The Irish Hills Towers were built to extend the experience of climbing the highest point in the area. The Michigan Observation Company opened the "original tower" in 1924. The "spite tower" followed shortly after when it became evident that the idea was financially lucrative. Both of the towers' owners opened restaurants that catered to the Chicago-bound tourist. At one point a tourist hotel stood just to the east of the towers. After World War II, more and more Americans took to the road. A demand for the amenities of travel arose, restaurants, lodging, a place to buy fuel, and a spot for a picnic. With this new use, the landscape of the corridor changed once again. Tourist cabins, gas stations, and roadside parks were built.
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