Whether you’ve traveled across the world or just down the road, nothing beats the feeling of coming home. Here in the Great Lakes State, we’ve got healthy (if not above average) levels of state pride – so we’re especially delighted when we find ourselves back on familiar ground. One incredible sight that marks the return home is a Welcome to Michigan sign (specifically, a "Welcome to Pure Michigan" sign) and accompanying Welcome Center that most of us have checked out at least once. If you love living in Michigan, this spot undoubtedly fills you with a dose of comfort.

Welcome to Michigan! If you’re entering Michigan via northbound I-94, you’ll find a vibrant “Welcome To Pure Michigan” sign perched atop the road as you cross the border from Indiana into the Great Lakes State near New Buffalo.

Whether you’re coming home from a Chicago day trip or heading into the Mitten after an exhilarating cross-country road trip, this familiar sight is often a welcomed signal that home is just around the bend.

The sign itself approaches quickly along the expressway, so you’ll want to keep your eyes up to catch a quick glimpse and celebrate your arrival home. Luckily, though, there’s so much more than a sign in this area.

Just moments down I-94 past the sign, you’ll find a wonderfully maintained Michigan Welcome Center, also known as the New Buffalo Welcome Center. This is not an ordinary rest area: it’s a true oasis for travelers.

If you’re a tourist searching for information about the Great Lakes State, there’s loads of inspiration within the building. Brochures, books, and friendly staff during daytime hours will help introduce you to Michigan.

In fact, there’s historical significance to this locale: it sits near the site of the country’s first-ever highway welcome center, which opened off US-12 in New Buffalo in 1935. Other states soon followed suit.

After a long day in the car, you’ll have the chance to stretch your legs on the grounds and even check out a small but lovely lake. Younger visitors will appreciate the on-site playground and plenty of green space.

Even if you’re just here for a bathroom break, you’ll find clean facilities and well-stocked vending machines. Between the Welcome Center and the iconic Pure Michigan sign, there’s no better way to return home.

My love affair for Michigan continues in this YouTube video by Touropia listing the 10 best places to visit in our state.

https://youtu.be/eoeVn3Ja4rg

Don't you just love seeing a Welcome to Michigan sign? Have you snapped a photo of the "Welcome to Pure Michigan" sign, honked your horn while passing under, or stopped at the New Buffalo Welcome Center during previous travels? What were your impressions? We’d love to hear from you, so drop us a line in the Facebook comments or recommend another unique roadside stop in the Great Lakes by completing our official nomination form.

Once you've passed the welcome sign, you've got loads to discover. Here are three family-friendly nature centers in Michigan that you'll want to explore during your next outing.

Are you searching for a staycation in Michigan? If so, here are some incredible rustic cabins that are perfect for a quick getaway.