We Michiganders sure are a friendly bunch. We’re glad to welcome tourists from near and far, and our towns and cities are perfectly designed to bring in crowds of visitors each and every year. But there are a few unique facts about Michigan that just need a little extra explaining. Here’s your ultimate list of messages every Michigander wants to send to the rest of the country.

1. Our freshwater beaches are just as beautiful as oceans.
Flickr/Paladin27
When it comes to unique facts about Michigan, the Great Lakes are at the top of the conversation list. Non-Michiganders often write off our Great Lakes as just that — lakes. But these aren’t your ordinary inland lakes with thin shores and shallow waters. These lakes are just as magnificent as the world’s oceans, minus the threat of sharks!
2. We don’t want you to forget about our Upper Peninsula.
Flickr/yooperann
Michigan is often called the Mitten State, but there’s a whole new world of natural beauty to explore in the Upper Peninsula. Any "Yooper" will tell you that the U.P. is a true wonderland of nature and history.
3. Our state is more than just farmland.
Flickr/Brook Ward
We’ve got mountains, waterfalls, rolling hills, gorges, islands, and everything in between.
4. That fizzy stuff we drink? It’s called “pop.”
Flickr/Jannes Pockele
Don’t even bother calling it "soda." We won’t reply.
5. Euchre is the only card game that really matters.
Flickr/Ben Rapin
Sure, poker is fun, but it’s no euchre. And we promise to beat you if you challenge us.
6. Despite its troubled past, Detroit has so much to offer.
Flickr/Quick Fix
We’re well aware that Detroit has suffered greatly from financial and social woes in recent years, but don’t let that color your overall perception of the Motor City. Detroit’s difficulties have given way to new growth and revitalization throughout the area.

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7. We’ll defend our sports teams with everything we have.
Flickr/Tom Gromak
Despite the fact that the Detroit Lions have been known to let us down repeatedly, we’ll never stop rooting for them. The same is true for the Tigers, Pistons, and Red Wings.
8. If you’ve never tasted a pasty, you’re missing out.
Flickr/Betsy Weber
Life without pasties is no life at all. We feel sorry for residents of other states who might not have easy access to this utterly delicious Michigan-made dish. Never pass up an opportunity to try one — your taste buds will thank you.
9. You can never go wrong with a Michigan-made product.
Flickr/lpwines
Whether you’re buying jam made with Michigan cherries, eating a pie stuffed with Michigan blueberries, or sipping on a freshly brewed pint from New Holland Brewing, you’re sure to be delighted.
10. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with using your hand as a map.
Flickr/Michigan Municipal League
We’ve been doing things this way for years, and we won’t stop now.
11. Don’t even try complaining to us about the weather in your state.
Flickr/yooperann
Unless you’ve experienced a few months of weather in Michigan, which can often switch from heavy snow in the morning to 70 degrees and sunshine by the evening, you’ll never truly understand what it means to be aggravated by nature.
12. We’ve got plenty of arts and culture.
Flickr/echtcetera
Michigan is responsible for everything from Motown music to the automobile to an annual tulip festival. We’re a state with a rich, diverse population and plenty of unique culture to be discovered.
13. We’re fiercely proud to be from the Great Lakes State.
Flickr/Robby Ryke
Out-of-staters should know that we're loyal to our stunning and beloved state. From its magnificent natural beauty to its overwhelming options for entertainment and exploration, Michigan is truly one of a kind.

Alright, fellow Michiganders: it’s your turn. What would you like to say to the rest of the United States? What are some of your favorite unique facts about Michigan that you’d like everyone to know?

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unique facts about Michigan

Beth C. | November 29, 2021

What are the best parts about living in Michigan?

Perhaps we're a bit biased, but we believe that Michigan is one of the absolute best states in the U.S. Now that you've learned some unique facts about Michigan, we'd love to share some more reasons why we're so lucky to call the Great Lakes State our home. To start with, did you know that Michigan is home to Kellogg's famous cereal? It's hard to imagine what breakfast would be like without this kitchen staple, and the world can thank Michigan for that. Speaking of food, Michigan is also home to some of the best apples and cherries on the planet. Another fun fact about Michigan is that it's home to the first outdoor pedestrian mall in the U.S., the Kalamazoo Mall. Not to mention the first fully-enclosed shopping center, Northland Mall, which was introduced in 1954. And while all of these things are certainly impressive, we'd argue that the single best part about living in Michigan is access to so much natural beauty.

What are the most beautiful natural wonders in Michigan?

Michigan is positively brimming with natural beauty. To experience some of the best natural attractions in the state, we'd recommend a trip to any of the following destinations: Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Porcupine Mountains, Isle Royale National Park on Lake Superior, the Manitou Islands, Black Rocks in Marquette, Port Crescent State Park, Silver Lake Sand Dunes, Kitch-iti-Kipi, Mackinac Island, Fisherman's Island State Park, and Ludington State Park. Learn more about these must-see natural wonders in Michigan. Looking for even more inspiration? Take this road trip to explore the top 7 Natural Wonders of Michigan -- you won't be disappointed!

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