Onsted, Michigan: Prehistoric Forest
Opened in 1963, closed since 2002, a classic dinosaur tourist attraction had a drive-thru mountain, creatures attacking each other, and Neanderthals on the make. Few remnants visible through fence.
- Address:
- 8203 US-12, Onsted, MI
- Directions:
- On the south side of US-12, a half-mile west of its intersection with MI-124. Rotting remnants visible through fence.
- Hours:
- Closed since 2002. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
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Stopped by in June; Prehistoric Forest is definitely closed and in terrible shape. The only thing recognizable was the brontosaurus, covered in lichen and moss.
[ndbrewguy, 07/10/2024]
Prehistoric Forest looks just like how I imagine Jurassic Park to be after the movie. There are also cannons in front of the bearded brontosaurus. This is definitely a roadside oddity.
[David Sherman, 12/20/2018]I learned from an interview on WUOM, from a representative of the Irish Hills Historical Society, that someone has purchased the Prehistoric Forest.
[ypsi-slim, 05/28/2013]When I was a child (in the early 1970s) my brother lived in "The Hills." My Mom took my nephews and me to visit and, of course, we had to hit Prehistoric Forest.
While we were in the forest seeing all the dinosaurs and other prehistoric things, the workers would go to your car and wire a Prehistoric Forest bumper sticker on -- it wasn't adhered to your bumper but, simply wired on. My Mom was totally disgusted that they felt it their job to "stick" this bumper sticker on her beautiful 1967 Buick Special. We roared when we found out it wasn't stuck on.
[Anne Glass, 01/16/2008]I'm sorry to say, but Stagecoach Stop USA has closed for good. Per the owner, liability insurance has gotten too expensive, and the crowds too small. As I understand, the property is to become a strip mall. No word yet on what's going to happen to the re-designed Muffler Man, but I suspect a large auction is in the works.
[James Goebel, 09/15/2007]Page of 2 [Next 4 items]
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Town officials are alarmed at the deterioration of the drive-thru mountain at this once great dinosaur attraction, closed since 2002. It's considered unsafe and trespassers sometimes enter the unoccupied property. The owner is expected to provide a viable plan soon to either restore the structure or demolish it.