Visiting Hell, Michigan has been on my bucket list for a long time. I mean, who doesn’t want to say they’ve been to Hell? Any place with a good sense of humor has my vote for a great tourist destination!
So, I packed up the kids for a visit, and in the very least, to get some delicious ice cream on a hot day.
If you aren’t familiar, the village of Hell, Michigan is located between Livingston and Washtenaw Counties, just outside Pinckney. Despite the name, the area is actually quite scenic. The winding roads to get there are beautiful and full of cute houses and barns that belong in country magazines.
I was solo parenting on our trip, so we picnicked and skipped the Hell Hole Bar and Hell Saloon, but I made a mental note to visit for a fall date night. I’ve heard they have fantastic burgers and pasties.
Funny enough, my kids aren’t familiar with Hell {as in, opposite of heaven}, so they just thought we were in a Halloween town. They love all things creepy, so it was pretty magical for them. I am sure when they are older and a little more rebellious they will love saying that they were able to visit Hell 😉
I chuckled seeing my little devils intrigued by all the silly things. Some of it was a little too fitting 😉
The main attraction in Hell is definitely Screams — and it’s probably one of the best touristy things you can do in Michigan.
Nothing is taken too seriously in Hell, and we had fun checking out the fun souvenirs and grabbing an ice cream.
Heading into Screams, the kids loved the “lil’ devils” door entrance. All the small touches around Hell made us smile.
There was so much to look at…and even the ice cream toppings were served in an open casket.
TIP: They even have a “Gravedigger” sundae that, if you finish, you get a death certificate.
We had way too many laughs looking at the merchandise {again, my kids love all things creepy}, and my day was totally made when the ice cream workers told me to have “a hell of a day,” and handed me a $2 bill with a Hell stamp. What an awesome, memorable touch!
Screams is also popular for postcards — in which they singe every one with fire — and for their “Mayor of Hell,” which would be the perfect gift idea for those with a dark sense of humor 😉
There were creepy yet kitschy touches everywhere, and we had fun exploring. Bonus? The ice cream was realllly good!
In back of Screams is a putt-putt golf course. We skipped it due to the heat and lack of shade, but it looked like fun — especially since you can go for FREE by printing off this coupon. Otherwise, it’s $6 for adults, $4 for children 12 and under and free for children under 4.
Additionally, in the area behind Screams, there are additional cut-outs for photo-ops, a little chapel, a locks of love bridge {you can buy locks in the shop}, and a damn.
…Because it’s not Hell without a damn, right? The kids got in the water because that’s what my kids do, and I didn’t see any signs saying not to. They had fun exploring and throwing rocks. It was a pretty area to explore some nature.
Overall, we cannot wait to visit Hell again, and maybe do some canoeing next time. It’s definitely worth a Sunday drive around Halloween or to stop by when you are near the Ann Arbor / Livingston County area.
Have a hell of a good time if you visit!
What a fantastic post! Your pictures are bright and fun and it looks like you had a happy day. Thanks for sharing!
You got it! It definitely is a fun day trip!
Ha. I’ve never been to Hell (lol) but it looks like a fun little town.
LOL is right. Visiting Hell is fun 😉 It’s not far from Ann Arbor, so a spot to consider when you’re out this way sometime!
Is Hell a dog friendly place as we are traveling with 2 small shitzu’s