Outhouse Tour through Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan
  Outhouses probably exist in every state of the United States as well as every province of Canada and for that matter, in every country of the world. This tour will take you on a very interesting trek across Southwestern Minnesota, through Wisconsin and then on to Michigan. We found some good ones here so be prepared!
  We begin in Southwestern Minnesota, travel past Minneapolis, Minnesota and on into Wisconsin. We then continue on to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. All of the Outhouse captions are numbered so you will know which ones I'm describing. If you are interested in this tour, plan on spending several paychecks for a class trip.
An Outhouse Grain DryerThe Back of the Outhouse Grain Dryer
(1) An Outhouse Grain Dryer
Photo by J. Loose
(2) The Back of the Outhouse Grain Dryer
Photo by J. Loose
  We begin this tour on a farm near Lamberton, Minnesota. I was discussing my interest in Outhouses with a local "farmer" and he said "I know a great Outhouse to photograph". They actually use it to dry grain now. The grass was overgrown near it but we managed to get the door open by man-handling the Outhouse as you can see in photo #3. Photo's 1-7 show different views of the Outhouse. It was still in rather good shape considering it has been neglected for some time.
The darn thing just won't budge!Plants are growing inside the Outhouse used for drying grain
(3) The darn thing just won't budge!
Photo by J. Loose
(4) Plants are growing inside the Outhouse used for drying grain
Photo by J. Loose
The Outhouse Hole inside the Grain DryerAnother Trademark Metal Roof Cap
(5) The Outhouse Hole inside the Grain Dryer
Photo by J. Loose
(6) Another Trademark Metal Roof Cap (found on quite a few Outhouses)
Photo by J. Loose
A good front shot of the Outhouse Grain DryerConstruction Site Classic Outhouse!
(7) A good front shot of the Outhouse Grain Dryer
Photo by J. Loose
(8) Front View of a Construction Company Outhouse
Photo by J. Loose
  Photo's 8-12 were taken near a construction company. The outhouse with the wire next to it was located at Sleepy Eye, MN (P-232-2) next to the truck scales. This Outhouse was rather unique in that it was old but contained a makeshift urinal inside just like the modern plastic Outhouses. The vent holes were made by drilling round holes and had a screen behind them. This one is showing signs of wear and needs a paint job.
Closeup ViewInside showing the Hole!
(9) Closeup View
Photo by J. Loose
(10) This one has a Urinal built in! (See the tube going into the vent?)
Photo by J. Loose
The Hole of the Construction OuthouseNotice the holes cut out for vents!
(11) The Hole of the Construction Outhouse
Photo by J. Loose
(12) Notice the holes cut out for vents!
Photo by J. Loose
Back view showing the vent hole
(13) "You want to what!!!???"
Photo by J. Loose
(14) Back view showing the vent hole
Photo by J. Loose
  Photo's 13-16 were taken North of Wausau, Wisconsin on Hwy 29. It was 2 miles West of 45 North. It was a corner seat Outhouse with a traditional concrete hole foundation. There is a funny story associated with this one. I pulled off the road and went around to the back door of the farm house. A girl answered the door. I told her I was the Curator of the Outhouses of America web site and wanted to know if it was OK to take some pictures of their Outhouse. The girl yelled out "You want to WHAT?". She then called her Mom to the door. I told her Mom the same thing and she told me they had been trying for years to get rid of the Outhouse but the concrete base inside prevented them from doing so. I told her she has one of the World-Famous corner seat Outhouses and told her not to get rid of it. She then allowed me to take the photo's. Notice the bell in one of the pictures used to call the field workers home for dinner.
Corner view showing vent holesConcrete hole holder inside the Outhouse
(15) Corner view showing vent holes and a bell
Photo by J. Loose
(16) Concrete hole holder inside the Outhouse
Photo by J. Loose
Campground dual hole/door Outhouse with door nailed shut!Inside the side that was usable
  The two-door white with brown door Outhouse (Photo's 17-19) were taken at the Whitefish Hill RV and Mobile Home Park just east of Rapid River, Michigan. The left side door was nailed shut. The right side was still usable but you could see through the back wall in one spot. I thought the Dump Station sign was appropriate.
(17) Campground dual hole/door Outhouse with door nailed shut!
Photo by J. Loose
(18) Inside the side that was usable
Photo by J. Loose
Back of campground OuthouseMen and Women's Outhouses
(19) Back of campground Outhouse
Photo by J. Loose
(20) Men and Women's Outhouses
Photo by J. Loose
  The green-roof outhouses (Photo's 20-21) were located outside NAMA, Michigan in the campground facility of the Edgewood Motel. There was a gentleman watering the lawn and he eyed me curiously while I was taking the pictures.
A modern Outhouse Hole
(21) A Modern Outhouse Hole
Photo by J. Loose

What else can you see in the images shown? Many times a photo is worth a thousand words and I've only elaborated with a few so here is your chance to add some "color commentary" to my collection. If your addition is worthy, you will find the quote added on the Comments to the Curator page. You can use Email to respond. If you choose to go to the Comments to the Curator page, be prepared to relax with a large beverage of your choice. The reading is spectacular!

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This Home Page was created on May 5, 2000
Most recent revision February 7, 2001