8 Bizarrely Named Towns In Michigan
Michigan is not only known for being part of the Great Lakes region but also for having several bizarrely named towns, each with a rich history and a quirky backstory. Quaint communities like Christmas keep the holiday spirit alive year-round, while Frankenmuth stays true to its Bavarian culture. Others, like Kalamazoo, have a name so fun to say that it has been immortalized in songs, while Hell embraces its devilish name with fiery-themed attractions. Whether historical, humorous, or just plain weird, these Michigan town names make the state a fascinating place to explore.
Christmas
Christmas got its name from Julius Thorson, who opened a factory in 1938 to make holiday-themed items. The small community that developed around it adopted the name Christmas. Although the factory eventually shut down, the name stuck, and the town fully embraced its festive identity.
Christmas, a town that radiates the holiday spirit year-round, is a destination filled with joy and excitement. In the Upper Peninsula near Munising and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, the town is a festive wonderland adorned with towering Santa Claus statues and businesses that celebrate the Christmas theme. Visitors flock here for snowmobiling, outdoor recreation, and the scenic beauty of the Upper Peninsula. With charming accommodations like Yule Log Resort and White Pine Lodge, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the town's festive offerings.
Bad Axe
As its name suggests, Bad Axe is derived from a badly damaged axe that surveyors, notably Captain Rudolph Papst, discovered while surveying the area in 1861. Upon finding the worn-out axe, they named their campsite Bad Axe Camp, later changing it to Bad Axe Corners before it officially became Bad Axe in 1885. Today, an old axe head, believed to be the original camp axe, is embedded in a small section of a tree and displayed at the Bad Axe Area District Library.
Beyond its historical significance, Bad Axe is a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Just 15 minutes away, Port Crescent State Park offers sandy beaches, camping, hiking trails, and breathtaking views of Lake Huron. Those looking to experience Michigan's rural charm can visit Flower Farm, a family-owned retail garden center, or stop by Dizzy Daisy Winery & Vineyard for handcrafted wines. Throughout the year, Bad Axe hosts several events, including a county fair, a fall festival, a car show, and a Christmas parade.
Frankenmuth
Frankenmuth, a small town founded in 1845 by German immigrants from Franconia, a province in Bavaria, got its name from the German words Franken and mut, meaning "courage of the Franconians." The town was established as a German Lutheran mission settlement and has retained much of its Bavarian charm ever since.
Today, Frankenmuth is often called "Michigan's Little Bavaria" because of its Bavarian architecture and culture. Stroll through downtown Frankenmuth to admire half-timbered buildings, clock towers, and Bavarian-inspired shops. Then, dine at Zehnder's of Frankenmuth or Bavarian Inn Restaurant for all-you-can-eat family-style chicken dinners with traditional German sides. Discover more of Frankenmuth by touring Frankenmuth Brewery, cruising along the Cass River, shopping at Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, or attending events like Frankenmuth Oktoberfest, one of the best Oktoberfests in the United States.
Dowagiac
Dowagiac, steeped in history, comes from the Potawatomi word dewje'og, meaning "fishing [near home] water." Established in 1848 with the arrival of the Michigan Central Railroad, Dowagiac swiftly evolved from a frontier settlement into a bustling manufacturing hub. In 1871, Philo D. Beckwith founded the Round Oak Stove Co., a significant contributor to the local economy. The city's industrial growth continued into the mid-20th century, earning it the nickname "Furnace City" due to the prominence of its furnace factories.
Today, visitors can learn more about the town's rich history through engaging exhibits and artifacts at the Dowagiac Area History Museum and the Heddon Museum. The Dowagiac Woods Nature Sanctuary, a 384-acre preserve with hiking trails and opportunities to observe diverse plant and animal species, is ideal for nature lovers. The Sister Lakes, a nearby lake collection, also provides boating, fishing, and relaxation options. The small Dowagiac community also hosts events like the Dowagiac Dogwood Fine Arts Festival, celebrating local arts and culture.
Munising
Munising, a town named "At the Island" in Ojibwe, is a paradise for nature lovers. Established in 1850, Munising is in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and serves as the county seat of Alger County. It is renowned for its natural beauty, particularly as the western gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, which features colorful sandstone cliffs, pristine beaches, picturesque waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails. Guided boat tours offer unique views of the shoreline. Offshore, the Grand Island National Recreation Area offers hiking, biking, and camping opportunities in unspoiled natural settings.
More outdoor adventures await at the Alger Underwater Preserve, where diving enthusiasts can explore shipwrecks and underwater rock formations in Lake Superior's clear waters. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, fishing, and beachcombing in warmer months, while adventure seekers can look forward to snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice climbing in the winter.
Hancock
Hancock, established in 1859 by the Quincy Mining Co., was named after John Hancock, a prominent figure in the American Revolution and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. In the Upper Peninsula's Houghton County, Hancock lies along the Keweenaw Waterway's northern shore, a Lake Superior channel that cuts across the Keweenaw Peninsula.
Hancock is an inviting destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Mont Ripley Ski Area, the oldest ski area in Michigan, is known for its challenging trails, terrain park, tubing park, and 440-foot vertical drop over 112 acres. Hancock Beach Park and Campground is another location for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, camping, picnicking, and nature walks. In addition to its outdoor attractions, Hancock features historic sites like the Quincy Mine, which offers guided tours showcasing the area's copper mining heritage.
Kalamazoo
Although its precise origin is uncertain, Kalamazoo was originally a Native American name. Some believe it means "the mirage of a reflecting river," while others interpret it as "boiling" or "bubbling water." The name is so intriguing that many musicians have referenced Kalamazoo in their songs, including "I've Got a Gal in Kalamazoo" by Glenn Miller and "Kalamazoo" by Primus.
Attractions like the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, a museum with rotating exhibits and an extensive collection of American art, draw visitors to the area. Other museums include the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum, Kalamazoo Valley Museum, and the Gilmore Car Museum. The Kalamazoo State Theatre, a historic 1920s venue, hosts concerts, comedy shows, and performances. Outdoor activities include the Kalamazoo Nature Center, with hiking trails and wildlife exhibits; Milham Park, a scenic park with walking trails and picnic areas; and Markin Glen Park, an excellent spot for fishing, hiking, and camping.
Hell
Probably the most bizarrely named town in Michigan, Hell is a small community west of Ann Arbor. There are several theories about how Hell got its name, but the most popular dates back to the 1830s. When George Reeves, one of the area's early settlers, was asked what the town should be called, he supposedly replied, "Call it Hell for all I care!" The name stuck, and by 1841, the town was officially recorded as Hell.
Despite its devilish name, Hell is a fun and quirky roadside attraction that fully embraces its fiery theme. Screams Ice Cream from Hell is a go-to spot for ice cream and unique Hell-themed souvenirs, while Hell Saloon is a lively bar and grill. Getting married in Hell is also an option at Hell's Chapel of Love. Popular themed events include Hell-O Summer Fest, Hellvis (an Elvis tribute event), and Witches Night in Hell. Pinckney Recreation Area, located nearby, offers hiking, fishing, kayaking, and scenic nature views for visitors looking to escape the heat of Hell.
Explore Mighican's Most Bizarrely Named Towns
As you can see, Michigan has several towns with unusual and quirky names, each with a unique story. Whether it's the devilish fun in Hell, the Bavarian traditions in Frankenmuth, the natural beauty of Munising, or the vibrant arts scene in Kalamazoo, these towns make Michigan an even more enjoyable place to explore in the Midwest, offering a diverse mix of historical, cultural, and outdoor adventures for all.
