Find the Spirit of the Wild West in Northern Michigan at Coopersville USA
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The spirit of the Wild West is alive and well in Northern Michigan at one of the most unique tourist attractions you’ve likely never heard of.
Nestled in Lewiston, Coopersville USA stands as a proud symbol of the Old West, complete with a saloon, a jail, and a boot shop. Just a short distance from I-75, Coopersville USA is one roadside attraction that curious travelers won’t want to miss.
A Homage to the Old West
Visitors to Coopersville USA can step back in time and experience a slice of Western Americana that feels both immersive and theatrical. The attraction began as the brainchild of Spike Cooper and his friend Duke, two big fans of classic Western films and iconic Western heroes, especially John Wayne.
Spike and Duke began constructing this one-of-a-kind town in 2013. It began with a single building and expanded over time to include several structures typical of the Old West, including a saloon, jail, brothel, schoolhouse, and boot shop.
The gallows and the jail offer fun opportunities for photos as you explore the town.
Both founders have passed away since the attraction was built — both in 2020. Maintenance of the town, according to residents, passed to Spike’s son, who continues to uphold his father’s legacy by adding to and caring for the town.
Quaint little informal old western town. Someone spent a lot of time and effort on this. Really enjoyed looking at all the buildings and antiques there. Planning on bringing others to visit on our off road excursions.
– Donna W.
A Trip Back in Time
While not a real town from the historic Old West, Coopersville USA serves as a living museum and a testament to the enduring appeal of Western culture. The town is filled with memorabilia and historical replicas that evoke the era of cowboys and frontier justice.
I was blown away by the attention to detail in this Wild West Town, kind of in the middle of nowhere, it is WELL WORTH the time to stop by and explore! I’d love to go back sometime and meet the people who keep this town running. It’s really a hidden gem.
While Michigan has many magnificent roadside attractions, Coopersville is far from a tourist trap and was built purely from the personal passion and vision of its founders. While the site is free to visit, it operates on donations, which are encouraged to help preserve and enhance the town’s facilities.
Explore More of Northern Michigan
A trip to Coopersville USA is perfect for families who love unique roadside attractions and can be a fun stop on the way to exploring more of Northern Michigan.
Wander Through Old Growth Forest
Coopersville USA is less than a half hour from Hartwick Pines State Park, one of several places in Michigan with old-growth forests — forests that have grown over a long period of time and have been free of disturbances, such as insects, diseases, and severe weather events.
As one of the biggest parks in the Lower Peninsula, the rolling hills of Hartwick Pines State Park offer a majestic view of the Au Sable River. The park is also home to an old-growth forest, campgrounds, nearly two dozen miles of trails, and more.
The old-growth forest part of the park is best viewed on its namesake Old Growth Forest Trail, a 1.25-mile paved trail, that takes trekkers through 49 acres of forest with towering white pines, some of which are estimated to be more than 400 years old.
Travel Along the Michigan Polar-Equator Trail
Travelers who enjoy scenic drives can travel right across the heart of Northern Michigan on the Michigan Polar-Equator Trail — where the 45th Parallel North crosses the Great Lakes State.
The 45th Parallel North stretches from just below downtown Alpena and continues to just below Gaylord, through the Jordan River Valley, and over Torch Lake. It also crosses Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.
The trail is marked by several signs designating the 45th Parallel North in the state, which continue to be popular photo ops for both locals and travelers alike.
Treat Yourself to a Weekend Getaway in Gaylord
Situated in the middle of Northern Michigan, Gaylord is the perfect all-season getaway for those heading Up North.
Coming into town, visitors notice the nods to its Swiss heritage right away with Swiss-style facades, frescoes, and other design elements that make travelers feel like they’ve stepped right into a Swiss Village.
Treetops Resort offers one of Michigan’s most scenic rounds of golf in the summer, but it is also a winter wonderland that’s perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and extreme tubing.
Gaylord also maintains an elk herd and these majestic animals — about 40 of them — can be viewed at Elk View Park on 108 acres. Animal enthusiasts can also explore the Call of the Wild, where they can see animal displays, learn about habitats, and listen to animal signs.
Embrace the Spirit of the Wild West at Coopersville USA
For those who want to experience the flavor of the Old West, Coopersville USA provides a unique educational and recreational outing for families, history buffs, and anyone interested in experiencing the Old West without traveling to the more traditional locations like Arizona’s famous ghost towns.
With its authenticity and attention to detail, Coopersville USA is a must-visit attraction for residents and visitors alike who have a deep appreciation for the Western genre.