If you’ve ever wanted to say, “I’ve been to Hell and back,” then pack your bags—because in Michigan, that’s not just a joke, it’s a legit travel destination. Yes, Hell, Michigan is 100% real, and it’s every bit as delightfully weird, pun-filled, and unexpectedly charming as the name suggests.
Tucked away in the forested hills of southeastern Michigan, this tiny town leans all the way into its devilish name with a big sense of humor and a whole lot of heart.
Whether you’re in the mood for haunted mini golf, ice cream from the “Creamatory,” a chance to become Mayor of Hell for a day, or just want to explore some of the area’s beautiful nature trails and lakes, Hell offers something unique for every kind of traveler.
How to Get to Hell, Michigan
Hell is located in southeastern Michigan and is most easily reached by car. There is no public transportation that serves the town directly, so self-driving is the most convenient and reliable way to visit.
If you’re coming from Ann Arbor, the drive is roughly 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll take US-23 North and exit west onto North Territorial Road or Dexter-Pinckney Road, both of which wind through beautiful countryside before leading straight into Hell.
From Detroit, it’s about an hour and 15 minutes to the northwest. Most routes follow I-96 west to US-23 north, with a similar finish on the scenic backroads that make up the last stretch of the journey.
From Lansing, the drive is about an hour east, primarily along I-96 before connecting to M-36 and then south toward Pinckney and Hell. The drive itself is pleasant, especially in the fall when the trees along the country roads light up with vibrant foliage.
Because of its rural location, Hell makes for a perfect day trip or weekend getaway—just make sure you have directions or GPS before you set out, since cell service can be spotty in the deeper wooded areas.
What to Do in Hell
Screams Ice Cream & Souvenirs (a.k.a. Screams from Hell)
42.4331° N, 83.9842° W
Open seasonally, usually from spring through Halloween – 11 AM to 7 PM
This is your first stop in Hell—and you’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the flame-painted signs, skeleton statues, and devilish décor.
What to Do There:
- Ice Cream from the “Creamatory”: They serve up big scoops of Hershey’s ice cream, but the real showstopper is the Gravedigger Sundae, a 6-scoop monstrosity topped with crushed cookies, fudge, whipped cream, and gummy worms—if you eat it all, you get a death certificate. Literally.
- Souvenirs Galore: You can buy a deed to your own “square inch of Hell,” get your photo taken in a devil costume, or pick up everything from mugs to T-shirts that say “Go to Hell and Back” or “I Got Married in Hell.”
- Mail from Hell: Send a postcard stamped “From Hell”—yes, there’s a legit postmark. Great prank for friends and family.
The Gates of Hell
View this post on Instagram
Prime photo op spot
Open all day (outdoor landmark)
Take your Instagram shots at the town’s infamous Gates of Hell. It’s a campy wrought-iron archway that marks the entrance to the commercial center of town (yes, there’s really just one), but it makes for a perfect moment to say you “entered Hell.”
Become the Mayor of Hell (for a Day)
That’s right. For a small fee, you can become the Mayor of Hell for a Day—you even get:
- An official proclamation
- Mayoral sash and badge
- Certificate of mayoral authority
- And the ability to make honorary proclamations like “Ice Cream is mandatory today!”
Perfect for birthdays, bachelorette parties, or just being extra.
Hell’s Wedding Chapel (Hell’s Chapel of Love)
Every year, hundreds of couples flock to a little town just northeast of Ann Arbor, to get married. Hell’s Chapel of Love has been hosting weddings for 20 years.https://t.co/LFLt3xs6Yt
— Michigan Public (@michigan_public) October 31, 2023
Right next to Screams Ice Cream
Open by appointment for weddings, vow renewals, and commitment ceremonies
Why get married in Vegas when you can say “I got hitched in Hell”?
This tiny gothic-style chapel hosts themed weddings year-round and offers everything from simple vow renewals to full Halloween-style ceremonies complete with costumed officiants. It’s campy, romantic, and a great story for the rest of your life.
Hell’s Miniature Golf – Put Your Way Out of Damnation
Usually open from spring to fall
$6-$9 per person, 18 holes
This kitschy, Halloween-themed mini golf course is filled with tombstones, skeletons, and devilish decor.
Great for kids and adults alike, it’s a fun and silly way to spend 30–45 minutes. Try not to “burn in the lava pit” or get cursed by the “demon hole.”
Where to Eat in Hell
Hell Hole Bar & Diner
Located right in downtown Hell
Open 7 days/week, morning to late afternoon
Think: bottomless coffee, pancakes bigger than your head, and sausage that’ll make you believe in brunch again.
Menu Highlights:
- Devil’s Omelet: Packed with jalapeños, hot sauce, and pepper jack
- Hades Burger: Topped with ghost pepper cheese and chipotle aioli
- Sin-a-bon Pancakes: Giant pancakes drizzled with cinnamon glaze
Staff are dressed in devil horns, and the walls are decked out with license plates from “purgatory,” and yes—they play plenty of AC/DC.
Hell Saloon
Bar, grill, and live music venue
Afternoon until late night on weekends
Looking for a local dive with attitude? The Hell Saloon is biker-friendly, welcoming to tourists, and a local hangout that has pool tables, cold beer, and the occasional live music jam.
Try the “Hellfire Chili” or order a “Pitchfork Punch.” Some weekends, they even have karaoke or open mic nights.
Outdoor & Nature Fun Around Hell
Pinckney State Recreation Area
Entry requires a Michigan State Parks pass (~$12 day pass)
Over 11,000 acres of forest, lakes, and trails
While Hell itself is all about the humor, just outside town lies serious natural beauty. This massive recreation area offers:
- 17 miles of hiking and biking on the Potawatomi Trail
- Crooked Lake and Silver Lake for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing
- Campgrounds for both RVs and tents
- Swimming beaches (seasonal)
- Wildlife sightings, including deer, foxes, owls, and even coyotes
You can rent kayaks and paddleboards in town and head right into the chain of lakes.
Where to Shop in Hell
One of the most charming and quirky spots to shop in Hell is the appropriately named Hell in a Handbasket. This locally owned gift shop is packed wall-to-wall with handcrafted items, regional treats, and novelty souvenirs that you truly won’t find anywhere else.
Whether you’re looking for something spooky, sweet, or just downright hilarious, this little store delivers.
You’ll find artisan candles with names like “Soul on Fire” and “Black Flame,” hand-poured soaps with tongue-in-cheek labels like “Sin Scrubber” and “Smells Like Trouble,” and small-batch hot sauces and pickles branded as “Damn Hot.”
There’s also a wide variety of handmade jewelry, home decor, seasonal trinkets, and—of course—plenty of devil-themed merchandise that plays into the town’s name.
This is a great stop for grabbing souvenirs to bring home or for finding unique gifts that are guaranteed to spark a conversation.
Everything is curated with care, humor, and a flair for the unusual. Don’t be surprised if you leave with more than you planned—it’s hard to resist shopping in Hell!
Special Events in Hell
Halloween in Hell
This town goes all-out for spooky season. Expect costume contests, trick-or-treating, haunted hayrides, and spooky music playing through loudspeakers all month long.
The Hell-O Summer Fest
View this post on Instagram
Live music, food trucks, family games, and—yes—devil horn headbands are encouraged.
Where to Stay Near Hell
While the town of Hell doesn’t have any hotels or motels within its tiny borders, there are several great lodging options just a short drive away, ranging from rustic campgrounds to comfortable hotels.
Hell Creek Ranch Campground is the closest place to stay, located just outside the main part of town. It offers a peaceful, wooded environment with a mix of primitive campsites and RV-friendly lots.
The campground is known for its laid-back vibe and easy access to nearby hiking trails, lakes, and, of course, the quirky attractions in Hell. It’s a favorite for families, bikers, and outdoor lovers who want to stay close to the action but still enjoy nature.
If you’re looking for something a bit more scenic or family-oriented, Pinckney State Recreation Area has several campgrounds scattered throughout its 11,000-acre park. These campsites offer more privacy and natural beauty, with easy access to trails, fishing lakes, and swimming areas.
It’s ideal for those who want to combine a trip to Hell with outdoor recreation like hiking, kayaking, or bird-watching.
For travelers who prefer traditional accommodations, the towns of Brighton and Howell are both within a 15- to 20-minute drive from Hell and offer a full range of hotels, including well-known chains like Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn, and Courtyard by Marriott.
These are great options if you’re looking for air conditioning, Wi-Fi, hot breakfasts, or other modern amenities during your stay.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Hell, Michigan isn’t just a fun story to tell—it’s a genuinely unique experience that mixes quirky humor with small-town charm and surprisingly beautiful natural surroundings.
Whether you’re coming for the devilishly-themed shops, the laugh-out-loud photo ops, or the serene lakes and hiking trails nearby, Hell is the kind of place that sticks with you (in the best way possible).
It’s the perfect destination for travelers who love roadside oddities, families looking for a playful adventure, couples who want a wedding or vow renewal that no one will ever forget, or even just curious folks who enjoy saying, “Yep, I’ve been to Hell.”
So next time you’re planning a day trip or a weekend escape in Michigan, don’t overlook this tiny town with a big personality.
Go ahead—embrace the puns, eat the Gravedigger Sundae, send a postcard from Hell, and maybe even become mayor for a day. After all, life’s too short not to visit Hell at least once.