How Did the Northern Michigan Tradition of ‘Smooching the Moose’ Begin?
Doesn’t matter if the weather is cold.....doesn’t matter if the weather is hot.....there is no bad time of year to smooch the moose.
No, that’s not a euphemism, that’s a real thing.
Smooching the moose has become a tradition in Traverse City at Sleder’s Family Tavern, located at 717 Randolph Street. The moose in question is approximately 100 years old and named Randolph, after the street. No, Randolph is not a live moose, but a moose head that is mounted on the wall.
The saloon opened way back in 1882 as a watering hole for the lumbermen and farmers. Today it is a family-friendly destination that has become another item on many people’s bucket list – a visit to Sleder’s to smooch the moose.
How did this tradition start? No one knows for sure, but the majority agrees that kissing Randolph brings good luck. That said, many hunters stop here to kiss Randolph before they head out. Randolph, once a 1,500-pound moose, is now just a head with waiting lips for any female or male who wants a smooch. Everyone who smooches the moose gets recognized by the bartender, who rings a bell each time.
Favorites at Sleder’s include their Slederburger, deep-fried pickles, the Nutty Moose (Vodka, Kahlua, and Frangelico, and Irish Coffee.
Add this quirky concept to your list of things to do in Michigan. It’ll make an interesting addition, not to mention the selfies...
Smooching The Moose