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Castle Rock Paul Bunyan and Babe.
Babe the Blue Ox and Paul Bunyan bask in early morning rays.

Paul Bunyan and Babe - Castle Rock

Field review by the editors.

St. Ignace, Michigan

Castle Rock is an abrupt, geologic protuberance just north of the Mackinac Bridge on Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The nearly 200-ft. column of rock was long ago augmented with a man-made ramp and walkway to provide paying tourists a climb for an unparalleled view of Lake Huron and distant Mackinac Island.

Castle Rock Curios sign.

At the base of the Castle Rock lookout is an amusing Paul Bunyan statue accompanied by his mythical sidekick, Babe the Blue Ox. This Bunyan is rare. Instead of standing, ready to deforest Michigan, Paul sits, staring googly-eyed towards the lake. With a newspaper in his hands, we'd complete the visual that Paul is halfway through one of his mighty bowel movements.

Paul and Babe are surrounded by a low hurricane fence, to discourage lap monkeys. The statue and lookout are accessed via Castle Rock Curios, a gift shop with a classic neon sign out front and loads of souvenirs to salve that Upper Peninsula itch.

Also see: Paul Bunyan: Friend or Foe?

Paul Bunyan and Babe - Castle Rock

Address:
N2690 Castle Rock Rd, St. Ignace, MI
Directions:
I-75 exit 348. West side of the road, at the base of Castle Rock.
Phone:
906-643-8268
Admission:
$1 to climb Castle Rock.
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Indian VillageIndian Village, St. Ignace, MI - 3 mi.
America MooseAmerica Moose, St. Ignace, MI - 4 mi.
Wooden Observation Tower and TeepeeWooden Observation Tower and Teepee, St. Ignace, MI - 4 mi.
In the region:
Call of the Wild Museum, Gaylord, MI - 62 mi.

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