Discover 24 Unique Hidden Gems in Michigan

Michigan is not only recognized as one of the premier states in the United States but also offers an abundance of attractions that extend beyond the well-known city of Detroit, which was celebrated as a top travel destination in 2018.

Comprising two distinct peninsulas, Michigan showcases a remarkable blend of history, nature, art, beaches, and waterfalls, encompassing nearly every imaginable experience. The state boasts a diverse and scenic environment that elicits profound appreciation from its inhabitants.

Named after the Native American word ‘mishigamaa’, meaning “large lake,” Michigan’s lower peninsula amusingly resembles a mitten, earning it the nickname ‘The Mitten State’.

Let us delve into some of the hidden treasures that await exploration throughout this exceptional state.

1. Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, Detroit

In operation since 1934, Baker’s Keyboard Lounge in Detroit is celebrated as the oldest jazz club globally. Originally a sandwich shop founded by Chris and Fannie Baker in 1933, it gradually evolved as their son started inviting jazz pianists to perform.

Renowned national artists, including notables such as Art Tatum Jr., Dave Brubeck, Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole, Miles Davis, and Gerry Mulligan, have graced the stage at Baker’s.

The venue features a seven-foot-tall Steinway piano and a piano-themed bar adorned with decorative mock keys, making it an essential stop for jazz enthusiasts.

Enhance your experience with a glass of premium scotch and the remarkable catfish delicacy, and revel in the ambiance shared with some of the most celebrated pianists worldwide.

2. Grande Ballroom, Detroit

Originally established as a jazz dance hall in the 1920s, the Grande Ballroom features Art Deco design elements along with a spring-floor that creates the sensation of floating while dancing.

This venue transitioned from a jazz dance hall to a dance club, skating rink, and ultimately a rock and counter-culture center during the 1960s, showcasing legendary bands such as Pink Floyd, the Who, and the Velvet Underground.

Since ceasing operations in 1972, the building has fallen into disrepair, with boarded windows and remnants of its former glory.

Accessing the venue may pose challenges, as much of it is secured; however, if you manage to enter, the haunting nostalgia of its storied past is sure to resonate.

3. Turnip Rock, Port Austin

Majestically situated just offshore, Turnip Rock is a distinctive geological formation in Lake Huron, named for its resemblance to a turnip. This formation arose from thousands of years of erosion, resulting in a substantial cross-section at the top and a narrower base.

This unique landmark was a finalist in the “Seven Wonders of Michigan” contest in 2013.

Although the adjacent land is privately owned and inaccessible to the public, visitors can still enjoy boat tours or kayak excursions originating from Port Austin, a common departure point for journeys to Turnip Rock.

4. Ann Arbor’s Fairy Doors, Ann Arbor

During the renovation of their century-old home in 1993, Jonathan and Kathleen Wright’s daughters stumbled upon a charming discovery: tiny, six-inch doors located near baseboards, fireplaces, and kitchens. Opening these doors revealed miniature railings leading to other small doors and windows that glimmered with lights.

By 2005, fairy doors began appearing throughout Ann Arbor—most notably, the first public fairy door outside Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea, which emerged in April 2005. Many more have followed, but as businesses close, so too do the fairy doors—a charming, if transient, phenomenon.

Today, seven out of the original ten Fairy Doors in Ann Arbor remain open to those who seek them.

5. Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum, Farmington Hills

Located discreetly between two shopping centers at the intersection of Orchard Lake Road and 14 Mile Road, Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum features an extraordinary collection of unusual artifacts within a 5,500-square-foot space decorated in a horror-vacui style.

Upon adjusting to the bright lights and visual stimuli, you’ll discover the fascinating world curated by Marvin Yagoda, who had collected these unique items for over five decades.

The late Yagoda, an expert in mechanical and electrical gaming devices, amassed a collection of vintage arcade games, mechanical curiosities, coin-operated animatronic figures, and various oddities.

Notable items include an Electric Chair from Sing Sing prison and Dr. Ralph Bingenpurge, an automaton designed to repeatedly vomit into a pile of old bottles!

6. Hell, Hell

If you ever wished to send someone to Hell—literally—you might contemplate visiting this intriguing township. Located near Ann Arbor, Hell has held its unique name since 1841, and multiple legends explain its origins.

One story tells of German visitors who dubbed the area “so schön hell!” which translates to “so beautifully bright.” Another recounts how town founder George Reeves nonchalantly suggested naming it Hell during a discussion.

Despite its ominous name, residents embrace their town’s identity. In winter, visitors can witness the “Hell Freeze Over” phenomenon, or you could even become the “Mayor of Hell” for a day, receiving the key to the town for $100 alongside an amusing certificate.

7. St. Agnes Church and School, Detroit

Constructed between 1922 and 1924, the now-ruined St. Agnes Church and School was once a cornerstone in the Detroit community. The site included a large Catholic church, a parish house, a convent, and a girls’ high school.

A gothic structure, St. Agnes hosted over 180 students and 22 nuns by its 50th anniversary. However, after a notorious riot in 1967, the neighborhood deteriorated and its population eventually relocated.

The building fell into disrepair after being placed for sale. The subsequent owners never occupied it, leading to its present state of decay.

8. Dymaxion House, Dearborn

Conceptualized and designed by inventor and architect Buckminster Fuller, the Dymaxion House embodies his vision of affordable, self-sufficient housing that could be readily manufactured and transported.

Constructed in 1946 as part of Fuller’s inventions, the house utilized surplus materials from World War II and was engineered to withstand hurricanes.

Though initially promising, the design never gained traction, leading to its donation to the Henry Ford Museum in 1991, where it underwent extensive restoration before being displayed in 2001, followed by additional preservation efforts in 2013.

9. American Museum of Magic, Marshall

In an era dominated by skepticism, few believe in magic. However, the American Museum of Magic offers a refuge where this lost faith can be revived.

Regarded as the largest of its kind in the United States, the American Museum of Magic houses an extensive collection of approximately half a million items, featuring both famous and obscure illusions and memorabilia gathered from the world’s great magicians.

Key artifacts include over 5,000 handbills, 24,000 magazines, 10,000 books, and a significant assortment of photographs and correspondence.

Highlights of the museum include Harry Houdini’s Milk Can escape apparatus, an extensive collection belonging to Harry Blackstone, Sr., and artifacts from Clare Cummings, along with files on Donna Delberts, the first female fire-eater, who interestingly was a man masquerading as a woman.

The museum, uniquely situated over three levels, was primarily assembled by the late couple, Robert and Elaine Lund.

10. Hamtramck Disneyland, Hamtramck

Known colloquially by locals, Hamtramck Disneyland is a whimsical two-story composition of both commercial and handcrafted items created by Dmytro Szylak, a retired assembly line worker from General Motors. Initiated in 1992 and completed in 1999, this assembly occupies a 30-foot backyard that extends over two adjacent garages.

The collection includes notable items such as images of Elvis, a model airplane featuring Mickey Mouse, various symbols of American patriotism, Christmas decorations, and uniquely placed dolls.

Until his passing in May 2015, Szylak conducted personal tours for visitors. Although the site was purchased by Hatch Art, a non-profit organization in 2016, sustaining this remarkable collection has proven challenging.

11. Detroit Children’s Zoo

Despite its name, visitors may want to reconsider bringing their children to this zoo, particularly if they’re sensitive to its forlorn state.

Once a flourishing attraction, the Detroit Children’s Zoo, formerly known as Belle Isle Zoo since its establishment in 1895, currently lies desolate amidst the ruins of Detroit.

During its operational years, the zoo hosted a diverse array of animals including elephants, bears, tigers, snakes, monkeys, and a herd of fallow deer sourced from Belle Isle.

The zoo was permanently closed in 2002 due to declining attendance. Although there were efforts to revive it in 2004, the allocated funds were redirected to construct a different zoo. Presently, the remaining structures are inhabited mostly by the last vestiges of the deer herd and the odd urban explorer.

12. Earl Young Gnome Houses, Charlevoix

Would you fancy residing in a whimsical hobbit house reminiscent of ‘The Lord of the Rings’? The residents of Park Avenue in Charlevoix, Michigan, enjoy such fantasy brought to life, thanks to the late architect Earl Young. He and his wife Irene Harsha first constructed a mushroom-like house in 1918, later designing around thirty similar structures throughout the town.

These unique homes, characterized by cedar shake roofs, stone walls, boulder-fitted windows, and frosted stone chimney caps, are often referred to as ‘hobbit houses’ or ‘elf cottages’.

Despite lacking formal architectural training, Young always prioritized the design of the roof before the overall structure. Such creativity resulted in these enchanting dwellings that attract admiration.

13. The Bottle House, Kaleva

With a population of approximately 500, the town of Kaleva is home to one of the most remarkable residential constructions in history: The Bottle House. Officially known as the Kaleva Bottle House Museum, this unusual creation was crafted from over 60,000 recycled glass bottles by John J. Makinen, Sr., a Finnish immigrant who settled in Michigan in 1903.

A testament to innovative recycling, the Bottle House is a product of Makinen’s soda bottling factory, Northwestern Bottling Works. Instead of discarding the used bottles, he repurposed them to build his dream abode, which utilized both brick and wood, in addition to the glass bottles. Unfortunately, he passed away before moving in with his family.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a large “Happy Home” sign constructed with brown bottles and a border of green ones, welcoming them into this contemporary museum now managed by the Kaleva Historical Society.

14. Paulding Light, Bruce Crossing

While unearthing abandoned structures or eccentric eateries is commonplace in the quest for hidden treasures, what if you encounter a bizarre, unexplainable light?

Known as the Paulding Light, this phenomenon has been reported near the township of Paulding in Ontonagon County, Michigan, manifesting as enigmatic, color-changing spheres of light visible nearly every night at a dead-end barricade shortly after turning left onto Robbins Pond Road.

Despite extensive scrutiny, no rational explanation has been provided for this occurrence, leading to speculation that these lights embody the ghost of a railway brakeman.

Reports and investigations have featured the phenomena in media outlets, including Michigan Magazine and Ripley’s Believe It or Not, with the latter offering a substantial reward for anyone who could explain the lights logically.

While you may have missed out on the reward, an encounter with the light is a captivating experience in itself.

15. Southwestern High School, Detroit

This abandoned school building in southwestern Detroit, once a bustling institution for over 1,600 students, is a must-visit for adrenaline seekers. Established in 1916 and closing its doors in 2012, the school featured modern amenities such as a swimming pool, auditorium, gymnasium, and athletic track.

Despite its historical significance, the school struggled academically, ranking lower than other institutions in the neighborhood, prompting the district to announce its closure.

The remaining structure stands as an unambiguous remnant of its former grandeur, finding itself too costly to maintain or demolish.

In notable recognition, journalist Manny Crisostomo from the Detroit Free Press received a Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography after documenting the school and its community for over 40 weeks.

As of August 2017, the site serves as a training ground for U.S. Border Patrol, and while it may be easy to enter, the potential risks associated with trespassing cannot be understated.

16. Pontiac Silverdome, Pontiac

If you know any older NFL enthusiasts, ask them about the Pontiac Silverdome—once the largest NFL stadium in the country, with a seating capacity of 82,000 spectators.

Opened in 1975, the Silverdome boasted a unique, dome-shaped fiberglass roof supported by air pressure. Over its 31 years in operation, it served as a venue for various sports, concerts, and events, including papal visits.

Now a haunting relic, the Silverdome was sold in 2009 to new owners with no intention of revitalizing the site. Ultimately, the structure collapsed in 2014, leaving shattered remnants scattered around the grounds.

Trespassing is discouraged as demolition is ongoing; however, with polite inquiries, one might be granted a glimpse into this historical structure before it fades entirely from memory.

17. Bath School Massacre Memorial, Bath Township

This memorial, while not a place for joyous exploration, commemorates the tragic Bath School Massacre that occurred in 1927 when school board treasurer Andrew Kehoe committed the most significant mass murder in American history at the school, ultimately resulting in 58 fatalities, including 38 children.

Seemingly a typical park from a distance, upon entering, visitors feel the weight of its somber history that cannot be ignored.

Kehoe’s violent actions included the detonation of explosives at the school following a series of earlier violent acts. The potential for greater devastation was evident, as additional unexploded ordnance was discovered in the vicinity of the school.

A visit may evoke a heavy heart, yet acknowledging such pivotal moments in history is essential to understanding the past.

18. Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School, Midland

The mere mention of Santa conjures a smile, doesn’t it? Envision a comprehensive three-day course titled ‘How to Be the Perfect Santa’, held in a school specifically tailored to cultivate the ideal presence for occupying the prestigious ’Big Red Chair’!

Founded in 1934 by Charles W. Howard, an accomplished actor and former Santa Claus, this institution is recognized as the oldest Santa Claus school operating globally.

Howard established the school due to his dissatisfaction with others portraying Santa ineffectively. Thus, he dedicated his life to instructing prospective Santas on perfecting their craft: attire, makeup, history, etiquette, and even insights into the habits of reindeer, presented with live examples!

Dubbed “The Harvard of Santa Schools” by CBS, the interior and exterior of the school are carefully curated to suit educational offerings.

Unfortunately, the program takes place once a year in October, necessitating applicants to submit an essay detailing their motivation and qualifications, although applications are accepted year-round for this unique experience.

19. Vanity Ballroom, Detroit

Detroit has experienced significant declines in its ballrooms, as evidenced by the derelict Vanity Ballroom, a Mayan-inspired venue designed by Charles N. Agree, which thrived until the mid-1940s.

Previously adorned with tile artwork reflecting pre-Colombian aesthetics, intricate engravings, and a grand 5,000 square-foot dance floor, the Vanity Ballroom hosted renowned musicians, including Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, and Tommy Dorsey.

A mecca for rock concerts featuring bands like Mc5 and The Stooges and even appearing in Eminem’s 2002 film, 8 Mile, this historical venue now lies in ruin, despite its entrance in the National Register of Historic Places.

20. House of David Museum, Saint Joseph

Established in the late 1800s, the House of David was a religious commune that emphasized celibacy, grooming, and self-sufficiency.

It gained notoriety for effectively establishing various services, including electricity generation and food processing, but notably, the House of David was famed for its minor-league baseball team.

The community began their baseball endeavors in 1914, traveling and competing against other teams while many players were recruited by major leagues. However, the commune’s regulations prevented them from ascending the ranks.

Although the franchise’s reputation waned following a scandal, its legacy continues to be celebrated at the museum.

21. The Hippie Tree, Traverse City

Nestled in the woods of the former Old State Hospital grounds, the Hippie Tree represents remnants of a colossal tree under which former patients often congregated for meditation and artistic expression, now reduced to a canvas of diverse artistry.

Rumors suggest that this location is haunted by the troubled spirits of former patients, and tales of paranormal activity have emerged.

Some claim that circumnavigating the tree in a specific manner may unlock a portal to the underworld beneath its intricate roots!

22. Mbad Museum and Dabl’s African Bead Gallery, Detroit

As the fourth establishment of its kind in the United States and the largest in Detroit, the Mbad Museum and Dabl’s African Bead Gallery is discreetly located within a century-old residence owned by Olayame Dabl.

Showcasing a diverse range of ceremonial beads and artistic creations, this museum also presents striking exterior motifs reflective of tribal African cultures, ornamented with numerous gleaming glass shards.

Inside, the museum possesses relevant literature detailing African history and culture, complemented by artistic expressions from various Afro-American artists.

23. Prehistoric Forest Amusement Park, Onsted

Once a thriving tourist destination, Prehistoric Forest Amusement Park opened in 1963 as a dinosaur-themed roadside attraction that attracted visitors from across the globe.

Within the park, guests could enjoy a ‘Jurassic Park’-like environment featuring life-sized fiberglass dinosaurs, a rattling safari train, and even an active volcano.

While it also showcased waterfalls and interactive activities, including fossil excavation pits, the park succumbed to urbanization and ultimately closed in 2002.

The site has suffered degradation, with numerous structures falling into disrepair. While now a private property, visits can be arranged with the landowner’s approval.

24. Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Cedar

Holy Rosary Catholic Church is a location entrenched in local tragedy, rooted in a scandal that profoundly altered the church community. Initially established in August 1883, the church became a subject of intrigue in 1917.

Rumors circulated about a murdered nun, Sister Janina, supposedly buried in the church basement, which prompted Father Edward Podlaszewski to investigate. Ultimately, he uncovered her remains and discreetly interred them at the foot of a large cross in the churchyard.

The sensational discovery was perpetuated by whispers of scandal surrounding the nun and her allegedly illicit relationship with Father Bieniawski. The story’s legacy continues to ripple through the community and its history.