There Is A Unique Man-Made Wonder Hiding In This Small Town In Michigan

Michiganders have a soft spot for the unusual. Though the Great Lake State has no shortage of jaw-dropping scenery, it's also home to some of the country's quirkiest attractions. One of its most whimsical is Dinosaur Gardens, a prehistoric park located in the small town of Ossineke. If you've ever wanted to see dinosaurs in Michigan, this is as close as you'll come to the real deal.

You'll be surprised to learn that Dinosaur Garden's history began almost 100 years ago! It was the brainchild of dinosaur-obsessed Michigander Paul Nathan Domke. Though the park started taking shape following the Great Depression, Domke was infatuated with natural history as early as 1910.

He erected his first displays in 1935, but it took several years for Domke to get things right. The initial sculptures were made from plaster of paris, which proved too weak for the Michigan elements. Undeterred, Domke enlisted the help of a local chemist to create a special cement mixture that would withstand the test of time.

Over the next 40 years, Domke would build more than 25 prehistoric creatures. Though Domke and his wife, Wilma, would eventually move away, they'd continue their project until 1967. They passed on the property to Wilma's son, who put his fingerprint on the park with a mini-golf course.

It's hard to describe the spectacle of Domke's creations. The sculptures may be a little hokey, but their history is a meaningful story of pursuing one's dreams.

Guests of all ages will have a blast interacting with the prehistoric creatures, some of which tower into the canopy.

Got a pooch? Dogs are allowed! Just remember that the dinosaurs are off-leash, so it's best your pooch remains on his.

Dinosaur Gardens is a weird and wondrous attraction where half the fun is the story of its origins. The other half is up to you!

Are you curious about dinosaurs in Michigan? Or are you just fascinated by quirky relics of the Great Lake State's past? Either way, a visit to Dinosaur Gardens will amaze and delight you! Though it's undeniably kitsch, Dinosaur Gardens' story is one of perseverance. Domke's dedication to his oddball dream is an inspiring reminder to pursue what sparks our joy, no matter how offbeat.

Combine your visit to Ossineke with an overnight at Lake Huron's gorgeous Thunder Bay.