Natural wonderland Meet the enchanting Mushroom Houses of Charlevoix, Michigan on Lake Michigan. This collection of 28 storybook homes was designed by the self-taught architect, Earl Young. Now, visitors flock to take in the cedar shake roofs, wavy eaves, and stone walls crafted from Lake Michigan boulders. - Hobbits on the lake Rumor has it that these homes, with their unique windows and funky doors inspired the build of the hobbit homes in Lord of the Rings. - Collected with love Young was inspired by the lake and collected the boulders from it to build the homes, much like his contemporary Frank Lloyd Wright. - The Mushroom House Tours is run by Edith Pair, a proud born-and-raised Charlevoix Guru. Their tour group has collected the most extensive information about these incredible beauties through historical archives and interviews with the homeowners. You can also rent the homes for vacation.