Tourist Empire Coaster

Respectfully reproduced using authentic vintage imagery and inspiration, our Tourist Empire Coaster looks back to a time when Michigan tourism wasn’t guided by a single name or campaign.

Long before tourism was organized under one banner, Michigan was shared piece by piece—by steamship routes, rail lines, roadside hotels, and the people who believed others should see what they loved. This design nods to the early 20th-century moment when that patchwork effort began to take shape, honoring Hugh Gray and the West Michigan Tourist Association, whose vision helped turn travel into one of the state’s defining industries. It’s a reminder that Michigan’s reputation as a travel destination was built slowly, through enthusiasm, invitation, and pride in place.

One of the many coasters we offer, designed to be mixed, matched, or collected over time. This 4" × 4" matte ceramic coaster is cork-backed for surface protection and printed in-house by Peninsulas. At approximately 1/4" thick, it has a substantial feel while still being made for everyday life—set beside morning coffee, evening cocktails, and the moments in between. Hand washing with mild soap is recommended to help preserve the vibrancy of the design.