Jun/10

America the Strange: Michigan’s 5 Wackiest Wonders

Comments | Posted by Chrissy @ Jurnii in America The Strange, Attractions, Fun, Miscellaneous, Off The Record, Towns, Travel Resources

Michigan is a state that prides itself on its Great Lakes, but ask any true Michigan-born American and they will argue that it’s their status as the “Automotive State” that really makes them special. And this is clearly evident through the countless automotive attractions and museums you will find sprinkled along the roadsides of the state.

Weird and wacky is something Michigan does well, and this does not just extend to its proud collection of everything cars. So come with us as we Jurnii through this unforgettable state and uncover its strangest, yet most interesting attractions.

1. World’s Largest Tire: Allen Park

Nothing captures the state’s automotive history more than this tribute to one of the world’s most useful inventions: the tire!

Weighing in at 12 ton and standing an impressive 80-foot tall, this tire will put the tires on your car to ABSOLUTE SHAME!

2. Hiawatha, World’s Tallest and Largest Indian: Ironwood

Pass through the town of Ironwood and it will be hard (if not impossible) to miss the looming statue of America’s tallest and largest Indian.

This sturdy structure weighs in at 16,000 pounds and reaches into the sky 52-feet high. Built to withstand winds up to 140 mph, nothing is going to be moving this stature anytime soon, but it still doesn’t hurt to take a look before the sun once again threatens to take away his shininess!

3. Weird Michigan Wax Museum: Moran Township

If the word “weird” appears in the title of attraction, it’s a safe bet you’re in for a treat! Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is known for its, lets say, oddities, but this museum has to take the cake (and the candles).

Although the displays are somewhat “tongue in cheek”, they do well to capture the weird and wacky of the Upper Peninsula and will have you shaking in your boots, or simply just crept out!

4. World’s Largest Cherry Pie: Charlevoix

A gruesome battle played out on the streets of Charelevoix and Traverse City between the years of 1975 and 1987: a battle in which Traverse City smeared the victorious juices of cherries over the faces of the residents of Charlevoix.

While the mess on the streets has since been cleared up, what remains is a salute to the pie dish that encompassed the once “World’s Largest Cherry Pie”. The Charlevoix pie dish is proudly displayed in its original brick oven and is big enough to hold a pie that weighs 17,420 pounds.

5. Da Yoopers Tourist Trap: Ishpeming

While you are in the Upper Peninsula visiting the weird Wax Museum, be sure to swing by D Yoopers Tourist Trap; home to some Michigan’s wackiest attractions yet.

This is the land of snow, mosquitoes, pasties, smelt and Bosch beer, and this is something this tourist attraction celebrates. Home to Big Gus (the world’s largest working chainsaw) and Big Ernie (the world’s largest working rifle), this is one roadside attraction you will want to bring the camera along for.