Udell Lookout Tower

Udell Lookout Tower is a steel fire lookout tower in Manistee County, Michigan, with an observation cab featuring windows on all four sides for complete visibility. The structure stands on four reinforced concrete pedestals that anchor it firmly to the ridge where it sits.

Built in 1936 as part of a fire control plan, the tower remained in use until the 1960s when aerial surveillance methods became the preferred way to monitor forests. This shift marked the end of an era of ground-based observation posts.

The tower represents early forest protection methods in Michigan, showing how communities relied on observation points to monitor and respond to dangers. Visitors can see how such posts once functioned and the role they played in keeping forests safe from harm.

The tower sits on Forest Road 5207 near Wellston, Michigan, in a wooded setting that requires some hiking to reach. Access to the structure itself is limited since the base is secured with barbed wire and the lower stairs have been removed for safety reasons.

The observation cab is made from galvanized sheet steel, a practical choice for withstanding decades of exposure to weather and elements without rusting badly. This sturdy construction helped it survive long after it stopped being used.