I officially suck at keeping up with a blogging schedule. No matter how many reminders I set, I just keep missing self-imposed deadlines. In the latest post, we will take a look at the great state of Michigan, home to the Detroit Lions of the NFL and Tigers of the MLB, 103 state parks and recreation areas, and so much more!
If you are from Michigan, you know there is a difference between upper and lower Michigan. If you are not from Michigan, and you subscribe to Sirius XM and listen to the Highway, Buzz Brainard will inform you of the difference. Additionally, if you are visiting the great state, don’t be alarmed if you hear the terms Yoopers or (Michigan) trolls. This is how residents are often referred to based on where they live. A yooper is a resident of the Upper Peninsula, while those who live south of the Mackinac Bridge are lightheartedly referred to as trolls since they are “under the bridge.” One thing that brings them together? A nice Michigan treat, when everyone considers themselves as fudgies.
Hot Spots of Michigan
Visiting Pure Michigan as you often see in commercials, will leave you with many fond memories. One of the most spectacular views you will see will be those of the Great Lakes, which we will look at in a bit. Before we get to the lakes, let’s take a look at what else Michigan has to offer.
Detroit
Sports
For the sport fan in the group, Detroit is home to all four professional sports: the Tigers (MLB), Lions (NFL) Red Rings (NHL) and Pistons (NBA).
If you are a college sports fan, take in a game of in-state rivals, Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans. You won’t be disappointed.
Museums
Detroit is home to many museums, However, no trip to Detroit would be complete without a visit to the Henry Ford Museum. After all, Detroit is the car capital of the world. Another museum to add on your list to visit, is the Motown Museum. Hitsville, USA as it is called is home to the legendary Berry Gordy.
The Great Lakes
I’m sure many of you learned the names of the Great Lakes thanks to the acronym HOMES:
- Huron
- Ontario
- Michigan
- Erie
- Superior
Did you know that although they are considered five separate lakes, hydrologically, there are only four? This is because Lakes Michigan and Huron join at the Straits of Mackinac. The lakes form the Great Lakes Waterway.
Frankenmuth
Even though the holiday season ended a few weeks ago, Frankenmuth will have you in the spirit year round as it is home to the world’s largest Christmas store, Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland. Known as Michigan’s Little Bavaria, Frankenmuth holds festivals year round, so there really is no bad time to visit.
Famous Michiganders
- Henry Ford
- Tim Allen
- Madonna
- Walter Chrysler
- Ty Cobb
- Thomas Edison
- Gerald Ford
- Magic Johnson
- Buzz Brainard
Fun Facts
- Car capital of the world
- Home to the world’s largest cement plant, limestone quarry, manufacturer of magic supplies and registered Holstein dairy herd
- Although there are no wolverines, often called the wolverine state
- Home to 116 lighthouses and navigational lights
- Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland welcomes as many as 50,000 people the weekend after Thanksgiving.
Have you visited Michigan or is it on your list? What do you recommend?
