Iconic Michigan Restaurant's Legs Removed Temporarily

Northern Michigan's historic Legs Inn is temporarily without its iconic decorative stove legs. Approximately 200 legs have been carefully removed from the exterior of the log cabin-style restaurant to facilitate much-needed roof renovations. The decision to undertake the extensive roof work was prompted by recent inclement weather, including an ice storm and heavy snow, and the aging structure.

Owned and operated by George and Kathy Smolak, Legs Inn, which opened in the 1920s, plans to reattach the white, inverted stove legs once the roofing project is successfully completed. Management acknowledged that the process might take a while, as new methods involving bolting the legs with metal pieces are being explored. Despite this temporary change, Legs Inn is currently open for its 2026 season, operating daily from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., though closed on Tuesdays.

The establishment, founded by Polish immigrant Stanley Smolak, is renowned for its authentic Polish dishes and its unique construction using local timber and stones by Native Americans and other local residents. It continues to be a cherished spot for special events and offers cottage rentals, preserving a piece of Northern Michigan history for future generations.