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Experiences|Sights & Landmarks

Few People Know This Iconic Statue In Michigan Was Actually Imported From Norway

The Spirit of Detroit statue, a symbol of resilience, was created by Marshall Fredericks and imported from Norway to Detroit.

Published Jan 5, 2023

Written by 

Emily Tieman

Michigan’s Motor City is known as the automobile capital of the world and the birthplace of Motown music. But the Comeback City is also known for being tenacious, strong, and never giving up. The best symbol of this feeling would be the iconic statue in Detroit, Michigan, the Spirit of Detroit. But few people know that the monument was actually imported from Norway.

The Spirit of Detroit Statue is located in the heart of downtown Detroit, Michigan in front of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center.

A vibrant city street at dusk, featuring colorful lights, a modern hotel, and lively storefronts.
Photo by Mike Kline (notkalvin)/Moment collection via Getty Images

World-famous metro Detroit sculptor Marshall Fredericks was commissioned in 1955 to create a monument to represent the city.

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A green statue of a man holding flames, with city skyscrapers and an American flag in the background under a blue sky.
MarkaPhotog/Google

The budget for the statue was $58,000, which is equivalent to over $400,000 today. Fredericks created a scale model of the statue and shipped it to Oslo, Norway, where it was constructed.

The 26-foot-tall statue was cast in Norway and given an acid wash to give it a beautiful green shade which nature usually takes years to create.

A large statue of a kneeling figure is being worked on in a workshop, with a person standing nearby on scaffolding.
Historic Detroit

The statue took three years to complete, and then the tricky part began: transporting the behemoth statue across the Atlantic Ocean. A framework made of wood and steel was designed, and the statue was wrapped in burlap to protect it during transport. The statue with the framework weighed 12 tons and was placed below deck on a freighter to travel 4,800 miles across the sea, through the Great Lakes, and into the Detroit port. Then it was lifted onto a truck and driven to Downtown Detroit where two cranes were used to rest it on its marble base.

On September 23, 1958, crowds gathered for the formal dedication of the Spirit of Detroit.

A man sits on a chair beside a large statue depicting a figure holding a globe and a sunburst, with a backdrop of medallions.
Historic Detroit

The sculptor Marshall Fredericks and even a member of the Norweigan government were also present for the unveiling of the monument.

The statue sits on a massive marble base that has two seals affixed to the Vermont marble wall.

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A man walks past a large statue of a kneeling figure holding a torch, illuminated at night near a building entrance.
Historic Detroit

One seal is for Wayne County and the other is for the city of Detroit. There is also a Bible verse engraved into the marble.

Improvements were made to the icon in 2007, and it is still a symbol for Detroit citizens. Nowadays you’ll sometimes find the statue wearing a Detroit Red Wings, Lions, or Tigers jersey.

A statue of a figure in a baseball jersey, surrounded by colorful flowers, in front of a stone monument.
Jim/Flickr

If you’re looking for more Motor City history check out 10 Historical Landmarks You Absolutely Must Visit In Detroit. You can also visit a hidden gem that most people don’t know about, The Little Venice In Detroit. What are your must-see spots in Detroit? Let us know!

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Experiences

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.

Published Oct 29, 2024

Written by 

Jacki Mick

I have a confession to make.

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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:

A large, modern building with a reflective, copper-colored facade and a curved roof, set against a cloudy sky.
Jacki Mick/Only In Your State

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.

A modern building with a reflective facade, surrounded by parked cars and a snowy grassy area in the foreground.
Jacki Mick/Only In Your State

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.

A modern, angular building with reflective glass windows, set against a cloudy sky and grassy foreground.
Jacki Mick/Only In Your State

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!

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Experiences|Sights & Landmarks

12 Unimaginably Beautiful Places in Michigan That You Must See Before You Die

Discover one dozen of the most beautiful places in Michigan, from lakeshores to small towns and everywhere in between.

Updated Oct 1, 2024

Written by 

Sophie BoudreauTori Jane

It’s no secret that Michigan is simply overflowing with gorgeous places to explore. From coast to coast, our state is one of the most naturally delightful spots on earth - and we’re proud of it! While it would simply be impossible to list out each and every stunning locale in the Great Lakes State, we’re happy to provide you with a starting point and some ideas for your Michigan bucket list. Here are a handful of the most beautiful places in Michigan:

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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sparkling blue waters, sandy bluffs, and vistas that never seem to end… sound like paradise? Check it out for yourself with a visit to Sleeping Bear Dunes, which is full of never-ending delight. Whether you’ve visited a thousand times or are exploring this Lake Michigan destination for the first time, we promise you’ll be captivated. Without a doubt, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of the most scenic places in Michigan to visit. Plus, it's also an inexpensive day trip destination!

Kitch-iti-Kipi

Venture to Manistique for the outdoor excursion of a lifetime at these gorgeous natural springs. The water is strikingly clear with a marvelous turquoise hue, and the forested beauty surrounding the springs adds a whole new layer of beauty. Once you arrive, you might never want to leave. Learn more about the most beautiful natural spring in Michigan, and why you'll want to plan your visit.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

A natural rock arch surrounded by lush greenery and calm blue waters under a clear sky.
David Marvin/Flickr

Whether you’re interested in hiking, swimming, waterfall-chasing, or simply seeing the sights, there’s something to charm you and engage the senses at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. See these stunning rock formations up close and personal during a boat tour, hike along various overlooks, or dip your toes in Lake Superior — what’s not to love? Learn more about this idyllic Michigan destination.

Nichols Arboretum

This natural oasis in Ann Arbor is the perfect place to unwind and spend some time reconnecting with nature. Located just minutes from downtown, this large park offers hiking trails, direct access to the Huron River, and plenty of scenic beauty that will rejuvenate your body and spirit. It’s an absolute must-visit for Michiganders of all ages. Plus, it's even gorgeous in the wintertime! Learn more about this all-season attraction in Michigan.

Grand Haven State Park

There are countless gorgeous beaches along the shores of Lake Michigan, and we wish we could include all of them — but Grand Haven State Park offers a unique charm. With beachfront access, a lovely pier, and some of the most breathtaking sunset views imaginable, there’s nothing not to love during an excursion to this wonderful West Michigan locale. When it comes to Michigan state parks, Grand Haven truly lives up to its name.

Fisherman Island

Wait, Michigan islands? Yep. This delightful state park in Charlevoix will make you wonder if you’ve stepped into another time, one where simplicity and natural beauty abound. Take a stroll along the beachfront at this quiet lakefront destination, which offers a unique ambiance that everyone should experience at least once. After all, it is one of the most scenic places in Michigan. No matter how many times you visit, Fisherman Island never disappoints. Learn more about this bucket-list-worthy hidden beach in Michigan.

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Porcupine Mountains

Many people aren’t aware that Michigan is home to its very own mountainous region — but they're pleasantly surprised to discover the beauty of the Porcupine Mountains! If you find yourself in the Upper Peninsula, you absolutely must explore this gorgeous area. Hike along the Escarpment Trail, marvel at Lake of the Clouds, or simply settle in for a few nights of camping. This is Mother Nature at her very best and brightest! Learn more about why you should plan a trip to Porcupine Mountains State Park in Michigan.

Isle Royale

A serene stream flows through a lush green forest, with fallen logs and vibrant foliage along the banks.
Ray Dumas/Flickr

If you love getting back to basics and reconnecting with nature, Isle Royale is a wonderland that you’ll absolutely adore. There are no cars to be found throughout this magical island park, and you’ll find everything from moose to wolves roaming freely about the land. If there’s one word to accurately describe Isle Royale, it’s "unspoiled," and you’ll absolutely fall in love with its beauty and charm. Have you ever visited the famous Isle Royale in Michigan?

Tawas Point State Park

Tawas Point is sometimes referred to as "the Cape Cod of Michigan," and it’s easy to see why. In fact, the Sunrise Coast of Lake Huron is charming as a whole — whether you’re looking for lighthouses, sunrise views, or opportunities to camp along the stunning lakeshore, you’ll find it here. Don't forget your camera when you venture to Tawas Point State Park: the photo-ops are ample! Learn more about this incredible state park in Michigan.

Mackinac Island

A charming street scene featuring colorful buildings, shops, and bicycles under a blue sky.
Jasperdo/Flickr

Every Michigander knows that Mackinac Island is an undeniably wonderful destination, but that won’t stop us from recommending it! Hop on a bicycle and make your way along this iconic island, which offers stunning waterfront views, friendly faces, and all sorts of historic spots to explore. Finish out your day of exploration with a hearty helping of fudge — sounds like heaven to us! Mackinac Island is also home to one of the all-time best Lake Michigan beaches.

Lavender Labyrinth at Cherry Point Farm

This seasonal attraction might not be as famous as some of the others on our list, but it’s well worth the journey. Venture to the town of Shelby and check out Cherry Point Farm & Market, which houses an incredible labyrinth made entirely of aromatic lavender — this is one maze you won’t mind getting lost in. Each summer, countless visitors are stunned by the beauty of the labyrinth, and it’s not difficult to understand why. This is truly one of the best places to visit in Michigan. For more info, visit the Cherry Point Farm Facebook page.

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Tahquamenon Falls

Michigan’s most famous waterfalls are a true sight to behold, complete with rushing water, surrounding hiking trails, and plenty of access to the raw beauty of nature. There’s something completely mesmerizing about Tahquamenon Falls, and every member of the family will be in awe of the views that await.

Of course, this list only scratches the surface of the most beautiful places in Michigan. We know there are countless other gorgeous places to visit throughout the state, so grab your camera and embark upon an epic road trip in Michigan to see as many as you can. Tell us about your favorite destinations in the comment section below, and happy exploring!

Are you planning to visit Michigan and need ideas for where to stay? Check out the amazing ideas from our friends at VRBO. You'll be blown away at how unique most of your options truly are! For related content, check out our article outlining some of the coolest natural wonders in the state. Consider it your newest Michigan outdoor bucket list!

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