What’s Up With This Michigan Roadside Attraction, Chillermania?
If you find yourself passing through Indian River, Michigan, make sure to keep an eye out for a "chilling" roadside attraction.
If you've grown up in Michigan, you may be familiar with the popular book series Michigan Chillers by author Jonathan Rand. The books, written for kids, include titles like The Gruesome Ghouls of Grand Rapids, Kreepy Klowns of Kalamazoo, and Mayhem on Mackinac Island just to name a few. In total, there are 20 Michigan Chiller books all of which you can find here.
(For those who didn't grow up in Michigan, these books feel very reminiscent of the popular Goosebumps series from R.L Stine.)
Since being published in 2000, the Michigan Chillers series has become so popular that there's now a roadside attraction dedicated to them:
Chillermania, as it's called, is the world headquarters for books written by Jonathan Rand, according to their Facebook page. That includes the Michigan Chillers, American Chillers, Nightmare Nation, and more.
Inside, the store is decorated with various "creepy" monsters like giant spiders, mummies, and so on. Plus, Jonathan Rand himself is said to be there from time to time.
Now, this isn't a roadside attraction that'll take up a lot of your time. It's more like a quick stop to make while you're on your way to your final destination. But, still, a fun place to visit if you grew up reading the Michigan Chillers and want to either experience a bit of nostalgia or share your favorite childhood books with your kid.
Chillermania's hours have shifted a bit over the years so make sure to check their official website before planning your visit. As well, if you'd like to purchase Jonathan Rand's titles, you can do so online with free shipping and at a lower price than on Amazon. Learn more here.
If you're planning on a road trip this summer, make sure to keep an eye out for these weird sculptures that can be spotted as you're driving by: