Curio Fair
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| Lots of Indian-themed stuff in Curio Fair, one of a number of colorful tourist traps in the area that preserve their mid-20-century look. |
Another old-timey tourist trap, this fantasy, encrusted with seashells and rocks, was built just after the Mackinac Bridge opened in 1957. The style hearkens back to a much earlier era of tourism. As in St. Ignace's Indian Village, birch bark and twig Indian pictograms wallpaper the inside. The tower (eight stories up) has a grand view of the bridge and the Straits of Mackinac to the south. The north view of woods is especially beautiful in fall color season. It's one dollar to climb the tower— worth a stop any time.
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| Fifty cents gives you eight floors of stairclimbing, capped by a fine view of the Mackinac Bridge, looking far west out into Lake Michigan to see any ships entering or leaving the Straits of Mackinac. |
About 1 1/2 miles west of the bridge/I-75. (906) 643-8626. Open mid May thru mid Oct. Hours: at least 10 to 6, 10 to 8 in season. Wheelchair access: shop but not tower.
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Return to U.S. 2 from the Bridge
POINTS OF INTEREST
Father Marquette Memorial. Interpretive panels focus on how native people used plants and animals, and Marquette and Jolliet's 1673 journey from St. Ignace to the Missisippi. ... more
Totem Village. A disabled logger's 1950s folk art environment and museum paId tribute to Native Americans when mainstream culture looked down on them. Classic crafts, toys, books and music. Outside: a small woodland zoo. ... more
Souvenir Barn. A bridge-viewing site on the roof of an old-timey souvenir shop. Outstanding view of Mackinac Bridge, Straits, and possibly freighters. ... more
Curio Fair. Another nostalgic tourist trinket shop, adorned by seashells. An 8-story high tower gives views of both the Mackinac Bridge to the south and forests to the north ... more
Mystery Spot. Endless billboards build traveling kids' excitement for this classic roadside attraction, fun for adults and kids alike ... more
Gros Cap roadside park and St. Helena Island overlook. Take in a fine view, while picnicking, of St. Helena Island and its lighthouse 2 miles offshore ... more
Hiawatha National Forest/St. Ignace Info Center and administrative unit. A picnic spot and native plant garden outside. Inside, handouts and good advice about camping, fishing, berry-picking spots, and wilderness areas ... more
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