If you ever happen to be driving east along I-94 through Allen Park just by the Metro Airport you might come across one of the world's largest roadside attractions - a huge tire. Heading back from Taylor this weekend, I finally managed to quickly grab a drive by photograph!
Located near Detroit, the Uniroyal Giant Tire stands 80 feet high (about 8 stories high) and was originally created as a Ferris wheel for the 1964/1965 New York World Fair. With each ride in any of the 24 gonadlas costing 25c and lasting 10 minutes, the tire Ferris wheel was enjoyed by over 2 million people.
Back in it's former life as a Ferris Wheel at the 1964/1965 New York World's Fair. Source.
After the fair closed the tire was dissembled into over 180 pieces, the
gondolas removed and the tire was relocated to the Uniroyal sales office
in Detroit to be displayed as a static roadside attraction, paying
homage to the automotive history. For me the first mention I ever heard of Detroit was in geography lessons - Detroit built it's wealth and fortune upon the automotive industry, with Henry Ford's thirst for innovation refining the production line and mass assembly. With these methods adopted by Ford's rivals, and part suppliers establishing themselves in the city, many car manufactures based their headquarters in the Detroit, the Motor City.
Weighting 12 tons, the worlds largest tire is built to withstand hurricane strength winds and while it's changed it's name and had a new hub cap over the years it's still standing strong. You certainly won't miss it if you're ever in these parts!
Looking for the Uniroyal Tire?
You'll find it eastbound on I-94 between Southfield Freeway and Outer Drive.
What's the best roadside attraction you've ever spotted?
Hah, how cool! Although I kind of wish they've left it in the vintage style - so much prettier as a ferris wheel!
ReplyDeleteSorcha x Bright Field Notes
Yeah I prefer the vintage hub cap that it once had that's for sure!
DeleteOk, the tire as a Ferris wheel is the coolest! As far as the best roadside attraction that I have spotted... I'm not sure! I don't even think there are any where I live! I wish we had a huge tire though... that'd be pretty cool. lol
ReplyDeleteJessica
the.pyreflies.org
Wouldn't be awesome if it was still working as a ferris wheel?! I'd be taking a ride on that for sure!
DeleteI'm sure America is the place of weird roadside attractions! I love it - what's better than a giant tire. Maybe a giant picnic basket. I assumed you have checked the Roadside America website, they have loads of roadside attractions to check out.
ReplyDeleteWhy are there no giant tires in Belgium...Stupid Belgium.
Love that website, fill of quirky stuff, I have the book that goes with it .. she says, not really knowing where it is!
DeleteI bet they make lots of giant chocolates in Belgium. If they like having fun they would anyway.
Ha I love this! That sure is a big tyre! :)
ReplyDeleteAt one time they used to have a nail in it to advertise their run-flat tires. As for the best roadside attractions I've seen...I've seen a fair number of Paul Bunyans in my day. I've also seen a giant trout and wolverine. In Northern Michigan, there is a town called Onaway that has these giant heads - http://michiganexposures.blogspot.com/2009/02/giant-heads-of-onaway.html
ReplyDeleteThose giant heads are pretty cool! Might have to add those to the must see list whenever we head up north next!
DeleteHah! A tire ferries wheel! That awesome! Kind of a shame it's dissembled now. There's a giant dresser near my town with socks hanging out of it.. I'll have to snap some pictures of it sometime!
ReplyDeleteOn the way to Edinburgh from glasgow there is a giant horn on the roadside that looks like the speaker from the Teletubbies haha. It's not exactly as cool as a massive tyre though, is it?
ReplyDeleteDebi x
Awww, that was cool how it use to be a ferris wheel! Anyhow, I never knew this bit of information. Thanks for sharing. Might have to add it as a must-see on my future road trip that I hope to take when I retire. The coolest roadside attraction I've seen? Probably a dinosaur on the way to Vegas- or was that to Vegas? -Jess L
ReplyDelete