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Ultimate Guide to Roadside Attractions in Michigan

Home / Michigan Vacation Ideas / Ultimate Guide to Roadside Attractions in Michigan

Mary Moore, Updated March 23, 2022

Roadside Attractions in Michigan include stop at Concrete Animals at Gateway Park
Concrete Animals at Gateway Park. Photo by Mary Moore / Retro SheBuysTravel
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • Michigan Roadtrip Ideas
  • 20 Best Roadside Attractions in Michigan
  • Northern Michigan+−
    • 1. Lumberman’s Monument | Oscoda
    • 2. Concrete Animals at Gateway Park | Tawas
    • 3. Iargo Springs | Oscoda
    • 4. AuSable River Queen | Oscoda
    • 5. Tunnel of Trees | Emmet County
    • 6. Historic Paul Bunyan Statue | Oscoda
    • 7. DeadMans Hill Trail and Scenic Outlook | Elmira
    • 8. Wurtsmith Air Museum | Oscoda
  • Upper Peninsula+−
    • 9. Tahquamenon Falls | Paradise
    • 10. Castle Rock | St. Ignace
    • 11. Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox
  • Eastern Michigan+−
    • 12. Hitsville U.S.A | Detroit
    • 13. Eastern Market | Detroit
    • 14. Tridge | Midland
    • 15. Heidelberg Project | Detroit
    • 16. Lincoln Street Art Park | Detroit
    • 17. Go to Hell | Hell
    • 18. Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland | Frankenmuth
    • 19. Search Fairy Doors | Ann Arbor
  • Western Michigan+−
    • 20. Fredrik Meijer Gardens
    • Do you have a roadside attraction in Michigan that you’d add to this list? The comments box is waiting! 
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If there is one state where your camera will certainly get its fair share of work, it is the Mitten State. From the home of Motown to giant seagulls (and even a trip to Hell), Michigan has an endless number of fun, quirky, and unique attractions. Whether you are looking for a scenic snapshot or a peculiar pit stop, you’ll want to read up on this list of 20 of the best roadside attractions in Michigan for your next road trip.

Roadside Attractions in Michigan include a view from the lookout deck above Iargo Springs | Oscoda, MI.
View from the lookout deck above Iargo Springs | Oscoda, MI. Photo by Mary Moore / Retro SheBuysTravel

Michigan Roadtrip Ideas

Michigan is a fun state to road trip though because there really is a lot to see. And it doesn’t matter what area of the mitten you find yourself in, the Upper Peninsula, northern, eastern, or western Michigan, they all have at least something worth pulling over for.

Because my family and I have driven the state of Michigan several times over, we have accumulated quite a list of free or almost free roadside attractions to stop by. This list includes everything from a beautiful natural view – to a weird statue or quirky attraction. Basically, anything that would give warrant to taking a break from the road for just a few minutes of time.

Today, we want to share with you our ultimate list of Michigan roadside attractions to add to your list of things to do in Michigan. Have your camera ready? You’re going to need it with this list!

20 Best Roadside Attractions in Michigan

Whether you’re visiting Michigan to take advantage of the sweet summer lake time, the beautiful fall colors, or the adventuresome winter snow, this list will be there for you to keep your road trip interesting. How many of these have you seen?

Northern Michigan

1. Lumberman’s Monument | Oscoda

The Lumberman’s Monument makes a great stop in Michigan because it’s free, there are free activities to participate in, opportunities for education, and one of the most beautiful views over the AuSable River that I’ve ever seen!

There is also a gift shop available with Michigan souvenirs.

FREE | 5401 Monument Rd, Oscoda, MI 48750 | Open May 1st – October 23rd.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Looking to make the most of your summer budget while maximizing the fun? With a wide range of deals on local activities, dining, and experiences, Groupon helps you stretch your budget by offering discounted options near you.

Have you heard of Lumberman's Monument in Oscoda? One of many Roadside attractions in Michigan | Where to find
Lumberman’s Monument in Oscoda, MI. Photo by Mary Moore \ Retro SheBuysTravel

2. Concrete Animals at Gateway Park | Tawas

I’ve been making this fun stop since I was just a kid back in the 1980’s – and nothing has changed since then. However, that’s what makes this place a gold mine! It’s an Instagram paradise full of retro giant concrete animals that you can sit or play on if you’d like! Also, it comes with a beautiful view of the lake and beach and a covered spot to have a picnic.

FREE | 815 W Lake St, Tawas City, MI 48763

Quirky roadside attractions in Michigan include a stop at Concrete Animals at Gateway Park | Free Things to do in Tawas
Concrete Animals at Gateway Park. Photo by Mary Moore / Retro SheBuysTravel

3. Iargo Springs | Oscoda

Part of what Michigan is known for is its’ natural beauty – and you can find some of that at the Iargo Springs! This natural spring is at the bottom of nearly 300 steps, so be ready for an adventure before heading out!

You can also find a viewing deck at the top of the stairs near the parking lot. Outhouses are also available (yes, I said outhouses).

FREE | River Road Scenic Byway River Road Scenic Byway Os, Oscoda, MI 48750

4. AuSable River Queen | Oscoda

Taking a trip around the AuSable River aboard the AuSable River Queen is a fun way to see the rivers natural beauty. I also enjoyed the nostalgia of being on a riverboat built in the 1960’s!

Just remember that trips aboard the riverboat last about two hours. However, there are restrooms on board and food available for purchase.

COSTS | 1775 East River Road Oscoda, Michigan 48750 | Open Seasonally

Where to find roadside attractions in Michigan? How about this 1966 River Queen found in Oscoda?
1966 River Queen – found in Oscoda, MI. Photo by Mary Moore / Retro SheBuysTravel

5. Tunnel of Trees | Emmet County

During the fall, M-119 turns into a road trippers paradise! This scenic drive runs for about 28 miles and at the right time of year turns the road into a colorful wonderland – essentially, a natural tunnel of trees.

FREE | Find it along M-119, four miles east of Petoskey | Perfect for Autumn Adventures

Things to do in Northern Michigan, like a quick stop along the way through the Tunnel of trees | Legs Inn | Roadside Attractions
Quick stops along the way through the Tunnel of Trees | Legs Inn. Photo by Mary Moore / Retro SheBuysTravel

6. Historic Paul Bunyan Statue | Oscoda

This 13-foot tall statue of Paul Bunyan can be found in front of Furtaw Field. The story tells that it was once used as part of a Thanksgiving Day parade float in Detroit in the 1970’s before being bought and moved to this location in the early 1980’s.

FREE | Downtown Oscoda

Say hello to Paul Bunya, a statue in downtown Oscoda, amongst Free things to see and do in northern Michigan |
Paul Bunyan statue downtown Oscoda, MI. Photo by Mary Moore / Retro SheBuysTravel

7. DeadMans Hill Trail and Scenic Outlook | Elmira

Deadman’s Hill is a hiking trail, but it is also a great place to grab a look out over the landscape. Perfect especially in the fall when the trees change their colors to look like a painting.

This is a quick stop with parking and an outhouse bathroom.

FREE | Deadman’s Hill Road

Don't miss the many Scenic outlooks in northern Michigan to visit in the fall, like this one at Deadmans Hill | Elmira Michigan
Autumn view walking around Deadman’s Hill. Photo by Mary Moore / Retro SheBuysTravel

8. Wurtsmith Air Museum | Oscoda

For a small admission price, this stop is educational and fun! What used to be an old military base is now re-opened as a museum. Hours of Operation: 11am-3pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Open mid-May thru mid-September. Adults $5.00, 12 and under $3.00, under 5 FREE.

COSTS | 4071 E Van Ettan St, Oscoda, MI 48750

Looking for Things to do in Oscoda Michigan? Take in vintage planes at| Wurtsmith Air Museum, another one of many| Roadside Attractions in Michigan
Vintage planes at Wurtsmith Air Museum in Oscoda, MI. Photo by Mary Moore / Retro SheBuysTravel

Upper Peninsula

9. Tahquamenon Falls | Paradise

The Tahquamenon Falls is made up of two separate falls – each worth the short hike to see. Plus, the paths are paved.

FREE | Recreation Passport Required | 41382 W. M 123 Paradise MI, 49768

Tahquamenon Falls, Things to do in upper Michigan UP, Roadside Attractions
Tahquamenon Falls. Photo by Mary Moore / Retro SheBuysTravel

10. Castle Rock | St. Ignace

Climbing to the top of Castle Rock is a Michigan right of passage – once you’ve done it, you probably won’t ever do it again. While the 170+ steps can be a challenge, the view from the top is quite incredible. With a cost of only $1 per person to climb the rock – many would say it’s worth it. Don’t worry, there are benches along the way.

COSTS | Castle Rock Rd, Saint Ignace, MI 49781

Stop at Castle Rock, for Things to do in upper Michigan | Roadside Attractions
Castle Rock. Photo by Mary Moore / Retro SheBuysTravel

11. Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox

After exiting Castle Rock, be sure not to miss Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. These two can be found standing tall right out front!

FREE | Castle Rock Rd, Saint Ignace, MI 49781

Paul Buny and Babe the Blue Ox statues by Castle Rock | Roadside Attractions | Michigan
Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue OX statue. Photo by Mary Moore / Retro SheBuysTravel

Eastern Michigan

12. Hitsville U.S.A | Detroit

Are you intrigued by Motown music? On a quiet street in Detroit, it is possible to tour Hitsville U.S.A – the home of Motown. Walk through the recording studio and imagine what it would be like to see this place and the hits recorded here back in 1959!

Be sure to book your tickets to tour the museum in advance – these do cost. However, it is free to take photos out front!

FREE – $15.00 | 2648 W Grand Blvd, Detroit 48208

Get down at the Motown Museum Detroit | Things to see in Michigan | Roadside Attractions
Motown Museum, Detroit. Photo by Mary Moore / Retro SheBuysTravel

13. Eastern Market | Detroit

The Eastern Market is a large farmers market where different vendors set up year round. Housed within different sheds, it possible to find baked goods, produce, meats, and handmade crafts. This venue is free to visit – unless you decide to purchase something of course!

My favorite part of visiting the Eastern Market is to see the graffiti on the buildings! Amazing!

FREE (parking is also free) | Russell Street

Eastern Market are amongst many Free Things to do in Detroit | Roadside Attractions Michigan
Eastern Market Detroit. Photo by Mary Moore / Retro SheBuysTravel

14. Tridge | Midland

The Tridge is a three-sided bridge (get it, Tridge?). This stop makes for fun photo opportunities, plus a chance to get out and walk. There are also trails and a water play park nearby.

FREE | Ashman Street, Near The Farmers’ Market, Midland, MI

Midland Tridge | Free Things to do in Michigan | Roadside Attractions
The Tridge in Midland, MI. Photo by Mary Moore / Retro SheBuysTravel

15. Heidelberg Project | Detroit

If there is one thing that stands out in my mind about Detroit, it’s the beautiful and talented public art. The Heidelburg is a wonderland of such art, although this art includes piles of shoes, old t.v.’s and what some would depict as “trash”.

Be sure not to miss the house decorated with vinyl records!

FREE | 3600 Heidelberg St, Detroit, MI 48207

take in the Heidelberg Project, one of many Free Things to do in Michigan and a must-see Roadside Attractions
Heidelberg Project. Photo by Mary Moore / Retro SheBuysTravel

16. Lincoln Street Art Park | Detroit

If you enjoy browsing the graffiti art of Detroit, Lincoln Street Art Park is a “do-not-miss”!

FREE | 5926 Lincoln St, Detroit, MI 48208

17. Go to Hell | Hell

You read that correctly, there is a city in Michigan called Hell and it’s open to visitors! In fact, they capitalize on the name by offering fun souvenirs in their store so you can remember your trip.

FREE | Patterson Lake Road, Hell, MI 

Hell Michigan, yes this is another one of the Free things to do in Michigan | Roadside Attractions
Souvenirs in Hell, MI. Photo by Mary Moore / Retro SheBuysTravel

18. Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland | Frankenmuth

Do you love celebrating Christmas year round? This holiday store in Frankenmuth is a yuletide paradise, even in the middle of July! Even if you’re not wanting to shop, this place is simply interesting to see.

FREE | Frankenmuth, MI 

19. Search Fairy Doors | Ann Arbor

Do you believe in fairies? All along the streets of Ann Arbor, fairies have set up their homes. You can search for them hiding around the outside of the shops downtown. Need a map? Find one here.

FREE | Downtown Ann Arbor

Ultimate Guide to 20 Roadside Attractions to see in Michigan!

Western Michigan

20. Fredrik Meijer Gardens

While this stop isn’t quite a quick one, it makes the list because of the awesome sculpture park located on the grounds. Take a walk outside and view giant sculptures and natural floral designs unlike any other.

COSTS | 1000 E. Beltline NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Do you have a roadside attraction in Michigan that you’d add to this list? The comments box is waiting! 

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Filed Under: Fun Free Things To Do Near Me With Kids, Michigan Vacation Ideas, Midwest Vacation Ideas, Road Trips Tagged With: Michigan

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Comments

  1. Kelly Wells says

    August 7, 2020 at 4:03 pm

    Cranbrook Institute in Bloomfield Hills is a very educational and beautiful destination. They have an art gallery, a natural history museum, a grand house built by renowned architects in the early 1090’s area you can tour. The campus was built my philanthropists in providing artist a place to learn and has grown to what it is now. The gardens alone are a sight to see.

  2. Mary Jordan says

    September 12, 2018 at 9:25 pm

    Presque Isle Park, Marquette, Mi Beautiful views of the harbor, Ore Dock/Ships, hiking trails along the coastline and into the middle of the park, Black Rocks (climb around volcanic rocks), might get a glimpse of albino deer, playgrounds, pretty marsh walk, little store selling delicious Dilbert’s ice cream including Mackinac Isle fudge chip! Can’t wait to move back to my home state!!!

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