There is a lot of history behind the Root Beer Barrel in Douglas, Michigan. It was open for 26 years before closing in 1978 but is now booming since its reopening in 2016.

97.9 WGRD logo
Get our free mobile app

Root Beer

Orlando/ThinkStock/GettyStock
Orlando/ThinkStock/GettyStock
loading...

Root Beer has been around since the 16th century. It was first found in American confectionery stores beginning in the 1840s but it was first sold as a syrup. It wasn't until the 1850s that it was made into a drink.

Single Sassafras Tree (isolated white background)
selensergen/Getty Images/iStockphoto
loading...

Root beer is made using the root bark of the sassafras tree. Root beer is usually non-alcoholic, doesn't contain caffeine, and is carbonated. Taste great with some ice in the glass or a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream in what is known as a root beer float.

Douglas Root Beer Barrel

Brick wall and barrel winery, wood, wooden
Ivankish/Getty Images/iStockphoto
loading...

If you want root beer on the lakeshore then there is no other place like the Root Beer Barrel in Douglas Michigan.

Sugatuck-Douglas History Center
Sugatuck-Douglas History Center
loading...

The original barrel was actually built in 1950 by Joe Decker and Harold Kelly. The root beer stand was operated by several different owners from 1952 to 1978 before it closed its doors for 38 years before reopening in 2016.

Sugatuck-Douglas History Center
Sugatuck-Douglas History Center
loading...

The root beer barrel was restored and put back into action in 2016. They exclusively sell my favorite root beer which is made by a Wisconsin company by the name of Sprecher's. I often grab a bottle when I am at Menard's shopping with my son.

Root Beer Barrel Facebook Page
Root Beer Barrel Facebook Page
loading...

As you can see in the picture above, the Root Beer Barrel is alive and well and ready to serve you an ice cold root beer to enjoy with one of their tasty hot dogs. Take a look at the menu below.

Root Beer Barrel Facebook Page
Root Beer Barrel Facebook Page
loading...

My son and I love a good root beer and a hot dog, looks like we will be making a road trip to Douglas to visit the Root Beer Barrel. They are located at 453 W Center St, in Douglas, Michigan.

Six of the Strangest Town Names in Michigan

SEE MORE: 12 Items Every Michigander Has In Their Closet

More From 97.9 WGRD