History, Hauntings, and a River Trail Turn: Discovering the Turner-Dodge House

I didn’t realize just how close I was to history until I took another walk on the Lansing River Trail. I turned right instead of left, and around a bend was the Turner-Dodge House. I’m a sucker for great architecture—and ghost stories. With the Turner-Dodge House, you get both.  

Built at the end of the Victorian era in 1855, then remodeled by local architect Darius Moon around 1900 into the Georgian Revival style seen today, the Turner-Dodge House operates as a museum and heritage center. Dedicated to preserving Lansing’s pioneer history, the house offers tours that give visitors a glimpse into the lives of its original owners and the role the family played in the formation and growth of Lansing.  

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Even though the Turner-Dodge House passed on the Gothic Revival style of the Victorian era, it seems that era’s fascination with spooky things has made an appearance in the house. Reports of a bearded man and other ghostly figures, as well as weird noises, flashing lights, and doors opening and closing on their own have been made by visitors and employees.  The house has even hosted Halloween haunted tours.  

READ ALSO: https://99wfmk.com/turnerdodgehaunt/ 

Other events of interest include Civil War reenactments, heritage days, and educational programs for local schools. The architectural style, enchanting history, and possible hauntings of the Turner-Dodge House have truly put it on the map. And if you consider the fact that the family who built the house is the reason there’s even a Lansing to put on the map, it just feels right. Personally, I’m glad I made that right turn on the river trail.