11 Ridiculously Weird but Totally True Facts About Michigan

The Wolverine State is known for the automotive industry in Detroit, the diverse Michigan-grown produce, and, of course, the gorgeous Great Lakes.

But these quirky and fun facts about Michigan may surprise you. For instance, maybe it shouldn’t be called the Wolverine State after all, and a bunch more interesting truths about Michigan. Here are 11 weird but interesting facts about Michigan.

1. Michigan’s Shortest Freeway Is Only 1.1 Miles Long

Located in Detroit, I-375 is just 1.1 miles long. Did you know that freeways could even be that short? This freeway is easy to drive through and will lead you to some pretty scenic areas.

2. Flying Squirrels Live Here

If a squirrel flies through the forest and no one is around to see it, does it even exist? Turns out they do, as flying squirrels are surprisingly quite common in Michigan, but are rarely seen because they are nocturnal animals. You can find both northern and southern flying squirrels, especially in southern Michigan, and they are attracted to bird feeders placed in the woods.

3. Gerber Started in Fremont, Michigan

In 1927, in Fremont, Michigan, Dorothy Gerber strained food by hand for her daughter because it was suggested to her by a pediatrician. Her husband, Daniel Frank Gerber, saw a business opportunity and started producing baby food for the public.

4. We Have the Only Working Dutch Windmill

Holland is known for being a Dutch community and is famous for its Tulip Time festival. A popular place to visit is Windmill Island Gardens, which has not only impressive tulip fields but is also the only authentic, working Dutch windmill in America. DeZwaan Windmill was brought to Holland in 1964 and was the last working windmill allowed to leave the Netherlands. The mill still turns out flour, and you can even take a tour of the structure.

5. We Might Need a Name Change

While wolverines still reside in Montana, Colorado, California, and a host of other states, they are no longer in Michigan. Does this mean "The Wolverine State" needs a new nickname? We'll just have to wait and see.

6. We Have the First Outdoor Pedestrian Mall

The Kalamazoo Mall is the first outdoor mall in the U.S. It debuted in 1959 and has served as a model for other pedestrian malls throughout the country. The adorable outdoor downtown mall is a hopping local hub with delightful shops, restaurants, and seasonal events.

7. We Have the Only 2 Natural Luge Tracks

The Mitten State has the only two natural luge tracks in the U.S. You can embrace your inner Olympian by visiting the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park or the Lucy Hill Naturbahn Luge in the Upper Peninsula. There are only two ice luge tracks in the entire country, and both are located right here in Michigan.

8. We're Home to the World’s Largest Weathervane

The small town of Montague is the proud owner of a 4,300-pound weathervane that is the largest in the world. Not only is it a helpful landmark for predicting the weather, but it's also a really cool attraction to see when you're in town.

9. Two Stars Were Born in Saginaw

Saginaw, Michigan, is the birthplace of tennis legend Serena Williams and the iconic musician Stevie Wonder. Sure, you won't likely see them around town while visiting, but if you're a super fan, it's a great place to learn more about their upbringings.

10. Jiffy Mix Was Created Here

The popular baking mix Jiffy was created in Chelsea, Michigan, in the 1930s. The affordable mixes helped keep food on the tables of Americans during the Great Depression and are still a staple in many households today.

11. We Have 2 Native Cactus Species

If you’re walking in a forest in the Great Lake State and you spot a cactus, you’re not losing your marbles. Michigan actually has two native cactus species, fragile prickly pear and eastern prickly pear.

What fact about the Wolverine State surprised you the most? Do you have a quirky fact about Michigan? Whether you're a local or a first-time visitor, learn all you can about Michigan with a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Try out Only In Your State's itinerary planner to guide your days.