6 Photos You’ll Only Understand If You Hail From Michigan

A picture is worth a thousand words, and these convey what it's like living in Michigan. These six images might pique the interest of anyone from the Mitten state, and for good reason. Here are six pictures that you’ll only understand if you live in Michigan.

1. Petoskey Stones

Someone who doesn’t know what this is might think they’ve just made their first big break as a paleontologist, but those from Michigan understand that they’re just the next in a long line of beachgoers who find petoskey stones on the shoreline. While you won’t be published in the latest science journal for stumbling upon one of these, the rocks are in fact fossils and make great souvenirs for any visiting friends.

2. Coney Dogs

No matter where you prefer to order your Coney Dog from, these are Michigan’s unique style of hot dog. Out-of-staters might confuse these for regular chili dogs, but the main difference comes in the beanless meat sauce recipe, raw white onions, and yellow mustard. But be selective with where you order yours from. You might unknowingly be choosing sides in a heated culinary rivalry.

3. Michigan Left

Maybe I’m the only one who takes the long way to my destination to avoid waiting at left turns, but in Michigan they do things a little differently. Many intersections don’t allow you to make a left turn, but instead go through the light for a designate u-turn lane folks in the Mitten State call a Michigan left turn. As you can see from this Michigan left diagram, it may be one of the only times you turn right to turn left.

4. Lakes that feel like oceans

What's is growing up in Michigan like? For those who live outside the Great Lakes region, this picture would have you thinking you were on one of the coasts, but for those living along Lake Michigan, not being able to see the other side is pretty normal. Not only do the big lakes allow for breathtaking views, but they also provide opportunities for the shipping and fishing industries.

5. Potholes

Michigan roads are–let’s say–complicated. While people take these roads to some of the most beautiful locations in the country, getting there can be a bumpy ride. Michigan is well-known for not having tolls on interstate highways, but that can also be reflected by some poorly maintained stretches of road. When traveling through Michigan, it helps to know how to change a tire.

6. Craft Beer

Bells, Shorts, and Founders are all breweries that you might recognize from the beer aisle of your grocery store, but they also all have origins in Michigan. Craft beer is somewhat of a culture for many Michiganders and you can see that in much of the art on the labels.

There are some things that those of us living in Michigan just can’t shake from their memories. While these are just six examples, we know there are plenty of more out there. Let us know any iconic Michigan images we might have missed. If you can’t contain your pride for Michigan, check out some of these cool gifts on Etsy that mean more to Michiganders.