Michigan, known as the “Great Lakes State,” has a rich history and many interesting characteristics. Here are some fun facts about Michigan:
- State nickname: Michigan is often called the “Great Lakes State” because it borders four of the five Great Lakes (Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie).
- Statehood: Michigan became the 26th state of the United States on January 26, 1837.
- State symbols: The state bird of Michigan is the American Robin, the state flower is the Apple Blossom, and the state tree is the Eastern White Pine.
- Two peninsulas: Michigan is unique in that it consists of two peninsulas, the Upper Peninsula and the Lower Peninsula, which are separated by the Straits of Mackinac.
- Mackinac Bridge: The Mackinac Bridge, also known as the “Mighty Mac,” is a suspension bridge that connects Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. It is the third-longest suspension bridge in the United States.
- Great Lakes shoreline: Michigan has the longest freshwater coastline of any state in the United States, with over 3,200 miles of shoreline along the Great Lakes.
- Detroit: Known as the “Motor City,” Detroit is the largest city in Michigan and the birthplace of the American automotive industry. The city is also famous for its contributions to music, including Motown Records.
- Michigan left: A unique traffic feature in Michigan is the “Michigan left,” a specific type of median U-turn that allows drivers to make a left turn by first turning right and then making a U-turn.
- Isle Royale National Park: Isle Royale National Park, located on an island in Lake Superior, is the least visited national park in the continental United States due to its remote location and limited access by ferry or seaplane.
- Kellogg Company: The world’s largest cereal company, Kellogg, was founded in Battle Creek, Michigan, in 1906.
- Tulip Time Festival: The city of Holland, Michigan, hosts the annual Tulip Time Festival, which celebrates the area’s Dutch heritage and features millions of tulips in bloom.
- The University of Michigan: The University of Michigan, located in Ann Arbor, is one of the leading public research universities in the United States.
- Cherry production: Michigan is the largest producer of tart cherries in the United States, accounting for about 75% of the nation’s crop.
- Sleeping Bear Dunes: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, located on the shores of Lake Michigan, features massive sand dunes, bluffs, and miles of pristine beaches.
- Mackinac Island: Mackinac Island, a popular tourist destination in Michigan, is known for its Victorian charm, horse-drawn carriages, and world-famous fudge. Motor vehicles are not allowed on the island, making it a peaceful and picturesque getaway.