Skyline Motel
Sault Ste Marie, MI Photo courtesy Alan Culley
The Skyline Motel is located just off I-75 in Sault Ste. Marie, making it one of the first classic roadside motels travelers see as they head into town. Its large roadside sign does a good job of letting motorists know they're almost there. 09-08
The motel has a traditional two-story layout with exterior entrances, a style that became common during the highway travel boom. It's also one of the few independently owned motels in the area that stays open year-round, welcoming everyone from summer tourists to winter snowmobilers. The big roadside sign is still the property's best advertisement.
UPDATE: The Skyline Motel is still open and continues to welcome travelers to Sault Ste. Marie. Better yet, the large roadside sign is still standing and greeting motorists along the Business Spur. 07-26
Shangrai-La Motel (Gone)
Saugatuck, MI Photo and info courtesy Alan Culley
The Shangrai-La Motel sits along the newer U.S. 31 just north of Saugatuck. It's the kind of mid-century roadside motel that looks right at home along a busy highway, making it an inviting stop for travelers heading to Michigan's lakeshore. 12-08
Built in the early 1950s, the motel featured a classic motor court layout with a central swimming pool and drive-up rooms. Its name was inspired by the U.S.S. Shangri-La, and for years it welcomed vacationers exploring the Saugatuck area. Like many roadside motels of its era, it offered a simple place to relax after a day on the road.
UPDATE: The old Shangrai-La Motel has been given a second life as a boutique motel under a new name. The original Shangrai-La sign is gone, but it's nice to see the property itself still welcoming travelers. 07-26
Arrowhead Motel (Rem.)
Saugatuck, MI Photo and info courtesy Alan Culley
The Arrowhead Motel sits along the older U.S. 31 route into Saugatuck. It was still open when this photo was taken, although the original neon had already been replaced with painted lettering on the sign. Even without the glowing tubes, it still had plenty of roadside charm. 12-08
Located just a few blocks from downtown and across from Kalamazoo Lake, the Arrowhead welcomed travelers for years with its classic motor court layout. While the neon may have disappeared before this visit, the sign still had the look of an earlier era and fit right in with the vintage feel of the property.
UPDATE: The old motel has been renovated into the Arrowhead Resort, with the original motor court now serving as vacation accommodations. The vintage roadside sign is gone, but it's nice to see the property itself still being enjoyed. 07-26
Shady Shore Motel (Demolished)
Saugatuck, MI Photo and info courtesy Alan Culley
The Shady Shore Motel once sat along the older U.S. 31 alignment in Saugatuck, just down the road from the Arrowhead Motel. By the time this photo was taken, both the motel and its neon sign had already disappeared. Another old roadside motel had quietly slipped away. 12-08
For many years, the Shady Shore welcomed travelers along the waterfront on Lake Street. Beginning in the early 1950s, it was operated by Jack and Lucille Hedglin, and over the years it became known as a welcoming place for all travelers. It's a shame the motel and its neon sign couldn't have survived.
UPDATE: The Shady Shore Motel is gone, and the property has been redeveloped into waterfront condominiums. Unfortunately, the old roadside sign disappeared along with it. 07-26
Arrowhead Motel (Rem.)
Shady Shore Motel (Demolished)
