Douglas, Michigan: The Barrel

Former Douglas Root Beer Barrel, built of real wood in 1952. 16 feet high. Restored and reopened in 2018 as a seasonal outdoor snack stand (cash or check only).

Address:: 823-701 W. Center St., Douglas, MI
Directions:: I-196 exit 36. Drive north on Hwy A-2 for 1.5 miles. Turn left a the stoplight onto W. Center St. Drive a third of a mile. At the stop sign turn left onto Chase Rd, then right into the Barrel parking lot.
Hours:: May-Oct. Local health policies may affect hours and access.

Results 1 to 3 of 3...

Visitor Tips and News About The Barrel

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

Big barrel.

The Barrel

It's totally worth a stop, especially in the summer. There's a great sign with the history of it all.

[bsbpyt, 10/26/2021]

The Barrel.

Douglas Root Beer Barrel

This large root-beer-barrel-shaped shop sells Sprecher Root Beer! A cute drink stand near Opal Beach.

[Colleen, 08/02/2020]

The barrel, built in 1952, was restored and reopened for business in 2018.

Big barrel.

Big Barrel

When it's 1950 and you're looking to make a fortune selling hot dogs and root beer, you need to think big. In the case of Joe Decker and Harold Kelly, that meant building their own giant wooden barrel in Flint, Michigan, and then carting it across the state to Oval Beach near Saugatuck.

Fast forward 70 years and several owners later, and the barrel has reopened selling root beer and food after the Douglas community banded together to restore the structure. It's well worth a stop to participate in a fun way to experience local history.

[Matthew L. Gryczan, 07/12/2020]