Hot flashes, migraines, joint pain, weight gain, insomnia, and mood swings are common for many women around my age (50ish). It can feel like we are living in Hell at times, so I thought—why not take a day trip to actual Hell?
Hell, Michigan, is a place I’ve never been to before, and I have to admit that I was extremely excited to go. My days leading up to the trip were filled with Hell puns, because I’m super funny like that:
- I’m going to Hell!
- Hell yeah!
- I’m going to have a Hell of a good time
- Hotter than Hell
- …you get the picture.
I also spent time on their website: gotohellmi.com
Road Trip Partner: Mom’s Selective Service
I drafted my recent high school grad and unemployed son, Reagan, to join me on my highway to Hell. He won’t admit it, but I think he was just as excited as I was—until he saw that the trip was going to take us a little over three hours (one way). My advice to just take a nap and sit there looking pretty did not go over very well.
We managed to fill our time discussing his upcoming move to college and future blog trips. When the conversation lagged, we found an interesting podcast called Blink.
🎧 Podcast Recommendation:
Blink tells the true story of Jake Haendel, a drug addict who develops a terminal brain illness and becomes “locked in” his body—fully conscious but completely paralyzed.
It’s a crazy, fascinating story and perfect for a road trip to Hell.
Listen here – Blink Podcast
The Road to Hell
The roads to Hell were twisty and turny, with a strange Sleepy Hollow vibe. Trees draped eerily over the road, blocking the sun. It definitely set the mood to creepy.
I don’t know if it was just the way our GPS directed us, but we seemed to travel mostly on back roads. There was not a town, gas station, or—oddly—a church within miles of our destination.
Note:
I’m sure this trip is amazing in the fall when the leaves are changing.
In the winter? Possibly treacherous—on those twisting, motion-sickness-inducing roads.
Be warned: one minute you’re traveling down a dark, desolate highway, and the next—you’re in Hell. Literally.
Exploring Hell
Hell is small. During our visit, only two businesses were open:
- Screams Souvenirs
- Smitty’s Hell Saloon
🏞 First Stop: Gates of Hell
Our first order of business was to walk through the Gates of Hell and explore the grounds. Hell boasts “America’s shortest river walk,” so we did that. They weren’t wrong—it was really short. I don’t even think that I broke a sweat.
We also checked out:
- The Locks of Love Bridge
- Hell’s Chapel of Love
- A fun-looking putt-putt course
Then, it was lunchtime…
Lunch at Smitty’s Hell Saloon
Smitty’s features a Hell-themed menu, with large portions and reasonable prices.
- I had half of a Club Witch
- Reagan had a prime rib French dip (the photo only shows half of his sandwich)
The food was delicious, and the service was great. As we were leaving, the server told us to:
“Have a Hell-of-a-good-day!”
Shopping for Souvenirs
Our next stop was Screams Souvenirs and Creamatory. I wanted Reagan to become the Mayor of Hell for the day, but he refused (of course). Instead, I bought some Hell gear. Screams Souvenirs has:
- Tons of creative T-shirt designs
- Sizes for everyone (XS to 5X)
- All packed in a reusable bag that read:
“I traveled to Hell and back to buy this for you.”
We were too full to try any of the Creamatory’s treats, but…
Sweet Ending: Uncle John’s Cider Mill
By the time we hit Uncle John’s Cider Mill in Saint Johns (website), we were ready for a snack and ended up buying one too many doughnuts. The blueberry glazed and frosted were amazingly delicious—totally worth it!
Thinking of Visiting Hell (Michigan)?
If you’re considering a trip to Hell, here’s my advice:
🍂 Go in the fall – the colors will be spectacular.
🚗 Pack a sandwich and some Dramamine if you’re coming from the north. The roads are curvy, and it’s a long trip
🎯 Make it a full day – explore the hiking trails, play some putt-putt, and enjoy the quirky charm of this little town and the surrounding area.
⚠️ Heads up: There is no cell service in Hell.
If you live near Pinckney, you’ve got it easy—it’s a much shorter drive.
Take the trip. You’ll have a Hell of a time.
***special note: Chicago was hotter than hell!***
What I’m reading on this trip:
The Devil’s Gap: A Supernatural Thriller Inspired by True Events! – Free Kindle Unlimited Book
Shopping List for a trip to Hell:
Dramamine Original – suffer from motion sickness? You’re going to need this for the trip
TheraICE Migraine Cap – crazy hormones causing migraines? Try this. I keep mine on my bedside table, and it is just cool enough to relieve migraine discomfort.
TheraICE Sleep Mask – I keep this in the freezer for those more severe migraines
MIGRASTIL Migraine Stick – apply to temples, forehead, and cheeks before putting on your migraine cap
Silk Pillow Case (strawberry) – a silk pillow case has been a lifesaver for nightsweats and migraines, it’s so cool and soothing!
SWEETFULL Handheld fan – even if you have a ceiling fan this little guy offers even more comfort, place it next to you while you sleep
Portable Essential Oil Diffuser – add a little peppermint oil for calm and soothing
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