8 Bizarre Roadside Attractions Around Metro Detroit That Will Make You Do A Double Take
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Sophie Boudreau
Author
If you’ve ever traveled throughout Metro Detroit, you’ve likely experienced some of the area’s prettiest destinations. From botanical gardens to Lake Huron beaches, there’s so much to see in and around the Motor City. While standard attractions are certainly worth visiting, there’s nothing more fun than checking out a quirky roadside gem. Here are eight such spots in Metro Detroit that are sure to catch your eye.
This folk art exhibit in the suburb of Hamtramck has long tickled the minds of curious visitors, who stop by to see everything from stuffed animals to model airplanes to bizarre found objects piled atop two adjacent garages. This one-of-a-kind destination offers a colorful reprieve from the realities of day-to-day life in the Motor City, so be sure to stop by.
Anyone who’s driven down I-94 has almost certainly seen this roadside attraction, which is impossible to miss. This massive Uniroyal Tire — often billed as the "World’s Largest Tire" — was initially constructed as a Ferris wheel for the 1964 World’s Fair in New York. It came to Michigan in 1966 and has been a Metro Detroit icon ever since.
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You might not be able to tell from the outside, but Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum is a dreamland for those who appreciate the odd side of life. This locale is simply overflowing with vintage decor, animatronic dummies, unique video games, and so much more. It’s easy for the entire family to have a blast exploring the seemingly endless array of items at Marvin’s.
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Hop in the car for a road trip to Hell, which sits just an hour outside Detroit. This community is full to the brim with classic roadside attractions, all of which feature a delightfully devious theme. Pose for photos with tongue-in-cheek signs, explore the Hell Saloon, or take a break for ice cream at Scream’s. No matter when you stop by, you’ll find plenty of amusement and fun.
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If you’re a fan of the holidays, you might just feel like you’ve died and gone to heaven when you check out Bronner’s. This massive store is located in Frankenmuth and can be reached from Detroit in just under 90 minutes. From the roadside, you’ll spot a year-round nativity scene and plenty of eye-catching Christmas decor. As you make your way through, you might just find yourself feeling happily overwhelmed by the building’s sheer size, which comprises a whopping 7.35 acres.
If you find yourself driving through North Campus at the University of Michigan, you might just stumble upon this strange and wonderful spot. The Wave Field is an outdoor "earthen sculpture" that provides the appearance of a grassy patch in motion — much like waves atop the water. There’s no other place quite like it, and visitors will surely appreciate the chance to jump, stroll, or sit atop the soil-crafted "waves."
It doesn’t qualify as "bizarre," but Detroit’s iconic Joe Louis Fist is undoubtedly eye-catching. This monument is situated within Hart Plaza and, as its name suggests, pays tribute to beloved boxer Joe Louis. While it’s become a symbol of the city’s strength among Detroiters, out-of-town visitors might do a double-take when they spot the monument for the first time.
You’ll have to embark on a bit of a country drive to check out this roadside gem, but trust us when we say that it’s well worth the journey. Blake’s Big Apple is a cozy farm market operated by Blake Farms that can easily be spotted by — you guessed it — a giant apple situated atop the building. Whether you’re stopping by for cider and donuts or simply snapping a photo below the apple, you’ll be charmed.
Are there any other roadside attractions near Detroit that we should be aware of? Share your favorite quirky destinations with us in the comment section below or make an official recommendation by filling out our nomination form here.
If you’re more inclined to explore nature, check out these natural wonders in Metro Detroit.
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