Visit Charleviox Michigan’s Mushroom homes

Mushroom Houses

On a recent trip to Northern Michigan, we stopped in Charlevoix Michigan and checked out some of the famous mushroom houses built by Earl Young.  I had no idea they were there until a friend asked we had stopped to see them.

Earl Young started building mushroom homes starting around 1918-1919  (depending on who you ask).   These awesome mushroom style buildings consist  of 26 homes and 4 commercial buildings.   The Stafford’s Weathervane Restaurant, Weathervane Terrace Inn & Suites on Pine River Lane and The Lodge hotel on Bridge Street were also built by Earl Young.

The buildings have character that remind me of  life size fairy houses.  My husband says hobbit homes. Maybe it’s just where elves vacation.  The houses are a must see visit.  The homes are built using lime stone, field stone and boulders found in northern Michigan.

Take a Tour

Nestled in downtown Charlevoix, you can take a guided tour to see all the homes for a fee.  There are different companies who offer this service.  You can also take a self guided tour for free.  The Charlevoix Historical Society has a map you can print and visit the homes at your own pace.   The homes are private and some are available to rent.  We drove by and took pictures from our car out of respect of those who live there (we wouldn’t want people walking on our yard if they were checking out our house).

There are different clusters of homes throughout a few neighborhoods to explore and see.

Have you seen these homes? Which is your favorite?

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