15 strange roadside attractions every Michigander needs to visit

By Metro Times editorial staff on Sat, Jun 8, 2019 at 7:58 am

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Naughty Cow

N9273 U.S. Hwy. 41
No this isn't a real cow, just a statue of a cow with a blue hat around its stomach. But this happy cow does look silly. This roadside attraction is part of a larger collection of crazy statues that sit outside of someone's property as a sort of advertisement. The statue is larger than a human and is utterly hilarious. Stop by Daggett, in the Upper Peninsula, to see all of the outrageous statues.
Photo via jtsortofbored / Instagram

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World’s Largest Crucifix

7078 M-68 Indian River
As you’re traveling through northern Michigan, you can see the world’s largest crucifix located just off M-68 in Indian River. Weighing almost 7 tons and standing at 30 feet long, this statue was declared a national shrine by the United Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2006. Annually, this shrine is visited by about 300,000 people, along with with a Holy Staircase leading people through the forest to the shrine.
Photo via National Shrine of Cross in the Woods / Facebook

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World’s Largest Cherry Pie Pan

3424 Cass Rd., Traverse City
With Michigan being the cherry capital of the world, it’s no wonder any achievement related to cherry pie is hotly contested. Something that isn’t contested though, is the world largest pie tin, which sits outside of a Sara Lee store that used to be a Chef Pierre factory. This pie tin isn’t going anywhere and is the perfect destination for any northern Michigan road trip.
Photo via Daniel Morda / Facebook

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Uniroyal Tire

I-94, Allen Park
Whether you’re on your way to the airport or passing through southeast Michigan, this massive Tire is sure to catch your eye. Sitting on I-94, this massive tire used to be a Ferris wheel during the 1964 World's Fair. after the fair, the tire found its home in Allen Park, where it has lived since 1966. The tire stands at about 80 feet tall and weighs 11 tons. It is said to be able to withstand hurricane force winds.
Photo via Uniroyal Tire / Facebook

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Tunnel of Trees

M-119 North of Harbor Springs
If you find yourself on M-119 in northern Michigan, the tunnel of trees is a can’t-miss attraction. Hardwood and evergreen trees line the road and create a canopy overhead. With views of Lake Michigan and narrow, winding roads, you’ll have plenty of time to drive slowly, enjoy the view, and relax. There are some sharp turns, especially around Devil’s Elbow, where an evil spirit is said to be living. You will also find shops and good food stops along the way.
Photo via Tunnel of Trees, M119 / Facebook

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Secret Spot

St. Ignace, Mich.
In a not-so-secret location in St. Ignace, this mystery spot is full of surprises. Legend has it that in the 1950s when the land was being surveyed, the crew's equipment stopped working in a specific 300-foot diameter circle. And from that moment, visitors have traveled to this spot to see just what kind of supernatural things are happening. There is also a mini-golf course, zipline ride, and maze in the woods. This mystery spot is located near the Mackinac Bridge on Hwy. U.S.-2.
Photo via Mystery Spot / Facebook

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Paul Bunyan Statue

Corner of U.S. Hwy. 23 and Nicholson Hill Rd., Ossineke
The story of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox goes back about 100 years. With his massive size and outrageous strength, Paul and Babe could accomplish anything. Standing at 25.5 feet tall, Paul weighs over 11 tons, and babe the ox stands at 10.5 feet tall, weighing 4.5 tons. Paul and Babe were moved from Lookout Hill to Nicholson Hill Road in Ossineke. This is definitely a destination you cannot miss.
Photo via jrmaier / Instagram

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Leaning Tower of Pizza

Ann, Arbor, Mich.
Whether you’re in the mood for pizza or not, this roadside attraction is sure to make you hungry. The Leaning Tower of Pizza, constructed on the Ann Arbor headquarters of Domino’s Pizza, was originally going to be the new office building. After issues with the original contractors, the building was erected as a scale model, designed to lean at a 15-degree angle and stand at 30 feet tall.
Photo via Johanna Soderborg / Facebook

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Hell

Hell, Mich.
Welcome to Hell. Despite what you may think, Hell is actually a pleasant place. It's no Pleasant, Mich., but this small unincorporated town is proud of its name. The town is also for sale, where customers could buy one square inch of the town for $6.66. Other than gift shops, the town hosts great outdoor activities with access to more than 60 miles of hiking trails and access to kayaks, canoes, and fishing equipment.
Photo via Go to Hell, Michigan / Facebook

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Frank Lloyd Wright House

450 Madison Ave., SE Grand Rapids
The Meyer May House located in Grand Rapids is one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most stunning houses. Tours of the home are free and take about 90 minutes for the full experience. Restored by Steelcase in the mid-1980s, the home has been meticulously restored and furnished with other Frank Lloyd Wright pieces. Originally built in 1909 for Mr. and Mrs. Meyer May, this home is a unique Michigan experience.
Photo via Nicole Atkinson / Facebook

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Dinosaur Gardens

11160 U.S.-23, Ossineke
Another great roadside attraction that’s popular in Michigan is Dinosaur Gardens, located in Ossineke. At the gardens, visitors can immerse themselves in a forest environment surrounded by 25 large, life-like prehistoric creatures — with some sites created over 80 years ago.
Photo via Dinosaur Gardens / Facebook

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Da Yooper Tourist Trap

Ishpeming, Mich.
If you find yourself in the U.P. on your road trip, you can’t miss Da Yooper Tourist Trap. this roadside destination is home to many world record objects, like the world's largest working chainsaw, named Big Ernie — or the world's largest working rifle, named Big Gus. It is also home to a rock and mineral shop as well as Yooper gifts. If you're in the Upper Peninsula, Da Yooper Tourist Trap is an unforgettable destination.
Photo via Da Yoopers Tourist Trap / Facebook

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Prehistoric Forest

8203 US-12
Millions of years ago, in 1963, the dinosaurs roamed wild and free at the Prehistoric Forest in Irish Hills. A beloved city icon, now the park has sat closed for almost 20 years. The dinosaurs themselves have begun to deteriorate and have been targets of vandalism. Despite many trespassing tickets and verbal warnings, people still continue to go to the park to explore the once ancient lands. But be warned, entering the park is considered trespassing and could result in a ticket.
Photo via Don...The UpNorth Memories Guy... Harrison / Flickr Creative Commons

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World’s Largest Weathervane

Corner of Dowling & Water Street, Montague
Montague, Michigan is home to the world’s largest weather vane, located at the corner of Dowling and Water street. Weighing over 4,000 pounds, the structure stands at 48 feet tall with an arrow measuring 26 feet long. The weather-vane, which is fully functional, has a working weather station with foot access available for visitors to use.
Photo via Bill McChesney / Flickr Creative Commons

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Eiffel Tower

Paris, Michigan
In 1980, a group of students found a large number of metal bed frames they decided to utilize for a project. They created a replica Eiffel Tower and put it in Paris Michigan. White Pine Trail State Park is home to many things, and an Eiffel tower is one of them. At 20 feet tall this class project turned tourist attraction is one you don’t want to skip. Admission to the park is 6 dollars and is guaranteed fun.
Photo via Letting Go of Control / Flickr Creative Commons

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