Top 15 Most Interesting Facts About Michigan

1. State Motto: "Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam circumspice" (If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you).
2. State Bird: American Robin.
3. State Flower: Apple Blossom.
4. Michigan has the longest freshwater coastline in the world, thanks to its location on four Great Lakes.
5. The Mackinac Bridge, connecting the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world.
6. Detroit is the birthplace of the modern automotive industry, with Henry Ford revolutionizing car production.
7. Michigan is home to more than 11,000 inland lakes and 36,000 miles of rivers and streams.
8. The state is known for its cherries, with Traverse City hosting the National Cherry Festival each summer.
9. Motown Records, which shaped American music, was founded in Detroit by Berry Gordy in 1959.
10. Michigan is the only state in the U.S. divided into two peninsulas: the Upper and Lower Peninsulas.
11. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore features towering sand dunes and breathtaking views of Lake Michigan.
12. Mackinac Island is famous for its ban on motor vehicles and its historic forts.
13. The Upper Peninsula (U.P.) is a haven for nature lovers, offering hiking, skiing, and waterfalls.
14. Michigan is the top producer of tart cherries in the U.S.
15. Lake Michigan is the only Great Lake that lies entirely within the United States.

Geography of Michigan

Michigan’s geography is defined by its proximity to the Great Lakes, with forests, dunes, and rivers. Key features include:

• Highest Point: Mount Arvon (1,979 feet).
• Lowest Point: Lake Erie (571 feet).
• Major Rivers: Detroit River, Grand River, and St. Clair River.

Automotive Industry in Michigan

Michigan is the birthplace of the American automotive industry, earning its nickname, the "Motor State."

• **Henry Ford**, founder of Ford Motor Company, revolutionized car manufacturing with the assembly line in 1913.
• Detroit became the headquarters of the **Big Three automakers**: Ford, General Motors (GM), and Chrysler.
• Michigan's automotive industry employs over **175,000 workers** and is a global hub for research and development.
• The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn celebrates the history of innovation in the auto industry.
• Today, Michigan remains a leader in **electric vehicle (EV)** innovation and development.

Visitors can explore the **Detroit Auto Show**, a showcase of cutting-edge automotive technologies, or take a historical tour of the Rouge Factory to see how cars are made.

A Brief History of Michigan

Michigan has a rich history tied to exploration, industry, and its strategic location on the Great Lakes:

• Originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi.
• French explorers arrived in the 17th century, establishing trading posts and missions.
• Michigan became the 26th state on January 26, 1837.
• Detroit played a major role in the Industrial Revolution as the center of the American automotive industry.

Top 10 Things to Do in Michigan

1. Visit Mackinac Island to experience its historic charm and stunning views.
2. Explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for hiking and sand dunes.
3. Tour the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn.
4. Relax along Lake Michigan’s sandy beaches.
5. Take a scenic drive along the Tunnel of Trees near Harbor Springs.
6. Visit Detroit to explore Motown Museum and vibrant downtown attractions.
7. Enjoy outdoor adventures in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
8. Tour wineries in Traverse City and explore cherry orchards.
9. Fish, boat, or paddle on one of Michigan’s many inland lakes.
10. Marvel at the Mackinac Bridge and its engineering feat.

Plan Your Visit

For more information about Michigan, visit the state’s official tourism site: Pure Michigan