I have an intense love of all things quirky/creepy/unique, but roadside attractions top that list! Our family has covered a lot of ground here in Michigan, so I’m sharing some of our favorite travel stops along the way. Next time you plan a family vacation, make sure to check this list and see if one of these are along your route.
{I’m going to keep this list updated, so feel free to check back!}
Roadside Attractions in Michigan
NORTHERN MICHIGAN | UPPER PENINSULA
Santa in Christmas, Michigan
Highway 28 in Christmas, Mich.
You cannot miss Santa along Highway 28 in Christmas, Michigan if you’re spending some time in the Upper Peninsula. Stop and tell him your Christmas wish! There also is some other wooden scenes nearby. Such a jolly stop worth pulling over for. Learn more here.
Lakenland Sculpture Park in Marquette, Michigan
2800 M-28 East, Marquette, Mich.
When you’re in the Upper Peninsula and heading into Marquette, a stop at Lakenland Sculpture Park is a must. The Artist Tom Lakenen invites you on his land to explore 100 scuptures made from scrap iron. You can park and stroll through, drive through, and even snowmobile through. Learn more here.
Jilbert Dairy’s Giant Cow in Marquette, Michigan
200 Meeske Ave., Marquette, Mich.
There’s never a bad time for ice cream, so if your travels take you through Marquette, a stop into Jilbert Dairy and to see Jilly, the giant fiberglass cow, is a must!
Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox in St. Ignace
N2690 Castle Rock Rd., St. Ignace, Mich.
This relic can only be observed at Castle Rock in St. Ignace, just across the bridge. The 200′ climb up Castle Rock has been beckoning tourists since 1928, and sure it’s cheesy beyond belief, but isn’t all quirk? Just $1 to make the Castle Rock climb and snap a photo with these two afterwards. Such a steal 😉
Wienerlicious in Mackinaw City
102 E. Central Ave., Mackinaw City, Mich.
It’s the world’s largest spray foam hot dog, and it’s sure to create some fun memories while exploring the Mackinac area. The hot dog weighs only a little over 1.5 tons, but is 63 feet long by 12.5 feet high from its base. It’s a fun lunch spot for kids too! Learn more here.
Cross in the Woods, Indian River
7078 M-68, Indian River, Mich.
For believers and non-believers, this truly is a beautiful spot to stop if you find yourself winding the roads near Indian River, Michigan. This Catholic Shrine has the largest Crucifix in the world just chilling amongst gorgeous pines, and it truly is a magnificent to see in person. {We didn’t make it to the Nun Doll Museum there, but that definitely sounds like some great quirk if you’re up to it!} Learn more here.
EAST MICHIGAN
Gateway Park in Tawas, Michigan
815 W. Lake St., Tawas, Mich.
Large cement animals crusted in layers of colorful paint…I mean, what a great stop for kids! Unfortunately all of the original animals painted in the early 80’s are no longer there. But still, the ones that are there are pretty darn sweet. Paired with beautiful Lake Huron as a backdrop, it’s a great stop for some colorful photos.
Gates of Hell in Hell, Michigan
Located outside of Screams Ice Cream – 4045 Patterson Lake Rd., Pinckney, Mich.
Next time someone tells you to go to Hell and back, you can tell them been there, done that 😉 This quirky little town outside Ann Arbor is fun for a laugh. Make sure to check out the gift shop with an ice cream coffin and get a few Hell-themed souveniers or a love lock for their lock bridge. Just don’t be surprised if the staff tells ya to have a “Hell of a good day” or hands you a $2 bill. The humor in this tiny town is on point.
Swinging Bridge in Crosswell, Michigan
Maple St., Riverbend Park, Croswell, Mich.
Michigan’s longest swinging bridge is located in Croswell, a cute town trapped in time and home to a Pioneer Sugar factory. In fact, the company built the 139 foot bridge over the Black River in 1905 to provide workers who lived on the other side of the river with an easier way to get to work. Over the years, the foot bridge has changed (the original didn’t have railings!) and has become a locally famous landmark. It’s a great spot to take a stroll!
Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum in Farmington Hills
31005 Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills, Mich.
OK, this isn’t roadside necessarily, but if I’m able to work Marvin’s in, I’m going to. It’s 100% FREE to visit and is full of alllll the quirk and charm, so if that’s your thing, you will LOVE this place. My kids love to collect their quarters to play games and grab some popcorn. I simply like to look at all.the.things. Totally free to walk through, and believe me when I say there is LOTS to see! Learn more here.
WEST MICHIGAN
Fantasy Forest in Battle Creek, Michigan
922-970 W. Michigan Ave, Battle Creek, Mich.
Nestled within the Leila Arboretum, you will find a forest of whimsical statues. Created as an attempt to recover some trees diseased by Emerald Ash Boer beetles, this is a great spot to stretch the legs and enjoy some really cool tree carvings. Learn more here.
Which Michigan roadside attractions does your family love?
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