180-mile garage sale on U.S. 12 back for another year

THREE OAKS, Mich. -- The annual U.S. 12 Heritage Trail garage sale is underway, where you can hop on the highway and head all the way to Detroit with plenty of deals in between.

One place you’ll want to make sure to stop is Carver Park in Three Oaks to see the 30-plus vendors.

“There’s garage sales, food vendors and local attractions all along the route,” said Kris Martin with the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission.

For 17 years, Michiganders have taken part in the state’s longest garage sale. A trip that can take you through seven counties and down the historic highway in one weekend.

“The U.S. 12 route became a scenic byway because of its historical significance, this was a huge area of economic activity, so a lot of these communities popped up along the route,” said Martin.

With over 200 vendors, this is actually one of the biggest turnouts the Berrien County organizers have ever had.

“We have antiques, we have collectibles and we have good garage sale finds,” said Julie Sittig, event coordinator for the U.S. 12 Heritage Trail.

Sittig has been part of the garage sale for nine years, selling items donated to the Region of Three Oaks museum. All of the money made supports the non-profit.

“We also provide lunches so it’s a picnic here and everybody likes to get out and find something special at the garage sale,” said Sittig.

While they expect everyone to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines, organizers are also just thankful to continue the Michigan tradition.

“I think you’ll find something, it’s amazing and Three Oaks is also a wonderful place to visit.”

A map of the garage sale and COVID-19 safety information can be found at us12heritagetrail.org