US 421 through Versailles and Osgood in Ripley County, Indiana, was not originally the Michigan Road. The original alignment still exists, a little to the west. But in the early 1900s as the automobile came to prominence, the Michigan Road was rerouted so that these two towns could get in on the action.
As you enter Versailles from the south, you soon come upon the Moon-Lite Motel.
This traditional old-style motel is still operating and its rooms are all said to be recently remodeled.
Most of what’s worth seeing in Versailles is a few blocks off US 421. The Tyson United Methodist Church is probably the town’s crown jewel. I wrote about it before, here.
This art deco wonder still serves this congregation. They just added a lift on the side of the building to let people into the basement more easily.
Moving on from Versailles you quickly come upon Osgood. Its downtown is right on the Michigan Road. This Rexall drug store still operates.
Probably the best sight in Osgood is the Damm Theatre, if for no other reason that it’s so much fun to say. “Hey kids, let’s go to the Damm Theatre!”
Just before you leave town heading north, you come upon these curious metal sculptures.
Thanks to our signs, there’s no doubt you’re on the Michigan Road.
I’ve documented Indiana’s historic Michigan Road extensively. To read all about it, click here.
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