Entry No. 23 — the Detroit file — filed under: outdoor
The Halo
A 35-foot-tall golden ring made of steel and aluminum that stands in the median of Hall Road. While officially named 'The Halo' to represent a modern moon gate of prosperity, locals affectionately and mockingly dubbed it the 'Golden Butthole'.
The story
When civic leaders in Sterling Heights installed a 35-foot-tall steel and aluminum ring into the median of Hall Road (M-59) at Lakeside Circle, they intended it to be a sleek 'moon gate' representing economic prosperity. They officially named it 'The Halo.' Metro Detroit took one look at the towering yellow hoop planted in the middle of suburban asphalt and immediately gave it a far more blunt nickname: the 'Golden Butthole.'
You didn't hear it from us, but municipal art projects rarely go so wildly off-script. Instead of serving as a solemn emblem of suburban growth, the golden torus instantly became a legendary local punchline and a badge of honor for commuters driving down M-59. It stands directly in the center of a heavy commercial district, making its bizarrely glowing presence impossible to ignore.
What it's like
Don't expect a tranquil park where you can wander up and touch the metal—this is purely an automotive spectacle sitting right in the middle of a busy multi-lane roadway. Your best bet is to roll through after dark when the sculpture lights up in bright, shifting colors. For the prime view, pull into the nearby Portillo's drive-through, order a meal, and admire what locals also lovingly call the world's biggest 'Golden Onion Ring' from the safety of your driver's seat.
The move: Drive along M-59 to see it illuminated in vibrant colors at night, then grab a bite at the nearby Portillo's drive-through, which offers a perfect view of what they jokingly call the 'Golden Onion Ring'.
- 📍 Sterling Heights
- 💸 Free
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: M-59 (Hall Road) & Lakeside Circle, Sterling Heights, MI 48313
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- The Anatomy of Death Museum — After admiring Sterling Heights' most controversial roadside hoop, drive five miles east to Mount Clemens to inspect real human skulls and vintage embalming tools.
- Stahls Motor and Music Experience — Pair your roadside architecture detour with a short drive to Chesterfield to explore rare Art Deco automobiles and automated musical instruments.
- Cranbrook Observatory — Trade M-59's bright golden ring for genuine sky-gazing through research-grade telescopes in Bloomfield Hills.
Good to know
Where is The Halo located?
It stands in the center median of M-59 (Hall Road) at Lakeside Circle in Sterling Heights, Michigan.
Can I walk up to the sculpture?
No, it sits in an active highway median surrounded by fast-moving traffic. It is meant to be viewed from your vehicle or neighboring commercial parking lots.
How much does it cost to see?
It is completely free to view from the road 24 hours a day, though night viewing is recommended for the colored lights.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: clickondetroit.com · metrotimes.com
last checked: 2026-07-21