T H E P U R P L E G A N G

BOOTLEGGERS & BARREL RUNS

Explore the sites of nightclubs, kidnappings, and gun battles associated with the 1930's gangsters of the Purple Gang! From to the heart of in the historic city of Clare, this gangster and bootlegger tour will reveal the storied past of one of America’s most notorious mobs... The Purple Gang! Day One - Detroit

Experience a rollicking ride along the streets of Detroit, see landmarks, hear stories about and the roaring 20's, and visit the old stomping grounds of the infamous Purple Gang. Explore a former , and top it off with a drink and live jazz.

The Purple Gang was a mob of bootleggers, hijackers and murderers that existed from about 1910 to the mid-1930s, with its heyday coming during the late 1920s. One of the gang's biggest money-making operations was supplying with liquor from Canada, just across the .

Capone and other gangs purchased a lot of their liquor from Canada during Prohibition, and the Purple Gang was a major go-between. In the summer, the gang transported liquor from Canada by boat, a mere 10-minute ride across the river. In winter, when the river was frozen, trucks were simply driven across the ice.

Detroit gangs found themselves ahead of the curve as they had established suppliers and delivery networks in Canada. It wasn't long before the money began pouring in ... and blood began flowing. Prohibition was in effect and the Beer Wars of the 1920s had begun. Your tour will tell the tales of the rum runners, their control of the gambling, liquor and drug trade and the labor unions. Discover the connections of the Purple Gang to Al Capone and the infamous Collingwood Massacre, the Miraflores Massacre and the part they played in the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in Chicago.

Check into the luxurious Motor City Casino Hotel for the evening. Just seeing the room is a wake-up call.

Marble bathrooms, a “pillow library” and decadent bedding. Head over to the adjoining casino that has been fine tuned for action. Neon lights, music and entertainment. It’s all here.

Top off your evening at the swanky jazz club, Cliff Bells! This former speakeasy from the 1930’s is a real Detroit gem. Oh boy, if those walls could only talk.

Day Two - Jackson, MI:

Spend some time in prison at the historic Jackson Prison, once the world’s largest penitentiary.

Located on active prison grounds, Cell Block 7 offers

groups a unique museum experience. You won’t have to imagine prison life; you’ll feel it as you inhabit the same cells and walk the same corridors as some of Michigan’s most hardened criminals.

At Cell Block 7 you can learn about Jackson’s prison history and see what it’s like to spend some time on the inside. Members of the Purple Gang spent time at both at the old prison and literally ran the one that followed. Under Warden Harry Jackson and Deputy Petitt's regime, they were given the Deputy Warden's car to kill Senator Hooper. They even tended bar at Deputy Petitt's daughter's wedding. The stories you hear about the inmates and corrections officers will be an eye-opener. Clare, MI

This afternoon head to the quaint city of Clare, Michigan. Just about 2 hours north of Albion. Clare boasts a true “Americana” downtown revitalization.

This afternoon head over to the infamous Cops & Doughnuts. Enjoy a lunch at the popular “Traffic Stop Diner” located inside the historic bakery.

It’s a museum of sorts as much as it is a bakery. And what a history it has! After news came that the Clare City Bakery, a bakery since 1896 was going to shut down, nine police officers decided to buy the business.

Not only do they have great donuts, coffee and the popular Traffic Stop Diner, but the bakery showcases a hidden escape area used by the Purple Gang too.

Just down the road from the bakery, tour the legendary Tobacco Ranch! Isaiah Leebove was an attorney to the Purple Gang, and his house, located on the edge of Tobacco River in Clare, was the hangout spot for Purple Gang members.

He built the house to entertain oil barons, mobsters and friends. The interior of the Tobacco Ranch house has beautiful stone pillars, multiple stone fireplaces, and a large enclosed porch overlooking the pond.

The home's hidden spaces include a trap door in a bedroom closet that leads to a tunnel, and the attic space only accessible by way of a kitchen shelf.

On May 14, 1938, the owner of the home was gunned down at the local Doherty Hotel by his business partner and fellow Purple Gang member, Carl “Jack” Livingston.

Overnight at the historic Doherty Hotel – a Speakeasy. But first take a guided tour of the hotel and hear the torrid tales of and mayhem of the Purple Gang.

This is the place where Isasiah Leebove, owner of the Tobacco Ranch was murdered – gunned down in the Tap Room of the Hotel in 1938.

Tour the basement and take note of the strange circles in the ceiling, find the hidden stairs, see a window that covers the tunnel that leads across the street to a building that is now a bank.

Find the trap door in the lounge, and then travel up to the haunted•4th floor, see where the Happy Hour Club was, a former poker room frequented by oil men and others.

Coleman, MI

Late today - It’s cocktail time at the Currant Mist Winery & Tasting Room.

Prohibition is gone so enjoy the fruits of the vine grown at Coon’s Berry Farm.

The farm is nestled on 4 acres and has a harvest of red currants, black currants, raspberries and gooseberries. It is only one of a few dozen black currant farms in the U.S.A.

The Black Currant wine is their signature wine. Enjoy a group wine tasting experience with a selection of five varieties to choose from. Cheers!

Mount Pleasant, MI

This evening you can unwind and enjoy dinner at Isabella’s located inside the gorgeous Soaring Eagle Casino. Savor the rich flavors of old-world Italy at this signature restaurant.

After dinner, let your hot streak begin on the gaming floor of the casino. It’s a world of excitement at Soaring Eagle Casino!

For more Information on the Purple Gang Tour contact Circle Michigan at 800.513-6424.