THE PAULDING MYSTERY LIGHT...
I'm on vacation in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan at Carolyn's family cabin. There's no electricity or internet. That means no weather charts or forecasts from me for a week. Instead, I have crafted a number of posts about the U.P. and the cabin so you can still get a taste of my daily blogs and a feel for what we call "our special place".
On a lonely stretch of HWY 45 running from Watersmeet to Bruce's Crossing, is the former sawmill town of Paulding, Michigan. Located in Ontonagon County, the village today is so small that if you blink, you'll miss it. Total population 426.
Today the towns claim to fame is that it's the gateway to Bond Falls. Experts in the area of waterfalls claim it's one of the most picturesque in the Midwest. I've been there and I will vouch for that.
But the truth be told, the real draw to Paulding for me, is its proximity to the mystery light, or what others call the "Ghost light". Being close to my in-law's cabin where I'm vacationing (and costing nothing), it was a no-brainer to make the short journey to experience this magical if not spiritual phenomenon.
Since 1966, the mysterious light has appeared at night in a valley outside of Paulding. The strobe-like beam, known as the Paulding Light, shines in the distance of a dead end gravel road like a lighthouse signaling ships to shore. While students and investigators have explained the occurrence as something natural, many residents of the community are convinced it is paranormal.
The Paulding Light can be seen every night, just above the vast line of trees and power lines in the rural area called Robbins Pond road. It slowly flickers on like a candle, burning brighter and hovering like a fireball among the stars for several seconds. It has been reported to be a range of colors like a bright white, to a reddish-orange, and in some cases even green.
It first appeared in 1966, when a group of teens reported seeing it in the woods. The phenomenon has occurred so frequently over the course of 50 years, it has become a tourist attraction and hot spot for paranormal investigators.
To see the mysterious orb, one must follow the gravel road about a half mile, where they will run into a barricaded dead end. At the foot of the forest road lies a sign that begins, “This is the location from which the famous Paulding Light can be observed…” And then goes on to explain the common legends surrounding the light’s origin. Casper the Friendly Ghost is at the bottom of the sign holding a lantern, like the ghost from the light’s popular legends.
Among the urban legends surrounding the Paulding Light is the theory that it is from the lantern of a railroad worker’s ghost. Tragically killed trying to cross the railroad tracks, he reportedly swings the lantern and flashes the light to warn visitors of the impending train.
Another variation of the legend is that a man was killed on the train tracks as he searched for his lost son in the night. His light appears as his ghost continues searching for his forever lost child. An even more sinister explanation is that someone was brutally murdered along the railroad.
The town has fun with the supernatural stories surrounding the light, capitalizing on people’s curiosities and encouraging them to visit the area. Paranormal investigators from around the world have taken note of the spectacle, including the Syfy series FACT OR FAKED: PARANORMAL FILES, which investigated the light in 2010.
The episode, titled “Blazing Horizon/Rollover,” followed hosts Jael Pardo, Bill Murphy and Austin Porter as they investigated and attempted to debunk the light. They conducted three different experiments in one night, including recreating the light with a laser pointer, and flying an airplane above the highway. When they couldn’t perfectly recreate the light, they surveyed the area trying to capture EVPS. They concluded the Paulding Light was something that just could not be explained.
However, not so fast. The light can be explained. In that same year, Michigan Technological University students took on the Paulding Light as a class project. The students, who were members of the Society of Photo Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE) set out to the famous area with a telescope. What they saw through the lens is a lot less exciting than a sorrowful ghost roaming endlessly among non-existing train tracks.
Upon glaring at the light through a large telescope, the students were able to see car headlights shining down US highway 45. Due to the position of the road, the car headlights were being refracted from a partially blocked lane of sight.
Professor Mike Roggeman explained the group’s findings, “I can’t say there is no ghost there for sure, but I can say everything we saw was perfectly explainable.”
Although the students were able to provide a scientific explanation, the news didn’t impress avid fans of the light’s supernatural history. Some have even gone as far as to dismiss SPIE of not even seeing the Paulding Light.
But people will always want to believe in the alluring mystery surrounding the Paulding Light. Despite the findings, people still visit the Paulding, Michigan area hoping to get a glimpse of history—or even a ghost. It’s fun for the whole family to park on the side of the road, and anticipate the light’s arrival. And whether the light is from a car, or from an unrestful spirit, the light still brings people together in a positive way and sparks the imagination of dreamers everywhere. I should know, I'm one of those who can literally say, I saw the light! Roll weather...TS
PEOPLE LOVE IT. OUR AIRBNB IS A MOST LOVED GUEST FAVORITE!
ANOTHER 5-STAR REVIEW....thanks Myriam
AIRBNB has rated my renovated church in Galena A GUEST FAVORITE, A MOST LOVED home according to visitors. Check out some of our reviews and get in on the flexible deals we have available below.
Christa-Monument, Colorado
The Little White Church is amazing!!!! Pictures do not do it justice. I would absolutely recommend it to my friends and family. It is just so unique. Carolyn is an amazing host and super responsive. I would give our experience 6 out of 5 stars if I could.
Phillip-Queensland, Australia
Amazing and thoughtful renovation. Stayed in a piece of history. Great location and modern amenities. Would stay again!
Jill
The Little White Church is beautiful. The decorations are perfect, and it was redone with impeccable taste. Carolyn was a great host.
Brent
Such a gem. Relaxing in the countryside in a historic church that was beautifully decorated and recently renovated was exactly what we experienced. Everyone loved our stay, and we will be back!!!
Leigh
Beautiful and unique. We were all captivated by the adorable chapel turned AIRBNB
Jenny-Frisco, Texas
It was a magical place for our family to celebrate Christmas!
Kelly
What a gem! The Little White Church exceeded our expectations. It was the perfect spot to meet up with another couple to relax and explore nearby Galena. We enjoyed the beautiful great room with its fireplace and amazing views of the rolling countryside. (The photos simply can't do it justice). The charming church/home was quiet, well appointed and clean. And Carolyn was proactive with instructions and a terrific communicator. We will definitely be back!
John
Absolutely incredible! Loved the tranquility and the beautiful views. The decor was so inviting. AND the bell tower works!! Would 100% stay here again!
Tori-Cedar Falls
This place is so beautiful! Carolyn and Terry were so thoughtful and kind to let us have our wedding at the church. They even provided extra supplies in case we needed them. The private garden worked perfectly for our ceremony, and the backyard easily fit our reception needs. Not to mention, the balconies make perfect photo spots! My husband and I recommend the Little White Church and will be telling all our friends about it.
Mahesh-Buffalo Grove
Carolyn was a great host, very flexible! The place is super clean, spacious with a private backyard overlooking the fields and bluffs! We spent a lot of time on the deck. Great kitchen, clean bedrooms and baths. Highly recommend the place.
William
Great place. Great host. Will definitely book again and tell our friends.
Miriam
Carolyn and Terry's place is BEAUTIFUL! The Little White Church is a wonderful place, way more beautiful than the pictures. Everything is brand new and extremely clean. Staying at the church was a unique experience and I would love to come back soon. I strongly recommend the place if you are looking for a 5-star location!
Vanessa-Chicago
Carolyn was great! Absolutely beautiful place! I would not hesitate to go back. We spent Thanksgiving and the next night. Very well stocked and above and beyond with extras included. Thank you!
MAKE US AN OFFER...
What about pricing? Right now, we are able to offer you our best pricing ever. We have 3 nights for the price of 2 which, depending on the days, can save as much as $300-$400 dollars. If you book directly through us, you can also eliminate booking fees and taxes that the big chains charge. Cleaning fees are also drastically reduced. It all adds up to exceptional deals at a destination worth visiting. Let us assist in finding a time and price that works for you. Here's a link to some pictures. https://www.tswails.com/galena-airbnb
Carolyn and I will do all we can to make sure your stay is a memorable one. Please call or text Carolyn for more details and options and get a prime date while they are still available. Again, that's Carolyn at 563-676-3320. Or carolynswettstone@yahoo.com
Now that it's vacation season, there is no better place to visit than Galena and no better place to stay than my newly renovated AIRBNB, the Little White Church. We are located in the bluffs, just 5 miles from the 2nd largest tourism destination in Illinois. In fact, "Tourist Destination", rated Galena as the 2023 top place to visit in the entire Midwest.
Now is the best time to enjoy all there is to offer, and my 5-star AIRBNB is the perfect location to stay. Set in the rolling hills just outside of town, our completely renovated church is designed for you to unwind and relax.
Again, we are an AIRBNB Super host and can accommodate up to 8 guests. We've got cable, hi-speed WIFI, Sirius XM and a sparkling full kitchen. We are a home away from home and take great pride in cleanliness and comfort. All of our ratings have attained perfect 5-star status!
Hope to see you soon,
Terry and Carolyn
7 GREAT REASONS TO VISIT GALENA
1. It’s Steeped In History
2. It’s Home To One Of The Best Main Streets In America
3. The Restaurants Are Amazing
4. There’s A Lot To Do Outdoors
5. You Don’t Have To Travel To The Mountains To Go Skiing
6. It’s A Great Place To Spend The Fourth Of July
7. Did I Mention The Shopping?
