If you’re lucky enough to live in Michigan, you know that our state is absolutely one-of-a-kind. But what makes Michigan unique? So many things! From our gorgeous natural attractions to our food to the special sense of pride that every Michigander feels, there’s just something incredible about living in the Great Lakes State. Here are 11 reasons why Michigan might just be the most unique state in the entire country.

1. We’ve got the most distinctive shape around.
Flickr/Stuart Rankin
Other states might try to challenge us on this one, but nothing compares to the Mitten! The Mitten is just one of the many things unique to Michigan. Our state is recognizable by Americans (and international admirers) of all ages, and we’re pretty darn proud to live in an area that truly stands out among the rest. This brings us to reason number two…
2. Michiganders have maps built into their hands.
Flickr/Michigan Municipal League
That’s right — if we’re asked where we’re from, we Michiganders are lucky enough to be able to point directly to our palms and show new friends precisely where our hometowns are located. It might look a bit odd to outsiders or newly relocated Michigan residents, but it’s just something we do!
3. We’re surrounded by the most beautiful bodies of water imaginable.
Flickr/Paladin27
Sure, plenty of states are home to lakes, oceanfront views, or both — but Michigan is surrounded on three sides by gorgeous, calming fresh water. There are few spots in America that can boast such stunning (unsalted) shorelines, and we Michiganders can enjoy beach days without the fear of sharks! Spend a day strolling around one of Michigan's waterfront towns to remember what makes Michigan so special.
4. Our Upper and Lower Peninsulas are like two separate states to explore.
Flickr/MilesMcGee
When you visit Michigan, you’re experiencing two states for the price of one! That’s right: Michigan's Upper Peninsula is so vast and beautiful that it might as well be its own separate state. Each peninsula is overflowing with hidden gems, wonderful people, and all sorts of unique attractions.
5. Our weather is ridiculously unpredictable.
Flickr/FuzzButt
This might not be a positive trait, but it’s true: when you’re in Michigan, you simply never know how the weather is going to behave. We’ve experienced snowstorms in May, hot temperatures in the midst of January, and everything in between. Few places in America have weather that’s quite so difficult to predict. We're always prepared, though! From warm-weather activities to winter adventures, there's always something to do no matter what the weather is up to.

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6. We’ve got our own special "language."
Flickr/Matthew Rutledge
From "Meijer’s" to "Secretariah-state" to "Welcome to da U.P.," that distinctive Michigan accent might make non-Michiganders think that we’ve got our very own language — and we aren’t entirely denying it. Here in Michigan, we’ve got our fair share of unique sayings, odd pronunciations, and special phrases. It’s one of the many elements that set us apart from our neighbors and what makes Michigan unique.
7. From mountains to beaches, we’ve got all sorts of landscapes.
Flickr/Grant
When you come to Michigan, you’ll be anything but bored by our natural attractions. From cliffside magic in Munising to the Porcupine Mountains to sand dunes across the state, there’s something here to satisfy every sort of outdoor explorer. From forests to wetlands, you’ll find it here in Michigan.
8. Our waterfront views are second to none.
Flickr/Rodney Campbell
Sure, ocean views are gorgeous, but have you seen the Great Lakes? Here in Michigan, you’ll find some of the most incredible and vast scenes imaginable. Stare out at Lake Michigan from atop Sleeping Bear Dunes, jump into Lake Superior at Black Rocks in Marquette, or catch a breathtaking sunrise over Lake Huron. We dare you to find a state with such a stunning variety of scenes.
9. Some of our cities' names are tongue-twisters.
Flickr/Josh Grenier
Charlevoix, Sault Ste. Marie, Mackinac Island, Kalamazoo… the list continues. Here in Michigan, some of our cities have names that non-Michiganders have a bit of trouble pronouncing. While we promise to help you learn the correct pronunciation, we can’t promise that we won’t chuckle a little to ourselves when you botch these Michigan city names on the first try.
10. We’ve even got our own form of "medicine."
Flickr/Derek Bruff
In most states, a stomachache would call for a dose of Pepto Bismol. Here in Michigan, we know that the ultimate cure for nausea is a simple sip of Vernor’s ginger ale. This fizzy beverage always seems to settle the stomach, and we’ll only resort to taking "real" medicine when the situation is a bit more dire. Just one of the many things unique to Michigan!
11. Our state pride is out of this world.
Flickr/All Things Michigan
You’ll see it all around you in the Great Lakes State: bumper stickers, t-shirts, and even a Pure Michigan ad campaign. We sure are proud to be Michiganders, and our pride overflows in the most wonderful ways. Whether you’re getting a little misty while listening to a radio ad about Sleeping Bear Dunes or simply singing the praises of Michigan to an out-of-state friend, one thing is for sure: Michiganders are endlessly grateful to be from the Great Lakes State.

It’s your turn, fellow Michigan residents: what makes our state so unique? Be sure to share your thoughts and memories in the comment section below! For more Michigan pride, here are eight reasons why Michigan is the most patriotic state in the country.

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More to Explore

What Makes Michigan Unique

Jackie Ann | October 07, 2022

What are the best things about living in Michigan?

There are just certain perks to living in Michigan that you won’t experience anywhere else, and it’s these unique attributes that are what make Michigan unique. For example, nature lovers will thoroughly enjoy living in a state that experiences the true four seasons, although you may need a Michigan winter survival guide to make it through the colder months. During the warmer months, spend some time exploring one of Michigan's State Parks and nature preserves. We have over 100, so that will definitely keep you busy!

What are the most beautiful places in Michigan?

Michigan is undeniably naturally beautiful and you could spend a lifetime traveling to some of the most beautiful places in Michigan and still not feel like you saw everything. Of course, national treasures like Sleeping Bear Dunes should be on everyone’s bucket list, but there are some incredible hidden gems in Michigan that are worth seeking out, too. There are so many small towns in Michigan with extraordinary views, like Elberta. This tiny town of fewer than 500 residents is nestled between Lake Betsie and Lake Michigan, offering some truly beautiful waterfront scenery everywhere you look.

What are the most popular foods in Michigan?

Our food and drink are just one of the many things unique to Michigan, and we love it. From Coney Dogs to Vernors, Michigan is home to some of the most unique food and drinks around. If you find yourself with a bit of a sweet tooth, you’ve got to try the famous Mackinac Island fudge, a sweet treat that draws in folks from all over the country. Speaking of sweets, apples are a huge crop in Michigan, and during the fall you won’t have to travel very far to find yourself in front of freshly bakes apple pies or cider donuts. Visit one of the many cider mills in Michigan for a tour and maybe do a little apple picking yourself!

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