Wondering what happened to the distinctive, decorative stove legs that have adorned the exterior of northern Michigan’s iconic Legs Inn for the past century or so?
Well, they didn’t just get up and walk away.
Officials at the historic Polish restaurant overlooking Lake Michigan said the approximately 200 legs have been “meticulously removed” as the building’s roof undergoes renovations.
“With the inclement weather, especially the last two years with the ice storm and snow, and with the age of the building, we finally had to redo the roof,” said Kathy Smolak, who owns the business with her husband, George Smolak.
Management at the award-winning, log cabin-style restaurant, which opened in the 1920s, said the white, inverted stove legs for which the establishment is named will eventually be returned to their typical location once the roof project is complete.
However, Smolak said, “It might be a while. It’s not easy … (The roofer) is going to try to bolt them back down with a piece of metal.
“Legs will have to be legless for a while,” she added with a laugh.
Legs Inn is currently open for the 2026 season with daily hours of 12-8 p.m., though it is closed each Tuesday.
“Thanks again for your understanding and patience as we strive to preserve our small piece of Northern Michigan history for the next generation,” the longstanding business said on Facebook.
Legs Inn was founded by Polish immigrant Stanley Smolak (George’s uncle) and constructed by Native Americans from the Odawa Tribe and other local residents using locally sourced timber and stones, according to the restaurant’s website. It is famed for its authentic Polish cuisine including pierogi, kielbasa, potato pancakes, cabbage rolls, goulash and locally caught Great Lakes whitefish.
Over the years it has hosted countless special events, including weddings, family reunions, community celebrations and other gatherings overlooking Lake Michigan’s bluffs and spectacular sunset views.
Legs Inn also rents five cottages situated in a scenic private woods for overnight guests.
mreinhart@detroitnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Iconic northern Michigan restaurant temporarily loses its ‘Legs’
Reporting by Max Reinhart, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
