The sense of community in Hell is felt throughout. The people that live in Hell are close knit through celebration and trying times. The history of this town nestled in their nook of the woods remains true even today. They band together and they celebrate good times.
Hell, Mi has always been a town of celebration since it's birth. The town was started in the 1830s when a man named George Reeves started a flour mill powered by a dam located on Hell Creek and a general store to service his employees and passerbys. The flour mill was very successful and in order to keep his growing little town happy he added on a distillery next to the mill. The distillery was also very successful. Now his distillery was so successful that he added on a local tavern and started distributing his moonshine in the 1860s to various inhabitants outside Hell.
After the Civil War the tax on whiskey rose, but George Reeves liking his drink and being a rebel, ignored the foolish tax. Instead he opened a ball room above the tavern and built a race track around the mill pond. People could dance, bet on the ponies, and be merry. Hence, Hell, became a town of celebration.
The federal government sent tax collectors to Hell, but when George heard of this he and the town poured the moonshine into large barrels from the mill, attached ropes to them, and sunk them into the pond where the government couldn't possibly look. George and everyone in the town denied the existence of any whiskey and the tax collectors moved on. Later, the ropes were pulled and the sunken barrels of whiskey reemerged.
George died in 1877, but not before responding to a question that would change the area forever. "What do you want to name this town?" His anwser, no doubt moonshine inspired was, "Name it Hell for all I care."
Shortly after George's death the distillery shut down and the mill burned down. George's family later sold the land in 1924 to investors from Detroit. These investors raised the level of the dam to form a lake where the pond was and named it Hi-Land Lake. The area became a summer resort destination with beautiful natural green surroundings, relaxing beaches, and Hell found it's natural place again as a town of celebration.
In Hell, new people to celebrate with is always welcome even if it's just for a short stay. Make your next excursion one of celebration and go to Hell!
Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment are located right in Hell. The recreational activities available to do are located 2 miles down the road from Hell in the
Pinckney Recreational Area (734-426-4913).
View Pinckney Recreation Area/Hell MapShop the local Hell shops.
Places to eat are located in Hell for eating in or dining out.
Live music plays at the Dam Site Inn every Friday & Saturday nights. Hell, Mi also puts on many events throughout the year. Find out more about upcoming
Hell Events!
There are several places available for camping (modern & rustic) in and around Hell.
Selection of CampgroundsThere are extensive trails for hiking & biking. All trails start at Silver Lake Beach. Trailside camping is available in designated areas of
Pinckney Recreation Area (2 miles from Hell). Call 734-426-4913 for more information.
Trail Information: Trail availability for Hiking & Mountain Biking
Hunting is available in most areas of the
Pinckney Recreation Area. Check with the park office for more information. Pier fishing is available at Silver Lake & Crooked Lake. Shore fishing is available at Silver Lake. Call 734-426-4913 for more information.
Swimming is available at Half Moon Lake beach, Bruin Lake Beach, and Silver Lake Beach. Bruin Lake access for swimming is only available to campers. Call 734-426-4913 for more information.
Canoe & Kayak Rentals
Boat rental is available at Silver Lake for boats, canoes, kayaks, and your-motor-on boats for fishing. You can reserve a boat by calling 734-904-7569.
Boating Access/Launches
Boat launches are located throughout the recreation area. There are improved boat launches on Bruin, Halfmoon, South, North, Joslin and Portage lakes. Unimproved ramps are located on, Crooked, Gosling, and Hiland Lakes. There are hand-carry access sites onto Sullivan Lake and Pickerel Lake. The chain of seven lakes can be accessed from Bruin and Halfmoon. Call 734-426-4913 for more information.
Skiing & Snowmobiling
Skiing is available within the
Pinckney Recreation Area. Snowmobiling is available in areas with 4" of snow or more. Hiking trails are closed to snowmobilers. Call 734-426-4913 for more information.
Trail Information: Trail availability for Skiing
Horseback Riding & Bridal Trails
Horseback Riding & Trails are available in
Pinckney Recreation Area & at
Hell Creek Ranch (734-878-3632). The recreation area's trails are adjacent to the Highwater Corral. If you do not have a horse and would like to go for a ride, visit the
Highwater Corral for current information about hours, activities and prices.
Trail Information: Trail availability for Horseback Riding
Also Inside Pinckney Recreation Area
Volleyball courts, picnic areas (sheltered & unsheltered), horseshoe pits, playgrounds, and metal detecting areas. Call 734-426-4913 for more information.
Silver Lake Trail: 2 Miles
Hiking, Mountain Biking, Skiing
Crooked Lake Trail: 5 Miles
Hiking, Mountain Biking, Skiing
Potawatomi Trail: 17 Miles
Hiking, Mountain Biking, Skiing, Walk-In Camping
Waterloo Trail: 35 Miles
Hiking, Skiing
Equestrian Trails: 8 Miles
Equestrian (Horseback Riding)
Losee Lake Trail: 3.3 Miles
Hiking
