History, Haunts, and Hidden Gems with Lowell-based Tours Around Michigan

Candice Smith, a Lowell resident, is bringing history to life with her company, Tours Around Michigan. I recently joined her Ghost Tour in downtown Grand Rapids, and it was a truly fun experience. Smith’s passion for storytelling and Michigan’s rich history made the tour both entertaining and educational.

Right from the start, she captivated the group, sharing a glimpse of her other presentations—from chilling tales of Michigan serial killers to fascinating church tours and explorations of immigration history. She proudly declared that even long-time locals learn something new from her.

Our ghostly adventure began outside the iconic Amway Grand Hotel, where Smith, easily spotted in her vibrant yellow attire, revealed Grand Rapids’ surprisingly active paranormal past. With a sly smile, she hinted that if we kept our senses open—to sights, sounds, smells, and even feelings—we might just encounter a ghostly visitor ourselves. She also shared some intriguing historical tidbits about the hotel and the surrounding area before leading us to our next haunted hotspot just a block away.

Before the tour, I had the chance to ask Smith some questions about her background and the unique experiences she offers.

A Passion for Storytelling

When asked what inspired her to start her tour guide business, Smith’s answer was rooted in her love for storytelling. With a career that spans TV news production, NPR reporting, and public relations, Smith has always been drawn to the art of crafting narratives.

“In 2017, I began helping a local tour company and fell in love with sharing stories with guests and locals, opening up Grand Rapids to people in new ways,” she explained. Her talent was quickly recognized when she won the Certified Tourism Ambassador of the Year for Kent County, an honor that affirmed her knack for connecting people with the area’s history.

When the tour company she worked for abruptly closed, Smith stepped in to ensure planned events could still happen. This led her to launch Tours Around Michigan in 2018, focusing on creating unique storytelling experiences that inspire both visitors and locals to see Michigan in a new light.

Diverse Tours for Every Interest

Photo credit: Bryan Esler for Experience Grand Rapids

Tours Around Michigan offers an array of experiences, from the ever-popular Grand Rapids Ghost Tour to Historic Home Tours and Riverfront Tours. Each tour provides a special glimpse into the area’s history and culture.

“Our Ghost Tour shares not only hauntings but also the history of the buildings,” Smith shared. “The Historic Home Tours dive into architectural details and the lives of those who built the homes, while the Riverfront Tour highlights how the Grand River shaped the area.”

Tours Around Michigan has been recognized on ReVue Magazine’s “Top Things To Do” list for the fourth year in a row. This is testament to the quality of their tours and Smith’s passion for sharing Michigan’s history.

The company also offers private tours tailored to specific interests, such as Furniture City history or Urban Renewal. Bachelorette parties have even combined ghost tours with drink tastings at haunted restaurants, showcasing the flexibility and creativity of Smith’s approach.

Memorable Moments and Unique Guests

Smith’s tours have attracted a wide range of guests, from local families to international visitors. Notable moments include welcoming social media influencers specializing in accessible travel and hosting celebrities like Sarah Natochenny, the voice of Ash Ketchum from Pokémon.

“What makes any tour special is seeing how it impacts people,” Smith said. “It’s amazing to watch someone’s face light up when they learn something new about a place they thought they already knew.”

One of her proudest achievements has been making her tours inclusive and accessible. A review from Kent County resident Melinda Shaver sums it up: “The wonderful attention paid to my accessibility needs (wheelchair) and the accompaniment of my non-service dog was incredible. It’s not easy to find family outings when you have special needs, but Candice did terrific.”

Rediscovering Lowell Through History

Running her business has deepened Smith’s connection to her hometown of Lowell. She’s uncovered fascinating stories about local figures like Madame Magdelaine LaFramboise, a fur trading powerhouse, and authors Glendon Swartout and Ann Rule. Smith even hinted at the possibility of a ghost tour in Lowell, given its rich history and haunting tales.

The Joy of Sharing Stories

Candice Smith, Photo courtesy of Tours Around Michigan

“My favorite part of being a tour guide is bringing joy to others,” Smith said with a smile. “Using fun stories to make someone’s day better or helping families create memories together is the best way to share history.”

Curious to explore Michigan’s hidden gems? You can book a tour on the Tours Around Michigan website or follow the company on Facebook or Instagram.

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