How Hell Michigan Got Its Name

Belinda Carlisle once sang that “heaven is a place on Earth,” but technically, she was wrong. And though singing “hell is a place on Earth” would have made it a very different song, it would have been factually correct, as an hour west of Detroit stands the town of Hell, Michigan.

Founded in the 1830s, the name Hell became official on October 13, 1841. How it got such a devilish name though is still hotly debated.

The town was formed around a series of businesses owned by George Reeves. Starting with a sawmill, he soon expanded to a gristmill and then a distillery and finally a general store and tavern to sell his products. Several theories around the name are unsurprisingly linked to this town magnate.

When asked what the town that he had helped form should be called, he supposedly replied, “I don’t care, you can name it Hell for all I care,” and they took him literally. Another theory is that he paid his workers in whiskey produced in his distillery, and when they chose to drink it rather than go home, their wives would exclaim they had “gone to hell again.”

A more sensible but less fun possible explanation comes from the hellish conditions early settlers found in the area, from swampy marshlands to swarms of mosquitoes. The final theory concerns a pair of German travelers, who upon arriving in the town in the 1830s, proclaimed it was “so schön hell!”—meaning “so beautifully bright.”

However Hell got its name, the town has embraced it, as it has brought significant attention to the area over the years. Town attractions include the Hell Hole Diner, Screams Souvenirs, and the Damnation University. You can even become the Mayor of Hell for the day, quite the accolade.

So, next time you’re in Michigan, remember to go to Hell (but remember that the state also has a town called Paradise, so it’s not all doom and gloom).

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.