed to Harvey’s lingering presence.
Another reputed haunting spot within the resort is the Mission Point Theatre. Initially a venue for hosting plays and musicals, it has reported instances of ghost sightings, strangely dimming lights, and uncanny changes in room temperature.
However, these supernatural incidents have not detracted visitors but rather added a layer of intrigue and historical depth to Mission Point Resort. The overall perception remains that of a tranquil getaway spot featuring beautiful gardens, health and wellness facilities, fantastic accommodations, and stunning views of Lake Huron. Nonetheless, for those with an appetite for the paranormal, this resort is steeped enough in spectral lore to add an extra frisson of excitement to their stay.
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