Mackinaw Crossing's Unexpected Surprise – Atlas Obscura

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When I planned my annual trip to the Upper Peninsula from where I live in northern lower Michigan, I started by comparing the route on my map to Atlas Obscura’s in-app map. That’s how I found this absolute gem located mere minutes from the mighty Mackinac Bridge. Equal parts bizarre roadside attraction and art exhibit, Mackinaw City’s Wacky Taxidermy and Miniatures Museum is the perfect destination for a day trip or whimsical side-quest!
Though I’ve lived in Michigan since 2009 and try to visit the UP at least once a year, I’ve only stopped once in Mackinaw City after a camping trip. I had certainly never seen the cluster of souvenir shops, restaurants, and attractions known as Mackinaw Crossing. I wasn’t sure I had the right address as I made my way through rows of discount apparel stores filled with sweatshirts and t-shirts boldly declaring our proximity to the Great Lakes and Mackinac Bridge. Finally, I came upon a sandwich board on the sidewalk advertising the Wacky Taxidermy and Miniatures Museum with an admission price of only $5. In 2025, Mental Floss named it Michigan’s entry for “1 Interesting Museum From Each State,” and I think they were on to something!
Upon entering, I was greeted by the Museum’s owners (and the artists behind the exhibits), Brandon and Julie Howey. They were very friendly, offering enthusiastic greetings and telling me that they also love Atlas Obscura and, in fact, had added the Museum’s entry to the website. I’m so grateful that they did, because I otherwise would not have made the stop. I exchanged an AO sticker (and of course my $5) for entry, and then it was time to head through the entrance.
I took around 50 pictures over the next 20 minutes of solo exploration. Some features pulled me into childhood nostalgia, like the mouse-version of David Bowie’s King Jareth from Labyrinth (1986), complete with miniature crystal ball; and the mice dolled-up with wigs and platform boots in front of a Union Jack and a sign advertising the Mice Girls. I learned some of the history of taxidermy as well as how the Museum has been able to source animals from a local raptor sanctuary. I laughed out loud as I walked down a long city “street” for mice, complete with restaurants, a bar, a theatre, and several shops. I marveled at each impeccable detail on display, admiring the imagination it took to create each tiny scene.
As I snapped more and more photos (like the miniature record store to show a friend who has one of his own, and Elk-ton John complete with ostentatious glasses because my sisters and I are big fans of his human counterpart), I kept thinking “I can’t wait to tell everyone about this!” I imagined watching the faces of my friends as I waited for them to notice each clever element on display, the way one does when showing a favorite movie or song to a loved one. Who wouldn’t see three mice dressed as mermaids and crack a smile, or feel momentary joy at the thought of JiMINK Hendrix? On my way out, I made sure to look closely at the items for sale in the gift shop. After all, the Howeys have also created all types of miniature art in the form of stickers, earrings, magnets, and other curios to keep the wonder alive long after you’ve left. I headed out with miniature VHS tape magnets and a Bigfoot hunting licence for my boyfriend, just in time to grin at the next explorers who were heading to the counter to start their own journeys through the museum. 
Open May-October each year, the Wacky Taxidermy and Miniatures Museum is not one to miss! And for those looking to bring some mouse magic into theur home, check out www.etsy.com/shop/EerilyBeloved .
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Mackinaw City, Michigan
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