It is a specific kind of nostalgia. You know the one. It smells like cedar popcorn, slightly dusty craft supplies, and that specific scent of Lake Huron air that clings to your hoodie after a walk on the pier. For anyone who has spent a summer—or a lifetime—in Iosco County, the Ben Franklin Tawas City Michigan store isn't just a retail space. It is a landmark. In an era where big-box giants and digital storefronts have swallowed up the American main street, this particular spot stands as a stubborn, charming outlier.
It’s actually kinda wild when you think about it.
Most people hear "Ben Franklin" and they think of the guy on the hundred-dollar bill or maybe those old-school five-and-dime stores that supposedly went extinct in the nineties. But here in Tawas, things work a little differently. This store has survived. It has morphed. It has become a hybrid of a craft paradise, a souvenir hub, and a local community center.
The Weird, Wonderful Survival of the Five-and-Dime
So, what is the deal with Ben Franklin Tawas City Michigan anyway? Most of the national franchise folded decades ago. The chain, which started way back in 1877, was the king of the variety store model. But by the time the 1990s rolled around, most were gone, replaced by Dollar Generals or Walmarts.
Not Tawas.
The Tawas City location, often referred to as the Ben Franklin Variety & Custom Framing, stayed rooted. It’s located right on US-23, the main artery that pulses with tourist traffic all summer long. If you've ever driven north toward East Tawas or Oscoda, you've seen the sign. It’s iconic. Honestly, if they ever took it down, I think the locals might actually revolt.
The store works because it doesn't try to be a Target. It’s cramped in the best way possible. The aisles are narrow. You'll find a massive selection of high-quality yarn right next to a rack of Michigan-themed sweatshirts that actually look cool, not like the generic stuff you find at a gas station.
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Why Locals and Tourists Can't Quit This Place
You’ve gotta understand the geography of Tawas City to understand the store. Tawas is the "Gateway to the North." It’s where the landscape shifts from the flat farmlands of Mid-Michigan into the rugged, pine-heavy beauty of the Huron National Forest.
When people arrive for their vacation, they realize they forgot something. Always. Maybe it’s embroidery hoop for a rainy day at the cabin. Maybe it's a specific type of lure for fishing off the State Dock. Or maybe it’s just a puzzle because the Wi-Fi at the rental cottage is spotty.
Ben Franklin Tawas City Michigan fills all those gaps.
- The Framing Department: This is actually one of their biggest draws. They do custom work that draws people from all over the region. People bring in old photos of their grandfathers at the Au Sable River or original paintings from local art fairs.
- The Craft Section: In a world where Michael's or Joann's are often the only options, this place feels tactile. It’s curated.
- Seasonal Decor: If it’s October, that store is a masterpiece of orange and brown. If it’s July, it’s all about the lake life.
The staff usually knows the regulars by name. That’s not a cliché; it’s just how it is in Iosco County. You go in for a skein of wool and end up talking about the lake levels or the high school football game for twenty minutes.
The "Variety Store" Identity in 2026
It's funny. For a while, people thought stores like the Ben Franklin Tawas City Michigan were relics. Museum pieces. But lately, there’s been this massive shift back toward "slow shopping."
People are tired of the Amazon algorithm. They want to touch the fabric. They want to see the true color of the paint. They want to walk on creaky floors.
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There is a sense of discovery here. You might walk in looking for a birthday card and walk out with a vintage-style Michigan map, a bag of salt water taffy, and the exact shade of blue thread you’ve been hunting for. It’s about the hunt. It’s about the fact that the inventory isn't dictated by a corporate office in a different time zone, but by what the people in Tawas actually need and want.
A Quick Reality Check on the "Ben Franklin" Name
To be clear, the Ben Franklin name today is largely a branding thing for independent owners. While the original parent company (Butler Brothers) is long gone, the name carries a weight of trust. In Tawas City, that brand is synonymous with the local owners who have kept the lights on through recessions and pandemics. They aren't part of a massive conglomerate. They are your neighbors.
What You’ll Actually Find Inside
If you haven't been in a while, or if you're planning your first trip up the Sunrise Coast, here is the vibe.
It is a sensory experience. The front of the store is usually dedicated to the "New and Now." Depending on the season, you’ll see beach toys, sleds, or holiday ornaments. As you move deeper, the aisles get more specialized.
The fabric department is legendary among the local quilting community. I've heard stories of people driving two hours just to check their specific stock. Then there’s the framing shop in the back—this is the "serious" part of the business. It’s where the craftsmanship really shows. They handle everything from professional diplomas to delicate heirlooms.
And let’s talk about the souvenirs.
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Most "souvenir shops" sell junk. You know the stuff—plastic trinkets that break before you get home. Ben Franklin Tawas City Michigan tends to lean more toward the "keepsake" side of things. High-quality hoodies, locally-sourced art, and items that actually represent the spirit of Lake Huron. It feels authentic because it is.
Navigating the Tawas Area
If you're making a trip specifically to visit the store, you might as well make a day of it. Tawas City and its sister, East Tawas, are separated by a tiny creek but feel like one big coastal town.
- Tawas Point State Park: Just a few miles away. It’s called the "Cape Cod of the Midwest." The lighthouse is a must-see, and the birdwatching is world-class.
- The Newman Street Shopping District: After you hit Ben Franklin, walk down Newman Street in East Tawas. It’s full of boutiques and chocolate shops.
- The Pier: Walking out onto the Tawas State Dock at sunset is basically a requirement for being in the area.
The Future of Independent Retail in Michigan
There is something deeply comforting about the fact that Ben Franklin Tawas City Michigan is still standing. It represents a middle ground. It’s not a high-end luxury boutique where you’re afraid to touch anything, but it’s also not a soulless warehouse.
It’s just a store. A really, really good one.
In an era of "Experience Economies," this place provides an experience without even trying. It doesn't need a marketing firm to tell it to be "authentic." It just is. It’s the sound of the bell on the door, the help from a clerk who actually knows where the buttons are kept, and the feeling that you’ve found a little piece of the "Old Michigan" that hasn't been paved over yet.
If you're a local, you probably have a Ben Franklin story. If you're a visitor, you're about to make one.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Check the Hours: Small-town stores don't always keep 24/7 "city hours." During the winter months, they might close a bit earlier than you’d expect. Check their social media or give them a quick call before you head out.
- Plan Your Projects: If you’re a crafter, bring your measurements or your color swatches. The staff is incredibly helpful with matching materials for quilting or framing.
- Budget Extra Time: Don't try to "pop in" for five minutes. You’ll get sucked into the aisles. Give yourself at least forty-five minutes to really browse the variety.
- Support Local: While you're there, ask the staff for their favorite lunch spot nearby. Supporting the ecosystem of Tawas City keeps these iconic businesses alive.
- Look for the Uniquely Michigan: Focus on the "Sunrise Coast" specific merchandise. These are often limited runs and make much better gifts than anything you'll find at a big chain.
The Ben Franklin Tawas City Michigan store is a survivor. In a world of digital noise, it’s a physical, tangible reminder of what community retail used to look like—and what it can still be if we value it. Whether you're there for the yarn, the frames, or just the nostalgia, it's worth the stop. Every single time.