Unique Attractions

White house with a porch and green sign, surrounded by trees and grass.

Northern Michigan is full of surprises, and some of the best are just off the beaten path. From gravity-defying roads to larger-than-life landmarks, these quirky roadside attractions offer fun stories, photo ops, and memorable moments. All within driving distance of Crystal Mountain, they’re the perfect way to mix a little wonder into your next Northern Michigan roadtrip!

Road with yellow lines, trees, and blue sky.

Gravity Hill

Prepare for a curious roadside attraction where gravity seems to take a little detour! Find the crossroads of Putney Road and Joyfield Road, nestled between US 31 and M22. Drive south on Putney Road from Joyfield Road, keeping an eye out for a "Stop Ahead" sign on the eastern side of the road. Drive about 150 to 200 feet, bring your vehicle to a stop and slip it into neutral. You'll start to mysteriously roll uphill to the Blaine Christian Church. You can even try it with a bike or skateboard!

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Historical museum sign in front of a red-brick building on a sunny day.

Glass Bottle House

Imagine a structure so unique it earned a spot on the National Historic Register and a feature in Ripley's Believe It or Not! Crafted in 1941, this remarkable building arose from a staggering 60,000 bottles sourced from the local bottling works. Today, it's a historical museum of the Kaleva area.

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Green sign reading "45th Parallel, Halfway Between Equator & North Pole" amidst trees.

45th Parallel

Prepare for a quirky geographical thrill- standing smack-dab on the 45th parallel, that magical midpoint between the North Pole and the Equator! Strike a pose at not just one, but two awesome photo ops nearby: one in the charming Suttons Bay, the other in the vibrant Traverse City.

Large cherry pie sculpture next to a red world record sign, surrounded by green foliage.

World's Largest Cherry Pie Pan

Traverse City once baked a record-breaking cherry pie in an enormous 18-foot wide, 26-inch deep tin. Hundreds of volunteers helped create the massive pie, using 510 buckets of filling, and feeding around 35,000 people. Though Oliver, BC later made a heavier pie, Traverse City still boasts the "World's Largest Cherry Pie Tin" since the Canadians didn't keep theirs.

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Popcorn on the lawn of a drive in movie theater

Cherry Bowl Drive In Theatre

Step back in time and experience a slice of pure Americana at the Cherry Bowl Drive-In, a unique Michigan gem that's been delighting families since 1954. More than just a place to catch a movie, the Cherry Bowl offers an entire evening of classic entertainment and delicious treats. 

Please Note: The Cherry Bowl is only open seasonally.

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Related Activities

Historic church with a tall steeple, surrounded by trees under a clear blue sky.

Museums & Discovery Centers

Fuel your sense of wonder at nearby museums and discovery centers, all just a short drive from Crystal Mountain, Michigan.

Aerial view of M-22 over a serene, blue-green lake with a forested shoreline.
Traverse City Tourism

Local Attractions

Explore the national attractions, local secrets, and beautiful viewpoints near Crystal Mountain.

Sandy beach with people and umbrellas next to green water, aerial view.
Traverse City Tourism

Family Friendly Beaches

Discover Northern Michigan's beautiful beaches, just a quick trip from Crystal Mountain. Because when it's summertime on the stunning Lake Michigan shoreline, life truly can't be beat!