Venture to Hell, Michigan, a charming township with a humorous name dating back to 1841, and discover a vibrant community filled with delightful attractions all centered on the theme of “Hell.”
There’s no doubt that the town’s got a colorful history, and the residents have fully embraced their locale’s quirky nature, as evident by the bounty of fun establishments teeming in town.
From ice cream parlors and souvenir shops to even a chapel, these attractions all contribute to the unique experience you will surely have on your trip to Hell.
Make no mistake because Hell is not merely a tourist destination, as it also has numerous nature experiences around the area.
On your descent to Hell, consider these 20 best things to see and do in the area, which will guarantee an enjoyable time for all.
Sswonk, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ever wondered how hot it is in Hell, Michigan?
Now you’ll finally have the answer to that burning question in your mind when you visit Hell’s very own Weather Station.
This weather station was constructed in Hell in 1962 to provide daily temperature readings as well as monitor precipitation and other meteorological phenomena.
If you think that it’s just an ordinary weather station, think again, because their logbook shows visitors the names of celebrities that actually graced this building.
You wouldn’t go on a trip to Hell and not show any proof, right?
The second you step into town, you will immediately be welcomed by colorful signages and standees, all saying, “Welcome to Hell.”
Don’t miss a photo op with the iconic “Gates of Hell” framing your background, and have a blast taking wacky photos at any of the colorful photo spots around town.
The establishments all have unique facades and building designs that each deserve a spot in your camera roll, so as you go around the community, take endless snaps of all the various spots so you can brag to your friends and always remember your trip to Hell.
Rule Hell and sign up for this unique experience that lets you become a township mayor for an entire day on your trip.
This activity requires you to book a schedule in advance.
According to the town’s official website, visitors who wish to rule Hell need to inform the town of their travel dates beforehand since they do not allow double bookings.
After all, Hell can’t have two mayors at a time.
On the day of your rule, you’ll receive souvenirs that include a pair of horns, mug, mayor T-shirt, proclamation certificates for your mayorship, actual Hell dirt, and even ownership of a small part of Hell.
On the other hand, mayors who opt to rule for just an hour get just the mug and certificate.
As a mayor of Hell for a day, you get to perform mayoral duties and make township decisions.
Take a break while exploring Hell, and take your family out for a meal at Hell Saloon.
Hell Saloon is designed to match the overall hell theme much like the rest of the establishments, with an old-timey bar façade and dark but well-decorated interiors.
But don’t be fooled by its ghoulish garb because the food and the service at Hell Saloon are anything but hellish and instead are heavenly in taste.
The place will get your mouth watering with an array of delicious dishes, ranging from salads and wraps to burgers and their best-selling stone oven-baked pizzas.
Flip through their menu and get a good laugh as all their dishes also have hellish names, like “The Hellhound” hotdog sandwich and the “Seven Deadly Sins” pizza featuring seven sinful toppings.
At night, the place transforms into a great spot for a fun night out for adults, as they hold various events like Karaoke Night and Live Band night.
So if you’re lucky to be in town for one of these shindigs, this is your chance to party with the locals.
All are welcome at Hell Saloon—even horses because aside from parking spots for cars and big bikes, the place is also equipped with a corral.
For couples who have a taste for the unique and extraordinary, a wedding that will take place in the town of Hell is sure to be an experience unlike any other.
According to Hell’s official website, sporting a simple and charmingly romantic structure, this mini chapel has been the site of hundreds of couples’ weddings ceremonies.
The quaint chapel can accommodate up to 12 persons, including the officiant and the couple, but if you’re opting for a grand ceremony, you may also use the grounds in front of the chapel that can hold up to 150 guests.
In terms of suppliers like catering and invitations, there’s no need to worry, as the town has establishments that can offer specialty services, such as restaurants that can do catering and a souvenir shop that can handle invitations and décor.
No need to look far for an officiant, as the town hall also has their own, but make sure to book your plans in advance so that your one-of-a-kind wedding in Hell will go off without a hitch.
If marriage in Hell is too much of a commitment for you, why not seal your love with locks instead?
The town also has its very own Love Locks Bridge, where couples can proclaim their love for all the world to see.
Grab your partner by the hand and take them to Screams Souvenirs from Hell and Helloween, and purchase your very own love lock that comes with a “Certificate of Eternal Love” to make it more official.
Next, write your names on the vintage-style handmade lock and head on over to the Love Locks Bridge, located conveniently close to the Chapel of Love.
Much like the love locks of Paris and Seoul, you can hang your symbol of commitment to each other next to the padlocks of other couples that are doomed in love.
Walking around Hell can be exhausting, and it’s high time you treat yourself to an ice cream cone.
Luckily, Screams has its own ice cream shop called The Creamatory, where tourists can indulge in delicious frozen treats.
Choose your poison from delicious and cooling shakes to sundaes, and ice cream scoops inside freshly-made waffles cones that you can drizzle with fun toppings.
If you’re brave enough, you can take on their Gravedigger Sundae challenge, which will earn you a “Death Certificate” if you succeed in finishing it.
Whether you’re here to satisfy your sweet tooth or to take a breather from sightseeing, The Creamatory is a cool place to hang out with friends and family as you take in the store’s fun Halloween-themed décor that stays there the entire year.
If you want to veer away from the touristy spots and would like to enjoy a fun activity with the whole family, Hell also has a mini-putt golf course.
Grab your golf clubs and head on over to the putt-putt golf course just outside of Screams and try your luck at the challenging courses.
You’ll be glad to know that this mini-golf also has a Hell theme and its courses are named after a fun wordplay, adding more humor and laughter to the experience as you and your friends compete over who will be the first one to shoot a ball into the hell-hole.
Venture out into Hell Dam and enjoy a peaceful commune with nature if you’re seeking a break from all the hell-related spots.
Let the peaceful sound of the trickling water and the various sights of the greeneries that surround you refresh you as you continue to explore everything that the town has to offer.
Near the dam, you will spot The Grieving Yard, a small monument dedicated to the young souls who fought wars in the country’s name and never came back.
It may not be much, but it’s a thoughtful reminder to always look back and respect the people who made sacrifices for the country’s freedom.
Scatter Your Loved One’s Ashes at the Scattering Yard
Hell has an area where visitors can scatter the ashes of their loved ones or beloved pets.
Known as the Scattering Yard, the area located at the back of Screams is respectfully enclosed with a gate in front and features a beautiful garden.
If you wish to lay your loved ones’ ashes to rest in this yard, you will have to pay a small fee at Screams and inform them of your plans in advance.
Give your family and friends back home a laugh and make them part of your adventure by sending them a special postcard from Hell.
Now, Hell’s postcards are not your ordinary postcards: the folks at Hell’s Post Office give them a unique Hell’s trademark by burning and singing the edges, so the recipient will know exactly where it’s from!
Whether you choose to send the postcard to your loved ones or to yourself as a trip memento, one thing’s for sure: you can finally say you got a letter from Hell!
Another great place in Hell to grab some grub is Hell Hole Diner along Patterson Lake Road.
Indulge in some good old American comfort food when you dine at Hell Hole and choose from an array of simple but mouthwatering cuisine that includes sandwiches, wraps, salads, burgers, and pizza.
Don’t miss out on the “Buzzard Reuben” and “Hell of a BLT” sandwiches, their famous “Hell’s Hot Wings,” and don’t forget to try their Build-a-Pizza offering if you’re up for an experimental gastronomic adventure.
Located at the back of Screams, this quaint community library is a peaceful slice of heaven in Hell.
The town’s first library was unveiled in 2018, and when you look at the façade, the sign humorously says, “Hell Community Library: Funded with a grant from Damnation University.”
Though small, the library is stocked with some good reads that you may take with you as you venture around town.
And of course, you are more than welcome to donate some of your books.
Screams Souvenirs from Hell and Helloween offers various activities that take you around town, but with its collection of fun souvenirs and quirky décor, it deserves to be a spot of its own.
Before you bid goodbye to Hell, drop by Screams and feast your eyes on the many souvenirs, such as mugs, signages, T-shirts that all proudly commemorate your trip to Hell.
They even sell Halloween items all year round, so you might want to pick up a skull décor or two.
Or, if you want to take it up a notch, you may even purchase a square inch of Hell at Screams and be a proud member of the Hell Landowner’s Society.
The small town of Hell, Michigan, is now offering a unique opportunity to own a piece of the infamous “Hell.”
The Hell Landowner Society now allows individuals to purchase property in the small town and be a part of its history.
This once-in-a-lifetime chance allows people to own a piece of this land that has become well-known over the years.
Those interested in participating in this opportunity can choose from a variety of lots available for sale by society.
Prospective buyers will also have access to all amenities the town provides, such as camping, fishing, and hiking areas, as well as local restaurants, shops, and other attractions within easy proximity.
Damnation University, located in Hell, Michigan, is an institution of higher education offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
It is the only college campus with a unique feature: it’s located in Hell!
The township Hell has long been known to be an actual place, complete with its zip code and post office.
Despite its reputation as a slightly sinister setting, Damnation University offers students various courses from various fields, such as business, science, and technology.
With two main campuses (the main one is located in Hell), the university boasts a strong online presence with several remote learning options available for those who cannot travel or don’t have time to attend classes on campus.
In the Pinckney Recreation Area, you may rent a canoe or kayak at their facility and spend the day paddling through Hell along a stunning series of lakes.
The Bruin Lake boat launch is where the most well-known tour starts and concludes.
At your speed, renting a kayak or canoe allows you to explore the Chain of Lakes.
Bruin Lake to Hi-Land Lake is a one-way trip that takes around three hours.
If you choose to explore, start early and make sure you have a GPS and/or a map.
Commune with Nature at Pinckney State Recreation Area
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The perfect next destination from Hell is Pinckney State Recreation Area, located in the neighboring town of Pinckney, about 20 miles for Hell.
It’s the ultimate place for the nature and adventure lovers out there, as you can explore seven lakes and enjoy refreshing nature walks on one of the many trails.
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You can go backpacking or camping if you’re planning to spend the night as the place has some comfy campsites.
The lake offers various water activities you can do as well, from canoeing to kayaking, all of which you can arrange at Screams Souvenirs before you leave Hell so you can have a smooth and worry-free adventure.
Eric Livak-Dahl, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Busch’s Food Market, located a short distance from Hell, Michigan, is pleased to be mitten-born and bred and to provide you with locally grown and manufactured goods.
They bring together the best of today’s modern focus on quality and style that made them successful as a small local food store.
Every product is picked for its great flavor and premium ingredients, including meat and a wide variety of beer and wine.
Freshly baked items produced in their central kitchen in Clinton are available at all outlets.
Many delectable bakery options are available, including sweets, bread, and more.
You can rely on the baked products being constantly fresh and available for you and your loved ones to savor and enjoy.
About six minutes from Hell, Michigan, Pinckney, where Jennifer’s Quilt Shop is now located, was formerly a farming community surrounded by several picturesque lakes.
Jennifer’s Quilt Shop was founded in 2005 by Jennifer and her husband, Gary.
High-quality quilting fabric is overflowing the quilt shop, and there is hardly enough to display additional samples.
The store is so entertaining that even the fabric is enjoyable!
They feature a huge selection of the newest materials and patterns, including designs for hand embroidery.
Jennifer’s Quilt Shop is looking forward to hearing about your quilting projects and ideas as you browse their fabrics.
With its abundance of touristy attractions that make the most out of the town’s fun and colorful name, Hell, Michigan, is worth the visit.
If you have a sense of humor and like all things out of the ordinary, then a trip to Hell should not be missed.
But of course, a sojourn to Hell will be made even better if you follow it with a nature commune at Pinckney State Recreation Area.
Get the best of both worlds with this itinerary, which deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.
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