Jackson's Haunted Tours - The Sparks Has a Past & It's Not Done Speaking...

This October, the Jackson Downtown Development Authority invites you to explore one of Jackson’s most intriguing landmarks—the Commercial Exchange Building, now known as The Sparks. Together with the Central Michigan Paranormal Investigators (CMPI), we’re hosting a haunted fundraiser that blends history, architecture, and the unexplained into one unforgettable night.

Built by the original owner of Jackson’s iconic Cascades waterfalls (William "Cap" Sparks), the Commercial Exchange Building has lived many lives: a bustling vehicle manufacturing plant, a fire-scarred relic, and the subject of whispered stories about Underground Railroad tunnels hidden in its foundation. Its walls hold layers of history—and possibly much more.

A decade ago, CMPI investigated this very building and encountered chilling activity: a heavy door that opened on its own, echoes of machinery and voices from long-gone workers, and contact—through their devices—with the spirit of a 17-year-old once trapped inside. This October, they return with cutting-edge equipment like K2 meters, REM pods, and laser grids for a live paranormal investigation that puts you in the middle of the action.

Tour Details

Duration: 2–2.5 hours

Format: Walking tour through The Sparks (Commercial Exchange Building)

What to Bring: Friends, flashlights, and an adventurous spirit

Your participation does more than spark the paranormal—it supports the Jackson DDA’s mission to keep our downtown vibrant through historic preservation, community events, and local economic growth. And because we know times are tough, ticket prices have been reduced this year to make this experience accessible to more of our community.

Join us this October for a spine-tingling journey into the Commercial Exchange Building, where architecture, history, and the paranormal converge—all for a cause that benefits downtown Jackson.

Host or Publisher Jackson DDA