- Discover the unique mushroom houses in Charlevoix, Michigan.
- Learn about the history and architectural style of Earl Young.
- Explore various notable mushroom house designs.
- Find out about guided tours and other attractions in Charlevoix.
Believe it or not, you don’t need to fly all the way to New Zealand to experience Hobbiton. The charming town of Charlevoix, Michigan features a collection of mushroom houses that transport you directly to Middle Earth. Charlevoix is situated in Northern Michigan and attracts tourists from around the world, eager to tour these hobbit houses that have been part of the town since before the Great Depression. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to walk through Hobbiton from The Lord of the Rings, visiting the Earl Young Mushroom houses makes that dream a reality. They have made Charlevoix one of the most popular places to visit in Michigan.
Charlevoix Mushroom Houses Michigan
Charlevoix, Michigan, is just a 4-hour drive from Detroit and about 2 hours from Sault Ste. Marie in Ontario, Canada.
Charlevoix Historical Society
Your adventure begins at the Charlevoix Historical Society Museum, where you can immerse yourself in historical photos and artifacts from the region. A unique piece of nostalgia is Hemingway’s original marriage license with his first wife, Hadley Richardson.
The museum itself is housed in a historic building. The Harsha House was built in 1891 and was transformed into a museum in 1979, setting the perfect tone for your walking tour through the mushroom houses created by local architect Earl A. Young.
Earl Young Houses of Charlevoix
The mushroom houses of Charlevoix began taking shape in 1924 when local designer Earl Young purchased Bartholomew’s Boulder Park. It was three years later, in 1927, that he began his first design for a mushroom home, known as Boulder Manor.
Boulder Manor
Located along Lakeshore Drive, Boulder Manor served as Earl Young’s private residence. Unfortunately, construction was halted due to the onset of the Great Depression in 1929, and he sadly lost the manor but regained it in 1937, completing the beautiful Boulder Manor transformed into a mid-century modern design in the early 1940s.
Hobbit Homes in Michigan
Over 54 years, Earl Young designed 30 unique homes, with 28 buildings still standing in Charlevoix. In recent years, visitors have flocked to the area to tour these unique architectural treasures.
You can embark on a self-guided tour of the houses, relying on a guidebook available at the museum for a nominal fee. However, it is highly recommended to opt for a guided tour with the museum staff, where you will receive personal stories and insider information. We thoroughly enjoyed delving into the history of the mushroom houses of Charlevoix and the remarkable work of Earl Young.
The walking tour through the streets is quite easy, and we found that the Earl Young mushroom houses are privately owned, making it essential to respect their owners’ privacy. Therefore, ensure to remain on the public paths and enjoy the views from the road.
304 Park Avenue – Our Favorite Mushroom House
One of our favorite mushroom houses is the very first house built by Earl Young. Interestingly, this house was constructed prior to his purchase of the land at Boulder Manor but is in close proximity to his other Charlevoix houses.
304 Park Avenue does not quite resemble his original design, as it was built in 1919 before the advent of his signature mushroom designs. Remarkably, it was remodeled in 2015 to more closely resemble a mushroom than any of the other homes in the area. Local opinions vary, yet we proudly align with the enthusiasts; it embodied everything we hoped for in a Hobbit House in Michigan. Frankly, I half-expected Frodo to step out and invite me to a second breakfast.
Half House
The Half House stands as another excellent representation of a Hobbit House. With its charming design, it genuinely appears as though it was plucked right from Hobbiton itself. This house, built in 1947, has maintained its original design and is aptly named for its unique shape, resembling a house that has been cut in half.
Mushroom House
As we ventured further down the tree-lined street, we encountered several more of Earl Young’s creations. The original Mushroom House was the first structure to capture the attention of tourists, completed in 1954, designed to mimic a large button mushroom.
Prior to the remodeling of 304 Park Avenue, this house held the title of the most photographed in Charlevoix. The owners have evidently recognized this popularity, enhancing the landscaping around their home in recent years to keep tourists at a respectful distance.
306 Park Avenue
This house, located right next to the remodeled home, may not appear as impressive as the modern mushroom but is indeed a grand structure. Its size becomes evident when walking along the street behind it, revealing terraced steps leading down from the hill above.
This residence served as Earl Young’s second private dwelling, blending seamlessly with its surroundings through the layered stone designs, including stone fireplaces and shingle roofs that harmonize with the landscape.
Abide – Another Beautiful Charlevoix House
This charming house on the corner appears as though nature is gradually reclaiming it. However, it was actually designed with the landscape in mind. Echoing Frank Lloyd Wright’s techniques, Young embraced the land and scenery surrounding his designs.
Constructed in 1938, this house elevated his methodology of building around nature, where the trees and land seem to merge into the architecture itself.
If there is a fairytale-like Earl Young Mushroom House, this would be the one; only a thatched roof and a few hobbits would make it perfect.
Sucher House
The final house we encountered on our guided tour was the Sucher House, the largest mushroom house designed by Young. This home was built for the CEO of the Speedway 79 gasoline company. Characteristic of Young’s style, the area features stacked stone fencing, adding a unique touch to the architecture.
Owl House
It is evident why the Earl Young Mushroom Houses of Charlevoix draw visitors from across the globe.
These architectural designs are true works of art. What is even more remarkable is that Earl Young was self-taught, with no formal training. He used horse-drawn carts to transport materials sourced from the shores of Lake Michigan.
Having such an array of unique structures in one location is quite rare. While you could certainly visit Hobbiton in New Zealand, it remains just a film set; the mushroom houses of Charlevoix encapsulate the incredible work of one man’s dedication over 50 years.
Where are the mushroom houses in Charlevoix?
Situated in northern Michigan on Lake Michigan, Earl Young’s mushroom houses run along the lakeshore and Park Avenue toward Round Lake.
When do the guided mushroom house tours happen?
Guided tours are available daily at 10 am and 4 pm by the Charlevoix Historical Society Museum.
Where is Charlevoix?
Charlevoix is located on the North Shore of Lake Michigan, approximately a four-hour drive due north from Detroit.
What other things are there to do in Charlevoix?
In addition to the mushroom houses, another popular attraction is Castle Farms, an extraordinary castle dating back to 1918 that served as a popular music venue in the 1960s.
If you appreciate architecture or intriguing tales, this spot is an excellent stop when exploring the USA.
For a guided tour map of the Charlevoix mushroom houses, visit here.
