As the only state with two peninsulas, Michigan has plenty of highways to explore, from way up in the Upper Peninsula to the very bottom of the mitten (the Lower Peninsula, of course). Getting off the highway, however, is how you see some of the state’s best roadside attractions.
Uniroyal Giant Tire | I-94
Allen Park
The Uniroyal Giant Tire is clearly visible from I-94 — Photo courtesy of joevare
Attractions don’t get more "roadside" than this one. In fact, you don’t even have to get off the road to see this giant tire because it’s clearly visible from I-94. The tire was once a Ferris wheel at the New York World’s Fair and moved to Michigan soon after. It’s not technically a tourist attraction because it’s on private land, but the view from the road makes it impossible to miss.
St. Ignace Mystery Spot | U.S. 2
St. Ignace
The St. Ignace Mystery Spot is an intriguing roadside attraction — Photo courtesy of John Fink
Take a tour of the mystery spot, play some miniature golf or check out the zip line at this Upper Peninsula attraction. What, exactly, is the mystery spot? Rumor has it that it might have something to do with gravity or optical illusions, but you’ll have to take the tour to find out. Kids are especially enthralled here.
Dinosaur Gardens | U.S. 23
Ossineke
This Triceratops replica can be found at Dinosaur Gardens — Photo courtesy of Kim Scarborough
If you’ve ever wanted to see a reproduction of an 8-foot long Brontosaurus, this is the place. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, this 25-acre attraction offers dinosaur lovers a life-sized taste of prehistoric times.
Visitors can take a self-guided tour to discover the two dozen dinosaurs around the property; most sculpted by hand and dating from 1935 to 1967. Dinosaur Gardens offers even more fun, like any good roadside attraction; there’s dinosaur-themed miniature golf, a fossil dig and frozen yogurt available for purchase.
Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland | M-83
Frankenmuth
Christmas ornaments and more abound at Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland — Photo courtesy of Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland
Sure, you’ve heard of Christmas in July, but what about Christmas in April? September? February? Michiganders know it’s Christmas in Frankenmuth no matter the month thanks to Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland.
Open year-round (361 days a year, to be precise), Bronner’s sells every type of indoor and outdoor Christmas décor you could imagine and is bound to get you in the Christmas spirit even in the middle of summer.
Explore: 10 Michigan destinations that are perfect for the holidays
Da Yoopers Tourist Trap | U.S. 41
Ishpeming
Da Yoopers Tourist Trap is in Michigan's Upper Peninsula (U.P.) — Photo courtesy of Bobak Ha'Eri
Most tourist traps try to be tricky about what they actually are – not this one. Da Yoopers Tourist Trap couldn’t be clearer. It’s a tourist trap. And yet, people love the huge selection of souvenirs and Yooper sense of humor on display. Before you go, you should know that a "Yooper" is someone from the state’s Upper Peninsula, also known as the U.P.
Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum | M-123
Paradise
The beautiful Whitefish Point Light Tower — Photo courtesy of Jan Davis Ruthig
So far off the beaten path that it’s practically in Canada, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum pays homage to shipwrecks that have happened in the Great Lakes – and those who have lost their lives there. The museum houses artifacts from many shipwrecks, including the bell of the Edmund Fitzgerald, which sank in 1975 with a crew of 29 aboard.
Visitors can climb the Whitefish Point Light Tower and, on a clear day, see to Canada. Listed as a historic site on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum is open May 1 until October 31.
Who was voted the best?: Best Michigan Attraction (10Best Readers' Choice Awards 2017)
Grand Haven Musical Fountain | U.S. 31
Grand Haven
Grand Haven's Musical Fountain synchronizes lights and water to music — Photo courtesy of Ed Post
Since 1962, Grand Haven visitors have been gathering for this spectacular water and light show that’s synchronized with music. It was the largest musical fountain in the world until it was upstaged in 1998 by the Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas. Fountain shows run nightly from Memorial Day until Labor Day, and weekends in May and September.
American Museum of Magic | I-94BL
Marshall
The American Museum of Magic has a multitude of magic-related artifacts on display — Photo courtesy of Battle Creek CVB
The mysteries and myths of magic help make the American Museum of Magic a place of intrigue. You’ll find a variety of artifacts here, with items from both Michigan magicians and more well-known magicians like Harry Houdini.
There are regular magic shows, of course, as well as special magic-themed events, like "Become a Magician Day" where kids can learn a magic trick and perform it on a stage.
Hell, Mich. | M-36
A sign welcomes visitors to Hell, Mich. — Photo courtesy of Rebecca Chatfield
If you’ve ever wanted to get married in Hell, have ice cream in Hell or see snow in Hell, this community can help. Grab some grub at the Hell Hole Diner, get a drink at the Hell Saloon or take a taste of the Gravedigger Sundae at Screams.
You can even be mayor for a day and get a badge, coffee mug, some dirt from Hell and other items – if you pay for the privilege, of course.
Midwest Miniatures Museum | M-43
Hickory Corners
Works of art like this tiny Japanese tea room are on display at the Midwest Miniatures Museum — Photo courtesy of Midwest Miniatures Museum
Sometimes the best things come in really, really small packages. Case in point: The Midwest Miniatures Museum has tiny replicas of houses, trees, businesses and more. Every piece has small details that require you to look closely to spot.
If you want your very own miniature to take home, consider one of the do-it-yourself classes, where you can purchase a miniature kit and learn the intricacies of these small art pieces from an instructor.
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