Michigan: The Great Lakes State

Michigan is a state that cannot be easily classified. It has hundreds of miles of coastline and an interior full of rich farmland. The people descend from a melting pot full of varied cultures and backgrounds. A good way to get to know the state shaped like a mitten is to examine some Michigan facts and figures.

The area of the state is 58,216 miles and the population is well above 9 million. The lowest point in the state is Lake Erie at 572 feet, while the highest point is Mt. Curwood in the Upper Peninsula at 1980 feet. Mt. Curwood is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a rugged area famous for mining and hunting. The only way to travel to the Upper Peninsula if flying is not an option is to drive or bike across the Mackinaw Bridge, one of the longest bridge spans in the country. Michigan is also one of the Great Lake States, bordered by Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie and Lake Huron.

The largest city in Michigan is Detroit, but the state capital is Lansing. Detroit is a well-known and historical city. It started out as an important fort when Michigan was on the western fringes of a growing country. Years later, Detroit would become famous as the home of the American auto industry, where thousands of Fords, Chevys and Dodges rolled out of factories all day, every day. The famous sounds of Motown also originated in Detroit.

Michigan is well known for its outstanding universities and research facilities, perhaps the most recognizable being The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Other well-regarded colleges include Wayne State, Michigan State and Central Michigan University.

Michigan’s residents are crazy about their sports teams. In addition to college teams there are a number of professional teams based in Detroit. These include the Detroit Tigers, Red Wings, Pistons and Lions. The Detroit Tigers played for nearly a century at Tiger Stadium at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull in Detroit.

Michigan also has a number of places where people can pursue outdoor sports. In addition to the Great Lakes, the woods in Northern Michigan are dotted with well stocked lakes and a large number of highly rated public golf courses.

Many famous celebrities call Michigan home including Jeff Daniels, Kid Rock and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Bob Seger. The late President Gerald Ford also came from Michigan.