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. Some dinosaurs still visible.
- Address:
- 8203 US-12, Onsted, MI
- Directions:
- On the south side of US-12, a half-mile west of its intersection with MI-124.
- Hours:
- Closed since 2002, but some dinos are still visible. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
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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]Prehistoric Forest is still there, but closed for business. The gates to the place are chained shut, and there are motion sensors and an alarm system to discourage trespassers. A man that was there said that it had been closed for three years. Someone should buy this place and open it again! .
[liz, 11/23/2006]Page of 2 [Next 3 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.