3 Unique Michigan Art Installations Named Among Coolest in the Country

Michigan just landed on a national list that every art lover should know about.

Rivers Art, a national art printing company, recently released its 2025 rankings of the Top 126 Coolest Art Installations in the U.S., celebrating the most obscure, creative, and locally loved public artworks across the country. The list is full of unexpected gems, and three unique installations in Michigan made the cut.

These are not your typical sculpture parks or museum exhibits. Instead, each site offers an immersive, community-rooted experience that reflects local culture, storytelling, and creative flair. Whether you’re planning a Michigan road trip or just looking to explore something new in your own backyard, these three stops belong on your radar.

Hamtramck Disneyland, Facebook

1. Hamtramck Disneyland (Ranked No. 21)

Between Sobieski and Klinger Streets | 12087 Klinger St, Hamtramck, MI 48212
Created by: Ukrainian-American artist Dmytro Szylak
Years Active: 1992–2015
Maintained by: Hatch Art

Hamtramck Disneyland is one of the most unusual folk-art installations in the Midwest. Built over the span of two decades on top of Szylak’s garage, the display includes colorful spinning fan blades, towering sculptures, carousel animals, and Americana-themed objects woven together with unmistakable personality.

Originally constructed by Szylak after retiring from General Motors, the project combined materials like tin, plywood, lights, and found photographs into a constantly evolving work of kinetic art. It quickly became a point of pride for the Hamtramck community and a curiosity for travelers across the country.

Following Szylak’s passing in 2015, the nonprofit Hatch Art stepped in to preserve and restore the installation. The group purchased the adjoining homes, rebuilt weathered structures, and now manages the site with the help of resident caretakers. Visitors can view the installation at any time from the alleyway, and private tours of the interior yard are occasionally offered during Hatch Art’s volunteer days and public events.

Why it made the list: It is an unforgettable example of do-it-yourself creativity, cultural storytelling, and the power of one person’s vision to spark a neighborhood-wide legacy.

For more hidden gems that celebrate creativity across Metro Detroit, check out this list of top independent bookstores in the area.

2. ArtPath in Lansing (Ranked No. 70)

Lansing River Trail | 100 I-96BL, Lansing, MI 48906
Launched by: Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center
First launched: 2018
Duration: Every summer, June through August

ArtPath transforms more than three miles of Lansing’s riverfront into a walkable outdoor gallery, showcasing up to 20 temporary, site-specific installations created by Michigan artists. Each piece is thoughtfully placed along the trail’s scenic bridges, grassy stretches, and riverbanks, offering an ever-changing cultural experience to more than 80,000 annual users.

Art on display includes large metal sculptures, vibrant murals, and interactive works that respond to sound or movement. Many installations are created in partnership with local schools, youth programs, and emerging artists, giving ArtPath a community-powered energy that sets it apart from traditional exhibits.

Guided art walks, family workshops, and live demonstrations are offered throughout the summer, making it a family-friendly destination that encourages repeat visits and deeper engagement.

Why it made the list: ArtPath blends public space and public art in a seamless, walkable experience, all while supporting Michigan-based artists. It’s an accessible way to connect with creativity in everyday life.

Pure Ludington, Facebook

3. cARTier Trail in Ludington (Ranked No. 115)

Along the Cartier rail spur | 1101-1203 N Rath Ave, Ludington, MI 49431
Led by: Ludington Area Center for the Arts (LACA)
Established: 2019
Trail length: About one mile

Ludington’s cARTier Trail offers something a little different. Rather than a traditional sculpture path, this year-round trail features large-scale prints of original artwork mounted in permanent metal frames along a paved path through a wooded corridor. Each piece is created by a member of the local art community and rotated regularly to reflect seasonal themes or emerging talent.

In 2025, three new pieces were added to the trail, ranging from abstract designs to nature-inspired photography. The trail connects with downtown Ludington, offering easy access to restaurants, shops, and the Ludington Area Center for the Arts. Interpretive signs, resting benches, and tree canopy views make it an enjoyable experience for all ages.

The cARTier Trail is also part of a larger community effort to bring more art outdoors, pairing with monthly gallery nights and occasional live performances to keep the space active and evolving.

Why it made the list: This small-town installation makes art part of the everyday experience. It is simple, well-executed, and proof that creative placemaking is not limited to big cities.

Planning to explore more of Michigan’s cultural side? Don’t miss our guide to top weekend destinations from Detroit.

What Made the Top 10?

According to the Rivers Art survey, here are the 10 most popular obscure art destinations in the country:

1. Kakaʻako Street Art, Honolulu, Hawai‘i
   
   
2. Coral Castle, Homestead, Florida
   
   
3. Olympic Sculpture Park, Seattle, Washington
   
   
4. Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau Wooden Carvings, Big Island, Hawai‘i
   
   
5. Beale Street Brass Notes Walk of Fame, Memphis, Tennessee
   
   
6. Music Box Village, New Orleans, Louisiana
   
   
7. Wild Blueberry Land, Columbia Falls, Maine
   
   
8. Cloud Chamber for the Trees and Sky, Raleigh, North Carolina
   
   
9. The Whale Bone Arch, Utqiaġvik (Barrow), Alaska
   
   
10. Sun Tunnels, Great Basin Desert, Utah

Each site on the list offers something distinct, whether it’s environmental immersion, cultural history, or sheer creative energy. Michigan’s three entries hold their own among these national highlights, reflecting the state’s long-standing commitment to accessible, place-based art.

Many of Michigan’s most creative displays show up in unexpected places, like festivals. Explore our seasonal guide to the best Michigan festivals to plan your next outing.

Michigan’s Creative Footprint

From a kinetic backyard in Hamtramck to a riverwalk gallery in Lansing and a nature trail in Ludington, Michigan’s top-ranked art installations offer something for everyone. They are reminders that art does not need to live behind museum walls. It can rise from garages, bike paths, and forests, carrying with it stories that belong to the people and the places they inhabit.

As public art continues to evolve across the country, Michigan proves that its creative communities are every bit as innovative, bold, and memorable as anything found in New York or Los Angeles.

Whether you're a lifelong resident or a road-tripper in search of something unexpected, these installations are well worth the visit.

DON'T KEEP US A SECRET - SHARE WITH A FRIEND OR ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

THINKING OF MOVING TO Metro Detroit, OR LOOKING TO RELOCATE IN THE AREA? VIEW A LIST OF CURRENT HOMES FOR SALE BELOW.

Metro Detroit Homes for Sale

Bedrooms

Bathrooms

Price Range

Save Search

Sort by:

Price, high to low

New

$1,890,000

67770 Overlook Trail Dr, Washington township

5 Beds 5 Baths 4,586 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050191381

$1,885,500

2605 Fairway, Oakland charter township

3 Beds 4 Baths 3,809 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20240033732

$1,884,900

4995 Saddleridge Trl, Ann Arbor city

4 Beds 4 Baths 5,714 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250002165

$1,850,000

↓ $150,000

636 S Ashley Street, Ann Arbor city

4 Beds 5 Baths 3,131 SqFt Condominium MLS® # 81025025774

$1,849,900

1840 Sadie Shore Drive, Commerce charter township

5 Beds 5 Baths 4,762 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025049794

$1,800,000

↓ $100,000

1270 John R Rd, Rochester Hills city

6 Beds 4 Baths 5,333 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250018690

$1,799,000

↓ $200,999

13459 Haddon St, Fenton charter township

4 Beds 5 Baths 3,196 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250030003

New

$1,795,000

2891 Gale Road, Superior charter township

5 Beds 6 Baths 5,378 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025052519

$1,795,000

↓ $80,000

521 W Deeplands Ln, Village of Grosse Pointe Shores city

4 Beds 4 Baths 4,414 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050160392

$1,749,000

↓ $246,000

530 N Division Street Unit: Unit B, Ann Arbor city

3 Beds 4 Baths 2,474 SqFt Condominium MLS® # 81025037366

$1,719,900

70910 Renata Crt, Bruce township

4 Beds 4 Baths 4,428 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250034703

$1,699,000

2086 Autumn Hill Drive, Scio township

4 Beds 6 Baths 8,147 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025041255

$1,695,000

↓ $204,000

355 Lincoln Rd, Grosse Pointe city

6 Beds 8 Baths 8,733 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050144007

$1,689,000

5700 Seven Mile Rd, Salem township

4 Beds 5 Baths 3,250 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20230103631

$1,670,000

54 Belle Meade St, Village of Grosse Pointe Shores city

5 Beds 5 Baths 5,809 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050190429

$1,650,000

↓ $150,000

7255 E Baldwin Rd, Atlas township

6 Beds 5 Baths 7,074 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250013907

$1,645,000

1584 Vista Dr, Oakland charter township

3 Beds 4 Baths 3,000 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050182278

$1,600,000

↓ $100,000

404 W Liberty Street, Ann Arbor city

2 Beds 1 Bath 5,318 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025037513

$1,600,000

↓ $150,000

202 Orchard Hills Drive, Ann Arbor city

5 Beds 5 Baths 3,542 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025024093

$1,600,000

4990 Saddleridge Trl, Ann Arbor city

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,610 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250002168

$1,600,000

5300 Belford Road, Holly township

4 Beds 1 Bath 2,624 SqFt Residential MLS® # 72024010741

New

$1,599,000

3367 Lone Pine Road, West Bloomfield charter township

6 Beds 8 Baths 6,162 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025052160

$1,599,000

↓ $101,000

632 S Ashley Street, Ann Arbor city

3 Beds 4 Baths 2,538 SqFt Condominium MLS® # 81025025773

$1,599,000

↓ $101,000

48556 Harbor Dr, Chesterfield township

4 Beds 4 Baths 4,218 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250035932

$1,598,000

↓ $100,000

19127 Maybury Meadow Court, Northville township

4 Beds 4 Baths 2,800 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81024059031

$1,575,000

1132 Longshore Drive Unit: Unit #2, Ann Arbor city

3 Beds 4 Baths 2,412 SqFt Condominium MLS® # 81025050136

$1,565,999

↓ $84,000

334 University Pl, Grosse Pointe city

6 Beds 6 Baths 8,076 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050183900

$1,550,000

5557 Cobble Lane, Webster township

6 Beds 6 Baths 6,778 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025051069

$1,550,000

2521 N Vermont Avenue, Royal Oak city

5 Beds 5 Baths 4,947 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025038657

$1,550,000

↓ $100,000

8252 Sandi Ln, Bruce township

3 Beds 4 Baths 4,933 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050176785

$1,549,900

70903 Renata Crt, Bruce township

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,610 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250034723

$1,549,000

↓ $50,900

26918 Koerber St, St. Clair Shores city

4 Beds 5 Baths 5,200 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050171855

New

$1,500,000

59 Fordcroft St, Village of Grosse Pointe Shores city

4 Beds 4 Baths 8,463 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050191003

$1,500,000

1923 N Vermont St, Royal Oak city

5 Beds 6 Baths 7,378 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050189652

$1,500,000

37330 Lakeshore Dr, Harrison charter township

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,991 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050173316

$1,500,000

↓ $150,000

607 Fairbrook St, Northville city

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,308 SqFt Residential MLS® # 219078024

$1,500,000

5845 Beech Daly Rd, Taylor city

2 Beds 1 Bath 928 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20240067977

$1,500,000

22440 23 Mile Rd, Macomb township

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,102 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20240065412

$1,499,900

9098 Dexter Pinckney Road, Dexter township

5 Beds 4 Baths 2,625 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025048637

$1,499,000

↓ $90,000

2969 Heather Way, Ann Arbor city

4 Beds 3 Baths 3,477 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025046505

$1,499,000

2734 E Wattles Rd, Troy city

3 Beds 2 Baths 2,300 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050187369

$1,499,000

↓ $50,000

70501 Renata Crt, Bruce township

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,125 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250016520

$1,499,000

64164 W 8 Mile Rd, Green Oak township

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,032 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20240075767

$1,495,000

↑ $100,000

1136 Longshore Drive Unit: Unit #1, Ann Arbor city

3 Beds 4 Baths 2,412 SqFt Condominium MLS® # 81025036397

$1,495,000

19790 Westchester Dr, Clinton charter township

5 Beds 6 Baths 5,006 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050179594

$1,495,000

↓ $255,000

16600-16620 Greenfield Rd, Detroit city

92 Beds 80 Baths 45,852 SqFt Multifamily MLS® # 58050175782

$1,475,000

2925 Exmoor Road, Ann Arbor city

5 Beds 6 Baths 6,927 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025050577

$1,451,900

4483 Farm View Dr, Ann Arbor city

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,610 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250001675

Prev

1 2 3 4 5 6 53

Next

The Perna Team and Michael Perna are the best real estate agents in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor. The Perna Team and Michael Perna have been hired as a real estate agent by hundreds of home owners to sell their homes in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor.

The Perna Team were great to work with, and we’d absolutely recommend them to anyone buying a home in Metro Detroit. I even asked for a few of her business cards in case I run into someone who needs a realtor. Thanks again for everything!

Tags

• metro detroit (103)
• michigan (40)
• Things to do in Michigan (17)
• Lansing (2)
• Michigan Culture (2)
• Midwest Travel (2)
• Public Art (2)
• Outdoor Art (2)
• Hamtramck Disneyland (1)
• Michigan Art Installations (1)
• Unique Michigan Attractions (1)
• Ludington (1)
• cARTier Trail (1)
• Hamtramck (1)
• ArtPath (1)