Arrowhead Motel (Rem.)
Saugatuck, MI
Photo 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

La France Motel (Demolished)
Sault Ste Marie, MI
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

The La France Terrace Motel is another roadside favorite in Sault Ste. Marie. Located along Ashmun Street, it welcomed travelers with a classic mid-century look that fit right in with the motor courts that once lined the highways heading north. 09-08

Vintage advertisements promoted amenities like a swimming pool, in-room televisions, and individual heat, all modern conveniences for their day. Motels like this were built to make life a little easier for road trippers, and the La France was one of many that served visitors heading to the Soo Locks and Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

UPDATE: The La France Terrace Motel is gone, and the property has since been redeveloped. Unfortunately, the vintage roadside sign didn't survive either. 07-26

Long Ships Motel
Sault Ste Marie, MI
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

The Long Ships Motel features a great old marquee with thin neon tubing spelling out the motel's name. It's a simple design, but one that really stands out after dark and gives the property plenty of roadside character. 09-08

Located across from the Soo Locks, the motel has been welcoming visitors for years with its classic motor court layout, where you can park right outside your room. It's the kind of independently owned place that feels right at home in a town built around travelers, and the vintage sign is a big part of its appeal.

UPDATE: The Long Ships Motel is still open, and the classic marquee continues to greet visitors to Sault Ste. Marie. 07-26

Lawson Motel (Gone)
Sault Ste Marie, MI
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

Check out the Lawson Motel in Sault Ste. Marie. The marquee does more than just display the motel's name, it also advertises many of the amenities waiting for travelers, something that was pretty common at roadside motels years ago. 09-08

Located along Ashmun Street, the Lawson Motel welcomed visitors for decades before eventually being renamed The Guest House Motel. It's a good reminder of a time when a simple roadside sign could tell motorists everything they needed to know before pulling in for the night.

UPDATE: The Lawson Motel name is gone, and the property has since been repurposed for tribal housing services. Unfortunately, the original roadside marquee disappeared when the motel was rebranded. 07-26

Shangrai-La Motel (Gone)
Saugatuck, MI
Photo 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

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