Looking to hit the road and take the kids on a kooky adventure this year? Or maybe you just want to explore a town’s attractions nearby? You don’t have to venture very far to treat them to an experience they’ll treasure for the rest of their lives.
Michigan’s roads are dotted with all kinds of oddities and hidden treasures that kids will get a kick out of seeing.
From a giant tire along the freeway (yes, that one) to statues of Paul Bunyan and a large cherry pie tin, here are 14 weird and fun roadside attractions in Michigan that you can visit with your kids.
Do you know of other weird roadside attractions in Michigan? Share them with us in the comments!
Note: Some of these attractions may be on private property. Check before you head out, and remember it’s never OK to climb on art installations unless there’s a sign that specifically says you can. Admission prices are subject to change in 2025.
Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland
- Address: 25 Christmas Lane, Frankenmuth
This year-round retail shop is a Christmas lover’s paradise that features 27 acres trimmed with beautiful holiday displays. The store itself spans 96,000 square feet full of lights, decorations and Christmas gifts. Take a picture with the Christmas decorations outdoors – including the 17-foot-tall Santa Claus and penguins.
Castle Rock
- Address: N2690 Castle Rock Road, St. Ignace
Located off I-75, this attraction is famous for being on the oldest looking points in St. Ignace and allows visitors to look at Lake Huron, Mackinaw Island and the surrounding areas. Also, be sure to take a photo with Paul Bunyan and Babe and visit the gift shop.
Dinosaur Gardens
- Address: 11160 U.S. Highway 23 S., Ossineke
Take a walk through a pre-historic jungle and see life-sized dinosaurs. Admission to the walking tour is $10 and kids under 3 are free. Add on putt-putt golf or miner’s sluice for additional charges or bundle as a package deal. Kids can also dig for dinosaur fossils for $3 extra.
Giant Crucifix
- Address: 7078 M-68, Indian River
The giant crucifix is 55 feet tall and weighs 21 tons. The cross arrived in 1953 and Marshall Fredericks sculpted and added Jesus to it in 1959. It also features a Nun Doll Museum, which is the world’s largest with 525 dolls.
Giant Tigers
- Address: Comerica Park, Witherell St., Detroit
If you’re in downtown Detroit – whether at a Detroit Tigers game or not – getting a family photo with the giant tiger is a must! It was sculpted by Michael Keropian in 1999 and dedicated to Comerica Park in 2000.
Hamtramck Disneyland
- Address: 12087 Klinger St., Hamtramck
This folk art yard was started by artist Dmytro Szylak. You can view the art installations from the alley between Sobieski and Klinger north of Commor and south of Carpenter. If you want to get a closer look, you must call or email to be accompanied by one of the caretakers. It is located in a residential neighborhood so be courteous.
Heidelberg Project
- Address: 3600 Heidelberg St., Detroit
Check out Heidelberg Project, which is open daily from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Local artist Tyree Guyton took the abandoned homes, vacant lot trash and broken down cars in this area and transformed it into artwork. This attraction is in a neighborhood, so remember to be respectful and not park in front of houses and driveways. Park on the south side of Heidelberg and Elba Place, or nearby on Ellery.
Hiawatha Statue
- Address: Suffolk St., Ironwood
Check out this 52-foot-tall statue of Hiawatha that was built and transported to Michigan in 1964. It faces north toward Lake Superior and is close to downtown Ironwood.
Joe Louis Fist
- Address: Hart Plaza, E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit
It’s also known as, “The Fist.” This giant bronze fist in downtown Detroit is a must-see. It is 24 feet long and hangs from a pyramid of poles in one of the busiest intersections. The only way to get to it is to park nearby and walk over.
Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox
- Address: Nicholson Hill Road, Ossineke
See the 25.5-foot statue of Paul Bunyan and his 10.5-foot tall blue ox, Babe. A sign at the base of the statues says, “It is a misdemeanor to deface or climb on Paul Bunyan or Babe.”
The Spirit of Detroit
- Address: Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Ave., Detroit
This 26-foot-high cross-legged man was sculpted by Marshall Fredericks and unveiled in 1958. Although he doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with Detroit, he is often dressed up in Detroit gear – Lions jersey, Pistons jersey, Red Wings jersey and a Tigers jersey. Park nearby and walk over to get a picture.
The Uniroyal Tire
- Address: Off of I-94, Allen Park
The world’s largest tire has become a popular way for metro Detroiters to know they’re close to home after traveling. This 80-foot tire is one of my favorite roadside attractions even if you can’t get up close to it. One of the cool things about it is that it was once a Ferris Wheel at the 1964 World’s Fair.
World’s Largest Cherry Pie Pan
- Address: 3424 Cass Road, Traverse City
This attraction features a pie tin that is 18 feet wide and 26 inches deep. It set a world record in 1987 for the largest pie weighing 28,350 pounds.
World’s Largest Weathervane
- Address: 4560 Dowling St., Montague
Weathervanes are typically mounted on top of structures and show the direction the wind is coming from. Though there are others claiming to be bigger, Michigan’s version stands at 48 feet tall and features a lumber schooner on top that catches the wind with its sails.
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