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Iron River, Michigan: First Rest Area in the U.S.

Created in 1919 by highway engineer Herbert F. Larson, after local lake resorts wouldn't allow him in to eat his picnic lunch.

Larson Roadside Park

Address:
US-2, Iron River, MI
Directions:
Five miles east of Iron River, on the north side of US-2.
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Visitor Tips and News About First Rest Area in the U.S.

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Larson Roadside Park.

First Roadside Park/Rest Stop In The United States

Roadside sign claims to be the first roadside park, or essentially rest stop, in the United States, which took off to what we have today. We have Michiganders to thank for the roadside stops that we enjoy today.

[Jeff Everman, 11/08/2022]

Herbert F. Larson, who managed Iron County's fledgling highway department, came up with the idea in 1919 after local lake resorts wouldn't allow him in to eat his picnic lunch.


Nearby Offbeat Places

Smiley Face Water TowerSmiley Face Water Tower, Caspian, MI - 5 mi.
Albino DeerAlbino Deer, Florence, WI - 19 mi.
World's Largest Soup KettleWorld's Largest Soup Kettle, Laona, WI - 38 mi.
In the region:
A.C. Hoyle Winch Guy, Steam Pump, Iron Mountain, MI - 30 mi.

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