Hidden Gems to Explore on a Trip to Michigan

Regarded as one of the greatest states of the United States of America, Michigan is way more than just another swanky American state and much more than Motown USA. Made up of two peninsulas, Michigan is an ideal mix of everything from history to nature to artistry to beaches to waterfalls to pretty much anything else that you can possibly think of. The state is not only diverse and scenic, but it is also said to be full of residents who are simply in love with their home state. Let us take a look at some of the lesser-known gems that are spread all across this American wonderland.

Baker’s Keyboard Lounge Awaits

Since 1934, Baker’s Keyboard Lounge in Detroit has been jazz music’s home away from home. One of the oldest jazz clubs in the world that’s still rocking, it started as a sandwich shop. However, the lounge grew from the jazz club when their son started booking jazz pianists to play at Baker’s. Soon after, many jazz greats and other musicians, including Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, and Nat King Cole, passed through the Baker’s Keyboard Lounge. The main attraction is a seven-foot-tall Steinway piano that is show-stopping.

Turnip Rock

Turnip Rock is a small, oddly shaped rock formation located off the shore of Lake Huron in the state of Michigan. It is only called Turnip Rock due to its uncanny resemblance to an actual turnip. It is said that the shape of the rock formation was caused by thousands of years of erosion from the waves constantly crashing against it, which left the top of the structure a large cross-section, while the bottom became smaller and narrower. You can take boat tours to appreciate the natural beauty of Turnip Rock.

Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum

Hideaway between two shopping malls at the corner of Orchard Lake Road and 14 Mile Road, Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum has an eerie collection of all-things-strange spread across a 5,000+ square foot gallery, decorated in horror and ghoulish style that draws countless global visitors.

Yagoda, who died on 8th January 2017, had been collecting these odd masterpieces for well over 50 years. An accredited expert in mechanical and electrical gaming apparatus, Yagoda managed to amass old arcade games, vintage fans, mechanical games, a sprawling collection of coin-operated animatronic dummies, and such oddities. Among the strangest collectibles at the museum is one of the electric death chairs of Sing Sing Prison.

St. Agnes Church

Constructed in 1922-24, St. Agnes Church and School is one of Detroit’s earliest monuments. This sprawling complex, once complete with its own Catholic church, parish house, convent, and girls’ high school, is now a delirious, empty ruin awaiting its inevitable fate.

However, fate would cruelly punish the former when, in 1967, a police raid on a bar near the church complex would incite one of the worst civil uprisings in American history, burning down most of the buildings in the area. The Church itself was relatively unscathed by the riots, but the community surrounding St. Agnes began to drift away, and the church has never recovered. However, the cathedral is still open for the public to view from a bygone era of Catholic faith.

Visit Little Venice

From old landmarks to the big casinos near me and global tourists in Greektown and a lively downtown scene to award-winning museums, Detroit has a lot to offer. However, step into the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood on the city’s near east side, right on the Detroit River, and you might think you were in Italy. Because of its series of canals that snake through the city, Detroit has been known to call itself “Little Venice.”

Kayak, canoe, or paddleboard through Detroit’s canals to see a side of the city many residents and visitors have never seen before. The canals are about 15 minutes from downtown Detroit, via Jefferson Avenue. Michigan has launched a campaign to promote the canals as part of its Hidden Gems.

Detroit doesn’t have anywhere near as many canals, however, the east side waterways known as the “Canal District” are only about 15 minutes from downtown Detroit and provide a side of the city you won’t see on postcards. Flowing through homes, under bridges, by businesses and parks, these canals reveal a side of Detroit you may not have known was there.

About The Author

Phillip Olivas

See author's posts