The Paulding Lights Of Michigan

A common characteristic reported by anyone that has seen the light is that it seems to have intelligence. Tracy Dotson, a frequent visitor to the Paulding Lights, claims the light has come right up to her car. Tracy and some friends took a hike in October of 1999 to find the source of the light. After trudging deep into the woods they found nothing, not even the light was seen. When they returned to the place they began their hike they turned back and witnessed the light showing off its teasing glow. The average report of distance is between one and five miles away. However if the light chooses it has appeared yards to feet in front of spectators. Those who have tried to approach the light are shut down by its disappearing act.

It is said that the Paulding Lights are sound sensitive. The area has become quite a tourist attraction and the younger locals find serenity in its mystics; from time to time Robins Pond Road clutters with noise. Even on the clearest of nights witnesses report that the light is hesitant to appear when its audience loudly waits. It is a repeated claim by frequent visitors that the light prefers a quiet calm. However, one witness, Bernard Fritz, believes the light is always there and that it only becomes visible at night. Bernard captured the specter on video while visiting the Paulding Lights in the summer of 1999.

Consistent reports of colors ranging from red, white, green, and yellow are common among witnesses. Other colors that have been seen within the Paulding Lights are blue and purple. It is said the light takes many forms from stars to diamond shaped, to circular or beams are the most frequent recalled. However, claims of a campfire amber or just radiant glows are not uncommon. It is said the Paulding Lights have been overbearingly bright to flickering dim. The longevity has been reported to vary as well. Some have claimed to observe the light for a quarter of an hour while others only seeing it for seconds.

There have been several myths as to how the light has come to be. One that has been consistent over time is that an engineer waves his lantern of glowing light to mark his death years ago on the tracks that were once there. Stories by witnesses that the light was spotted in route to the Watersmeet train station have been around since the early 1900's. It is said that the wining cry of a train whistle has been heard. One witness, Ashley Allen, reported that she heard the whistle on her visit in the summer of 1999.

Another claim that has been theorized is that the area in which the light manifests is a portal for spirits. Some witnesses believe that it is of religious nature and that the beams of light are beacons. There have been reports that the light has shaped into shadow like beings of darkness. There have been some claims of paranormal activity by witnesses after leaving the site. The feeling of movement without moving is a shared occurrence. One anonymous witness claimed the digital display on her radio flashed the word good-bye.

There is no definite conclusion on the Paulding Lights. No one really knows when the lights first came into existence. One factor that is certain, the Paulding Lights do exist. Many people have tried to uncover the mystery behind the lights. The simple explanations by skeptics that swamp gas or headlights are the foundation have been ruled out by most who have witnessed the light. Trickery or human manipulation are also abandoned theories because the light has existed this long. The area where the Paulding Lights can be seen is a welcome mat to the public. The Michigan Forest Service has placed signs around the area to direct spectators to the best viewing spots. Robins Pond Road is four miles north Watersmeet off U.S. 45 south of Paulding. The lights can be seen all year around.