Four Star Motel
St Ignace, MI
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

The Four Star Motel in St. Ignace has one of those signs that makes you smile before you even pull into the parking lot. Topped with four bright stars and classic neon lettering, it's the kind of roadside marquee that reminds you of the days when independent motels competed for travelers with personality instead of corporate logos. Back in 2008, the motel even had a little fun with the soaring gas prices by putting up the message, "Gas is expensive...we are not," on its reader board. It was a clever bit of roadside advertising that probably caught more than a few drivers' attention. 12-08

The motel dates back to the late 1950s and was built during the boom years following the opening of the Mackinac Bridge. Like many St. Ignace motels, it welcomed generations of vacationers heading north to the Upper Peninsula or catching the ferry to Mackinac Island. Its classic roadside sign has remained one of the property's defining features through the years.

In 2019, the motel changed hands and became Laura's Four Star Motel. While the vintage sign remains standing, the property's focus has shifted from serving vacation travelers to providing seasonal housing for many of the international workers employed on nearby Mackinac Island. It's a different role than it once played, but it's nice to see another classic roadside motel still being put to good use instead of disappearing altogether.

UPDATE: The Four Star Motel is still standing, although it now operates primarily as workforce housing under the name Laura's Four Star Motel. Fortunately, the vintage roadside sign with its four stars remains out front, continuing to greet travelers along U.S. 2. 07-26

Bambi Motel (Demolished)
Sault Ste Marie, MI
Photo and info courtesy Alan Culley

The Bambi Motel looked like it was once one of those friendly mom-and-pop places that welcomed generations of travelers heading through Sault Ste. Marie. By the time this photo was taken in 2008, though, things had changed. The property sat empty, weeds had taken over, and there had been a fire near the office. It was a sad sight and another reminder that many of these old highway motels were quietly disappearing. 12-08

The motel dated back to the postwar travel boom and originally offered modern rooms, a heated pool, and all the amenities families expected during the 1950s and 1960s. Over the years it expanded, but eventually fell into disrepair before finally closing for good.

UPDATE: The Bambi Motel is gone. The property was demolished as part of a Brownfield redevelopment project, and today the site is home to Lake Superior Academy. Like so many classic roadside motels, another piece of highway history has faded away. 07-26

Grand Motel (Gone)
Sault Ste Marie, MI
Photo and info courtesy Alan Culley

The Grand Motel was one of the survivors along East Portage Avenue at a time when many of the neighboring motels had already closed, were for sale, or sat empty. Built in 1958, it welcomed travelers to Sault Ste. Marie during the height of the postwar road trip era and remained a familiar stop for decades. 12-08

The motel changed owners several times over the years before eventually being transformed into The Last Resort. While the original buildings are still there, they've been extensively remodeled, and the vintage roadside marquee that once greeted motorists has disappeared.

One neat reminder of the motel's past still survives, though. About nine blocks away, an old painted brick ghost sign advertising the Grand Motel can still be spotted downtown. It's a small piece of roadside history that's managed to outlive the motel's original sign.

UPDATE: The former Grand Motel now operates as The Last Resort, catering to anglers and visitors to the Soo. Although the original roadside marquee is gone, the old painted ghost sign downtown is still hanging on as a reminder of the motel's history. 07-26

Sands Motel (Closed)
St Ignace, IN
Photo and info courtesy Alan Culley

The Sands Motel was another one of the classic roadside motels that once lined Business Loop I-75 in St. Ignace. When this photo was taken in 2008, the motel had already closed and was sitting empty, another reminder of how many independent motels had disappeared from this stretch of highway. 12-08

One of the more interesting features is the old sign out front. If you've ever wondered about the "YES" and "NO" on the marquee, they're actually tied to the vacancy indicator. Instead of a traditional "No Vacancy" sign, the motel would light either "YES" or "NO" next to the word "VACANCY" to let travelers know if rooms were available. It's a clever little detail that you don't see very often anymore.

The motel dates back to the 1950s and has remained abandoned since closing in 2007. While the buildings continue to deteriorate, the weathered roadside sign is still hanging on, standing as one of the last reminders of another Upper Peninsula mom-and-pop motel.

UPDATE: The Sands Motel remains abandoned, and fortunately the vintage roadside sign is still standing, although time and the elements continue to take their toll. 07-26

Hiawatha Motel (Gone)
Manistique, MI
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

The Hiawatha Motel had a sign that was a little different from the typical roadside motel marquee, and that's exactly what made it stand out. It may not have featured a giant arrow or flashy Googie shapes, but its distinctive design was more than enough to catch the attention of travelers heading through Manistique on U.S. 2. 12-08

For many years the motel welcomed visitors exploring Michigan's Upper Peninsula before eventually closing its doors. After operating the Hiawatha Motel, the McNamara family went on to own the nearby Star Motel for more than four decades, continuing their connection to Manistique's roadside hospitality.

Today the motel is gone, and so is the unique sign that once stood out front. Like so many independent motels, it's another reminder of how quickly these pieces of roadside Americana can disappear.

UPDATE: The Hiawatha Motel is no longer in business, and its distinctive roadside sign has been removed. Another unique Upper Peninsula motel has become part of history. 07-26

The Balsams Motel
Gros Cap, MI
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

The Balsams Motel has one of those signs that's hard to drive past without taking a second look. Between the bright colors, the little starbursts, and the unique shape, it's a fun piece of roadside design that fits right in along U.S. 2 west of St. Ignace. It's the kind of sign that reminds you how much personality these old mom-and-pop motels once had. 12-08

The motel is part of The Balsams Resort, a longtime Upper Peninsula getaway offering both motel rooms and rustic log cabins tucked among the trees. Located near Gros Cap and just across the highway from Lake Michigan, it's easy to see why this has been a popular stop for travelers looking to slow down and enjoy the shoreline.

UPDATE: The Balsams Resort remains open, and fortunately its distinctive vintage roadside sign is still standing to welcome travelers along U.S. 2. 07-26