You’ll Be Tempted to Climb Michigan’s Eiffel Tower – but Don’t

I have been back in the Paris, Michigan woods to see this Eiffel Tower replica, and yeah, it's cool.

If and when you visit, you mightg be tempted to climb it. Not a smart idea...but there is always some goon who feels he has to climb it and pretend he's King Kong. (King Kong climbed the Empire State Building...most goons don't realize this when they visit this mini Eiffel Tower.)

Where is the Eiffel Tower Replica in Michigan?

As for the town, around 1865 the town was named "Parish" after founder John Parish. A fire broke out on May 26, 1879, destroying most of the town...the fire musta burned the "h" out of the town name, because it was forever known as "Paris". to this day, Paris  seems to lie there, waiting for someone to build it up again. Not really a ghost town as some claim, as there are a few businesses. It appears more of a 'shadow town'  with few residents in the area.

The Paris Fish Hatchery has been around since 1881 and is still in operation. It's fun to grab some goodies and feed the fish.

How Did this Mini Eiffel Tower Come to Pass?

In 1980, students from Big Rapids decided to turn metal from old beds into a 20-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower at Paris Park.That's it, pure and simple.

How to Find Michigan's Eiffel Tower Replica

When you get to Paris, look for the fish hatchery. The tower is just past the hatchery, but you’ll have to park and walk through the woods for a couple of minutes before you get to it.

On the other side of the fish hatchery is a carved statue of a Chippewa Indian chief that dates back to 1937. Just north of the park is a white garage that is – or was – the home of “Dynamite The Clown.” And hey - I have my own autographed photo of 'Dynamite'!

Scroll down and see the photos that include the tower, the location, and what's left of the town.