Michigan is known for so many things – Detroit, the Upper Peninsula, thousands of beautiful lakes – but there is a much more zany side to our fair state. Here is a list of some of the most wonderful and whacky attractions this state has to offer.
Hamtramck Disneyland
Take all the random tchotchkes you’ve seen at the weirdest garage sales and throw them on a garage roof and in a back yard and you’re only starting to get the general idea of Hamtramck Disneyland. This place is pure art. 90+ year old Dmytro Szylak, a Ukrainian immigrant, began this magical place as a hobby when he retired from GM.
Castle Rock
Climb up to the top of the 200 foot tall Castle Rock and take in the stellar bird’s-eye view of Mackinac Island and Lake Huron. Just three miles north of St. Ignace, this is a great place to stop and stretch your legs on a long trip. If the views aren’t enough, Paul Bunyon and Babe the Blue Ox are available for pictures… in statue form.
Baker’s Keyboard Lounge
Detroit’s – and the world’s – oldest jazz club has been in operation since 1934. During its history, it has seen such jazz legends as Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Louis Armstrong. Sit down and grab a glass of something tasty and enjoy live jazz music.
Hell, MI
What more of an incentive do you need to visit? It’s just further proof that if you live in Michigan, you can survive Hell.
Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland
Fans of Frankenmuth are well acquainted with Bronner’s. It’s the world’s largest Christmas store, open all year round. Even in the summer, you can take a trip in there and feel all sorts of holly jolly.
Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum
This is the zaniest, most eclectic conglomeration of classic video and arcade games. Located in Farmington Hills, plenty of Metro-Detroiter’s have been there as kids and so many more of us want to go back as adults.
The Antlers Restaurant
Taxidermy. Taxidermy everywhere. Located in the Soo (or Sault Ste Marie for those not hip on our great state), this place is a hunter’s daydream. However, it’s probably not for hard core animal lovers.
World’s Largest Cherry Pie
Michigan has several “World’s Largest” somethings, but this is probably the tastiest. Concocted by the Sara Lee Bakery Group, this monumental pie is definitely worth the detour to see.
Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
There’s an entire museum dedicated to shipwrecks for those inclined to check it out. Located in the Upper Peninsula, this museum features several of the most noteworthy shipwrecks to happen in the Great Lakes.
Final Word
Michigan is full of colorful people and places to see, so this list will be ever-evolving. Add your favorite wacky Pure Michigan destination in the comments below.