9 Long-Gone Attractions In Michigan That We're All Nostalgic For

Michigan is overflowing with wonderful things to do and see. Whether you’re exploring the natural splendor of our Great Lakes or touring the manmade beauty of the Michigan State Capitol Building, there’s something here for every sort of traveler. But while there’s plenty to do here, those of us who have spent our lives in Michigan have watched many of our state’s most wonderful attractions come and go. Here are nine long-gone destinations that will inspire all sorts of nostalgia.

Flickr/Neka Pearl

Cereal fans across the state long for the days when Cereal City USA was a fixture in Battle Creek. Operated by Kellogg’s, this one-of-a-kind attraction featured everything from a restaurant to massive cereal boxes to all sorts of historical exhibits about the company itself. Cereal City operated from 1998 until 2007.

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This Onsted attraction drew in tourists to the Irish Hills region during its peak operating years, between 1963 and 1999. Visitors will certainly remember roaming the grounds and marveling at over 70 massive fiberglass dinosaur statues. Today, the dinosaurs themselves remain — but the park is sadly abandoned.

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If you were a baseball fan in Michigan any time between 1912 and 1999, chances are good that you visited Tiger Stadium at least once. This venue, previously known as Briggs Stadium, Bennett Park, and Navin Field, hosted our beloved Detroit Tigers for decades before its demolition in 2009.

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Facebook/Flint Autoworld

This car-themed amusement park was constructed in 1984 as part of an effort to rebuild the reputation of Flint and draw in tourists from across the country. During its ten years of operation, Autoworld featured everything from carnival rides to simulations to on-site films explaining the history of the automobile industry here in Michigan.

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Flickr/upnorthmemories

This fun-filled amusement park in Detroit was a major attraction for kiddos and adults alike during its heyday. The park existed from 1898 until 1993, and its eerie abandoned remains have often been captured via drone footage in recent years. Visitors will recall reaching the park by ferry and spending hours on thrill rides, a ferris wheel, and other attractions.

Flickr/Jukie Bot

Step aside, Madame Tussaud: Michigan was once home to an ultra-unique wax museum that delighted visitors of all ages. The now-closed Weird Wax Museum in St. Ignace was a quirky draw for Michiganders who ventured across the Mackinac Bridge. From creepy murder reenactments to depictions of various Michigan legends, there was truly something for everyone.

Flick/upnorthmemories

Perhaps you have memories of visiting this spot in Maple City, which featured a series of lovely paintings depicting biblical scenes and other displays detailing the life of Jesus. You didn’t have to be religious to appreciate the unique beauty of the gardens, which ultimately closed in 1987 after several decades of self-guided tours.

Wikimedia Commons/Roger Gerritsma

Before there was Michigan’s Adventure, there was Pleasure Island. If you were a child of the 1980s and 90s, perhaps you recall visiting this Muskegon water park in all its glory. With massive water slides (the Black Hole was an all-time favorite), plenty of swimming space, and even a putt-putt golf course, it was hard not to have a blast at Pleasure Island. The park closed for good in the late 1990s.

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This St. Joseph amusement park was a dream for carnival-lovers of all ages during its reign, which came to a close in the 1970s. Tucked away on the shores of Lake Michigan, Silver Beach offered everything from a carousel to a roller coaster to any sort of carnival food imaginable. What could be better?

Did we leave any of your favorite long-gone attractions or destinations off your list? We’re always eager to connect with you. Share your memories and experiences in the comment section below!