Perry Hannah Statue – Traverse City, Michigan - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

Perry Hannah Statue

Traverse City, Michigan

Locals often dress this effigy of Traverse City's founder in festive outfits. 

View all photos
Wider shot of him dressed for 2019 Traverse City Film Festival. rickbbiking (Atlas Obscura User)
Wider shot of him dressed for 2019 Traverse City Film Festival. rickbbiking (Atlas Obscura User)
Plaque at the statue. rickbbiking (Atlas Obscura User)
Dressed for the holidays and winter cold. rickbbiking (Atlas Obscura User)
Wearing a cap in the sun. rickbbiking (Atlas Obscura User)
Dress for the 2019 Traverse City Film Festival. rickbbiking (Atlas Obscura User)
124
112
Top Places in Traverse City
Traverse City State Hospital
Traverse City, Michigan
Tunnels of Traverse City State Hospital
Traverse City, Michigan
Doug Murdick’s Rooftop Box of Fudge
Traverse City, Michigan
 See All

Perry Hannah is recognized for founding Traverse City, Michigan, in 1851. A statue of him was unveiled in 2015, and the effigy has gained local fame for a charming reason.

Since its unveiling, Hannah’s statue has been dressed up and decorated for various occasions and events. These include, but are not limited to, Christmas, New Years, St. Patrick’s Day, the Traverse City Film Festival, Halloween, and many more.  

Other times, the locals dress him just to have a bit of fun. And sometimes, the statue is dressed to bring attention to an important public-awareness effort or charitable program.

While there was some pushback originally to the statue being decorated in a light-hearted manner, over time these concerns have abated. Today, residents and visitors alike enjoy having their photos taken with Hannah, especially when he is dressed up for a special occasion. 

Know Before You Go

On street parking is available around Perry Hannah Plaza, though some of the spaces are meter-based at certain times of the day.

clothing tradition statues
Nearby
The River Guardian
0.29 miles
Coast Guard City Monument
0.61 miles
Traverse City State Hospital
0.98 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
Traverse City, Michigan

The River Guardian

A 12-foot sculpture serves as a constant reminder of the importance of protecting and restoring the Boardman River.   
Coast Guard City Monument.
Traverse City, Michigan

Coast Guard City Monument

A humble ode to the heroic air rescue efforts of the United States Coast Guard serving on the Great Lakes.
Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City State Hospital

Former self-sufficient mental institution now a planned community.
The primary tunnel.
Traverse City, Michigan

Tunnels of Traverse City State Hospital

A subterranean world of tunnels links several buildings of this rare 19th-century asylum.
Related Places
Nontron, France

Soufflaculs de Nontron

This pair of statues commemorates a once-widespread carnival tradition of blowing on each other’s butts with bellows.
Berlin, Germany

Sternenwächter

A statue of an astronomer gazes at the sky as a tribute to Caroline Herschel.
La lleona de Girona
Girona, Spain

La Lleona de Girona

Kissing the ass of this stone lioness has become a rite of passage in the city of Girona.
Garderobe Manneken Pis
Brussels, Belgium

Garderobe Manneken Pis

Belgium’s famous peeing statue has worn many hats (and coats, and pants), which are on display at this small museum.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web