Guess what. It’s time to wish one of your dearest friends a happy birthday. No, we’re not talking about your sorority sister or your BFF since kindergarten. We’re talking about that one place that is near and dear to your heart. That’s right, it’s Michigan’s birthday – its 179th, to be precise. And to celebrate, we’re giving you a few reminders about why the Great Lakes State is the very best in all the union.

13) We get 10 cent returns
Joe Loong/Flickr
These things come in handy when you need a little pocket change.
12) Cereal was born in Battle Creek
Roadsidepictures/Flickr
You know you'd be lost without your morning bowl of Rice Krispies.
11) We've got the best apples on Earth
Liza Lagman Sperl/Flickr
Speaking of a well balanced diet, a delicious Michigan Honey Crisp rounds out any meal.
10) But also the best cherries
Lake Express/Flickr
Not to mention our cherries... The perfect "cherry on top" for snack time.
9) The world can thank us for the modern day shopping mall
Jamie/Flickr
First came the Kalamazoo Mall, the first outdoor pedestrian mall in the United States. Then America's first fully-enclosed shopping center, Northland Mall, was introduced in 1954 in Southfield. You're welcome, mall rats.
8) As well as the electronic home appliance
1950sUnlimited/Flickr
Major appliance brands like Whirlpool, Frigidaire, and Electrolux all have a past in Michigan. And you're forever grateful you don't have to haul your dirty clothes to the laundromat every week because of their contributions.

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7) Mackinac Island attracts tourists worldwide
Joey Lax-Salinas/Flickr
They come for the fudge, and stay for the luxurious bike rides.
6) As does the notorious past and present of Detroit
Blue Skyz Studios/Flickr
No matter your feelings about Detroit, you have to admit the Motor City inspires all kinds of intrigue from visitors from across the globe.
5) Our sports teams are the most fun to watch
kpkelly53/Flickr
If you've been to a game, you know what we're talking about.
4) Our beaches have all the benefits of beauty and none of the salt water
Dave Sizer/Flickr
Because there's nothing worse than getting salt water in your eyes.
3) We invented most of the musical genres in pop culture
Todd Van Hoosear/Flickr
It's not just Motown. It's Madonna from Bay City, punk rock legend Iggy Pop from Muskegon, and rappers like Emimem from Detroit who've inspired countless music artists.
2) And you can't forget the modern-day vehicle
Jon's pics/Flickr
Where would we be with access to a set of wheels?
1) The UP
Sharon Mollerus/Flickr
Most people tend to think of Michigan as the Mitten State. But we've got so much more in the Upper Peninsula.

These are obviously only some of the top reasons why Michigan is the best. We invite you to make a little wish for the Mitten and share with us the many reasons why you love Michigan the most.

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