The Abandoned ‘Underground Forest’ on Old 27
WARNING: Under no circumstances should you enter this property. By doing so you risk bodily harm and/or prosecution for trespassing on private property.
There are Michigan old-timers who confuse Deer Forest, or Deer Acres with the "Underground Forest", which is an entirely separate entity.
“Underground Forest” was/is located just north of Frederic, on Old 27 between Gaylord and Grayling in Crawford County. Many Michiganders who remember going there as kids have lost track of the Underground Forest's location. It is still there along Old 27, abandoned, with displays still inside.
This Michigan tourist attraction opened in the summer of 1957, burrowed inside a hill featuring over 30 scenes of stuffed animals - everything from a chipmunk to a bear. It was highly successful, and many vacationers heading north would stop in for awhile, as they do now with Sea Shell City.
But in 1962, I-75 began taking the travelers away from Old 27, therefore bypassing and forgetting about Underground Forest. It finally closed for good in 1965.
I remember stopping there when I was a kid but I don't recall the museum being so far off the road (SEE PHOTOS BELOW. I apologize in advance for the quality of the pictures, but they are the only ones I can legally use).
The Underground Forest has its own Facebook page, and you can see some photos of what it once was by CLICKING HERE.
Wanna visit and get some pics? Heading north on I-75, get off Exit 264. Turn left at the stop sign and the road will take you directly into Frederic. Once in town, turn right on Old 27. Head north about 3.5 miles and the old Underground Forest will be on the right side of the road...but keep your eyes peeled! It's easy to miss, as so many others have.
Take a roadtrip thru Michigan this year and check out this great, old, defunct Michigan roadside attraction!
DESERTED UNDERGROUND FOREST
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