The Quirky Key Collection at the Keyhole Bar, Mackinaw City
Built in 1893 and lasting over 130 years, the Keyhole Bar & Grill in Mackinaw City has survived many identities, but always remained a tavern.
It’s one of the oldest, longest-running saloons in the state. always been a saloon, tavern or bar known for great spirits (and now food) and good times.
Known as Ryan's Saloon in the early days, not only could you quaff some brews while gossiping about people or work, you could also get a haircut and shave in a barber chair, as you enjoyed your drink.
Upstairs was an office occupied by Dr. Tiffany, who practiced medicine throughout the 1920s and 1930s.
Over the years, the Keyhole Bar went through other names, such as Perry's Place, Ty-Jo Bar, Miller's Bar, Poor Richard's and finally the Keyhole Bar in 1971.
Okay, so what’s so special about the Keyhole?
It’s their mind-boggling collection of keys and locks they have on display: over 25,000 at last count. The keys, locks and key art cover the walls, the bars, a handful of tables and the bathroom floors. In the late 1960s when it was still called Poor Richard's, the owner’s wife started utilizing old useless keys as a quirky form of decor by hanging and gluing them in various places around the bar. Taking this as a cue, customers started bringing her more keys to hang and it snowballed from there.
The Keyhole was sold again in 1981 and the key tradition continues. Located at 323 E. Central Ave in downtown Mackinaw City, it’s easily accessible from anywhere in the downtown area. Scroll down a way to see a gallery that shows some of the bar’s fab key collection!
Key Hole Bar, Mackinaw City
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