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.

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