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All the United States Michigan Kalkaska Kalkaska Shoe Tree

Kalkaska Shoe Tree

Michigan’s most famous shoe tree.

Kalkaska, Michigan

Added By
Rick Brown
Email
Been Here
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Added to list
  amandabania / Atlas Obscura User
  amandabania / Atlas Obscura User
View of the shoe tree from below   rickbbiking / Atlas Obscura User
Close up view of some of the shoes   rickbbiking / Atlas Obscura User
Kalkaska Shoe Tree, May 2017   Joyful Noise / Atlas Obscura User
A photo of the tree taken on October 16, 2010.   "DSC_0052_2726" by Gunner's Pixs is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
View from across US 131/M-66   rickbbiking / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Adorned with blooming rubber-soled foliage throughout the year, this impressive shoe tree has been an icon greeting travelers along route U.S. 131/M-66 for multiple decades. Its exact origin is unknown, though some say it was started by students from nearby Kalkaska High School.

Over the years it has grown in scale and numbers, as neighboring trees have seen overflow with their own “soleful” decorative additions. The shoe tree is popular and notable enough that it even has its own Facebook page. Given the wide spectrum of shoes hanging from the tree, the shoe tree adds a surprising amount of colorful novelty to the area during the long Northern Michigan winters.

It also serves as an unofficial greeter to visitors and vacationers throughout the year. No matter what, the shoe tree helps Northern Michigan put its best foot forward.

Update 2024: Was pruned of all shoes in 2024.

 

Know Before You Go

Given the shoe tree's close proximity to traffic and travel lanes along U.S. 131/M-66, all due safety and precautionary measures should be taken when visiting the shoe tree.

Community Contributors

Added By

rickbbiking

Edited By

ofthrasher, photolady, Joyful Noise, amandabania

  • ofthrasher
  • photolady
  • Joyful Noise
  • amandabania

Published

April 26, 2019

Edit this listing

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Sources
  • https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kalkaska-Shoe-Tree/213315868767057
  • https://k1025.com/kalkaska-shoe-tree/
  • https://www.northernexpress.com/news/feature/article-1242-out-on-a-limb-the-great-leetsville-shoetree-is-forever-in-bloom/
  • https://www.giftbasketsfrommichigan.com/blog/michigan-oddities/the-leetsville-shoe-tree
Kalkaska Shoe Tree
4546 M-66
Kalkaska, Michigan
United States
44.780331, -85.1575
Visit Website
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Photo of Kalkaska

Kalkaska

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Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
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