There's more to Detroit than meets the eye. In fact, some may say that you've got to look underneath the surface to appreciate the many layers that make up the city. For example, did you know that the Detroit Salt and Manufacturing Company sat just underneath the city streets? The mine extended from Dearborn to Allen Park - a whopping 1,500 acres that sat 1,200 feet below the city's surface.
The mine operated from the 1920s up until 1983 when it ceased production. Today, the mine is run by the Kissner Group, and the majority of salt extracted is used to battle snowy roads. Thanks to these photos from Virtual Motor City, we can all get a peek inside the mine.
Take a look.
Really makes you realize that there's more than meets the eye when it comes to Michigan, huh?
The Story of This Abandoned Place in Dearborn, Michigan Is Truly Fascinating
Dive into the glamorous past of the Edward Hotel and Convention Center in Dearborn, Michigan, once the go-to spot for corporate bigwigs and lavish weddings. For fans like me, its abandoned charm is a nostalgic reminder of chandelier dreams and echoes of laughter.
I'm obsessed with a building. I have been since I moved to Michigan a few years ago. We drive past this particular building whenever we head to Detroit, and I get a jolt of excitement every single time. You'd think the luster would have worn off by now, but it 100% has not.
I mean, just look at it:
In its prime, the Edward Hotel and Convention Center in Dearborn, Michigan, wasn’t just a hotel—it was *the* hotel. Built in the 1970s as the Hyatt Regency, this place was the gold standard of Midwest glamour, back when "Midwest glamour" was still a thing and spoken without irony. Imagine it: sleek, glass-covered walls, marble everywhere, and more chandeliers than you'd expect to find outside of a royal palace. If you were someone important, this was where you stayed.
Corporate bigwigs and local celebs were regulars here, partly thanks to its proximity to Ford World Headquarters. You could practically smell the deals being made over steak dinners in the swanky restaurant, where "business casual" probably meant you wore a tie with your polyester leisure suit.
Opened in 1976, this was a time when the hotel's revolving doors were constantly spinning with executives, politicians, and the occasional celebrity passing through. You know, the kind of folks who think they invented the expense account... and you'd need it to stay at this Dearborn gem! The restaurant up top used to rotate, so you know that was a pricy meal! Unfortunately, it's one I'll never get to enjoy as the hotel has been closed since 2018.
And while it might seem like a historical curiosity to some, I’m utterly obsessed with this abandoned gem. Truly, it’s like a real-life set from a movie about the golden age of hotel glamour. Every trip that takes us past this building sends my imagination into overdrive.
Can you imagine being a part of a high-powered meeting in those formerly posh ballrooms!? Making decisions that would change the automobile world as we know it. Or the glamorous couples twirling on the dance floor, staring into each other's eyes while the marble walls seemingly spin around them?!
The sheer nostalgia of it all sends shivers down my spine—or maybe it’s just the draft from those broken windows up top! It is abandoned, after all.
The Edward wasn’t just about sleeping and schmoozing, though. It was also the spot for local weddings and high-end conventions. You could get married under those massive chandeliers, throw back a few stiff drinks at the grand bar, and then immediately fall asleep in one of the almost 800 plush rooms. It was a one-stop shop for romance, business, and pretending you weren’t in Dearborn, Michigan, for a weekend.
But like all things glamorous and slightly over-the-top, this former Dearborn hotel's glory days eventually started to fade. By the time it was rebranded to the current name proffered on the sign, the sleek glass and marble aesthetic that once screamed “luxury” began to whisper “dated.” Still, for a brief, shimmering moment in the '70s and '80s, the Edward Hotel was the place to be.
For an obsessed fan like me, its abandoned state only adds to the intrigue; it's like a forgotten movie set waiting for the director to set up the next shot. I can almost hear the echoes of laughter and the clinking of glasses trapped within those walls, forever inviting me to imagine the stories they still have to tell... or wishing I had the capital to turn it into the incredible space it deserves to be.
Maybe one day someone will reopen it and I'll get to experience it for myself. My fingers are crossed, for sure.
Did you get the chance to visit this Midwestern gem in its heyday? I'd love to hear about it!
Is there anything more magical than a scenic drive? After all, hopping in the car for a carefree jaunt allows us to sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of the Great Lakes State without breaking the bank or interacting with large crowds. There’s one gorgeous byway here in Michigan that might have flown under your radar during previous outings, and you’ll want to experience it for yourself. Come along for a wonderful adventure along what we think is one of the best scenic drives in Michigan!
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The US-2 Top of the Lake Scenic Byway extends from St. Ignace to Thompson.
As its name suggests, this breathtaking stretch of road follows the northern shoreline of Lake Michigan in the Upper Peninsula and offers some of the prettiest views imaginable.
The byway is 96 miles long and can be completed in just over 90 minutes one-way, making it perfect for a day trip. If you’re looking to extend the journey, it also offers ample stops.
For those who want to experience the U.P. without venturing too far north, US-2 is a perfect option. In fact, the roadway can be accessed just off the Mackinac Bridge.
Along the drive, you’ll wind through charming communities like Naubinway, Blaney Park, and Manistique. The route is magical year-round and there’s always something to see.
Stop to take in glorious vistas at Epoufette Scenic Overlook or stretch your legs at Poupard Bay Nature Preserve. Every member of the family will find something to love.
You can even stop for a magical experience at Kitch-iti-Kipi in Manistique. Whether you break up your drive with attractions or remain in the car, you’ll be enamored.
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By the time you’ve traversed the entire byway, you’ll feel a new appreciation for Mackinac and Schoolcraft Counties. US-2 offers a dreamy experience for those who need a quick escape.
If you were to do a search for "scenic drives near me," this spot would most certainly appear near the top of the list! We hope you now see why we consider it to be one of the best scenic drives in Michigan!
For a detailed route map complete with a detailed listing of the most wonderful spots to stop along the way, go to the US-2 top of the Lake Scenic Byway website.
Have you and your loved ones explored the US-2 Top of the Lake Scenic Byway in years past? What are some of your favorite places to check out along the road? Share your favorite memories and any other Upper Peninsula scenic drives with us in the Facebook comments.
We also invite you to recommend another scenic drive by filling out our nomination form.
There are plenty of hikes in the area, and you can get more information by going to the overall AllTrails website.
If you'd rather explore our state by foot, check out this beautiful Michigan nature center.