Last updated on June 16th, 2024
53. In addition to being the state capital of Michigan, Lansing is home to 25-foot tall pencils along the Lansing Community College Sculpture Walk. Students, faculty, and alumni made these giant pencils around the college in appreciation of art and learning. These pencils are iconic, aesthetically-pleasing, and reinforce the fact that Lansing is an excellent center for schools, colleges, and higher learning institutions.
54. The Michigan University quad is known as “The Diag,” but this isn’t just any university quad; it has a secret. Around 6 miles of tunnels are located underneath the quad – they are off-limits to the public and heavily guarded but have attracted some adventure over the years.
55. Agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism are the major revenue generating industries of the state.
56. Michigan produces more than 300 commodities on a commercial basis.
57. Apples are the largest and most valuable fruit crop in Michigan. The state has 11.3 million apple trees. Michigan is the third largest apple producing state in the U.S.
58. California, Michigan and Washington are among the top three states in the U.S. for asparagus production. Asparagus has numerous health benefits including weight loss and improved digestion.
59. In 2018, Michigan was among the seven states that produced over 10 billion pounds of milk.
60. Michigan and Oregon are the only two states in the U.S. that offer 10 cents back for recycling a can.
61. Michigan is also known as “Motor City” because it is a hub for car manufacturing since the early 1900s.
62. Grand Rapids, Michigan, was once a significant hub for furniture manufacturing with over 40 reputable companies. Still known as “Furniture City,” Grand Rapids does manufacture all types of residential and commercial furniture year-round. This includes hand-crafted wood furniture and accessories for homes, offices, and other establishments. However, this industry has taken a backseat to beer and spirits manufacturing.
63. In 1945, Grand Rapids became the first city in the world to fluoridate its drinking water. The move was made to help fight tooth decay.
64. The state is also home to Kellogg Company, the world’s leading ready-to-eat cereal producer. Battle Creek is one of the leading producers of cereal in the U.S. The city is nicknamed “Cereal Bowl of America”.
65. Michigan is the birthplace of one of the most popular soda brands in the United States. In 1907, two Russian immigrants founded the company. The first three pop flavors – strawberry, grape, and fruit punch – were modeled after recipes of popular cake frosting flavors in Russia.
66. The state is also home to the headquarters of three major automobile manufacturing companies (General Motors Corp., Chrysler LLC, and Ford Motor Co.) in the world.
67. The first factory to assemble cars on a moving assembly line – the Highland Park Ford plant – is in Michigan.
68. In 1978, it became a National Historic Landmark. This place was the second production facility for Henry Ford’s famous Model T. The famous Henry Ford Museum is also situated in the state.
69. Michigan is home to the National Museum of the Tuskegee Airmen. The Tuskegee Airmen consisted of African-American and Caribbean-born pilots who fought against the Axis powers in World War II. The pilots were known for their aerial combat bravery and helped turn the tide of the war in favor of the Allies. The Tuskegee Airmen formed the 477th Bombardment Group and 332nd Fighter Group of the USMA. The museum is located in Warren — part of the outskirts of Detroit.
70. The completion of the first railroad in Michigan took place in 1836.
71. In 1846, Michigan became the first English speaking government to abolish the death penalty for all ordinary crimes.
72. The Republican Party was born in Michigan in 1854. The first Party meeting took place in Ripon, Michigan, on July 6; it was called “Under the Oaks” and was attended by over 10,000 people.
73. Michigan paved the way when it came to painted centerlines. The first painted centerline was River Road in Trenton in 1911. The idea was brought forth by a man named Hines, who was honored post-humously in 1972 by being inducted into the Michigan Transportation Hall of Honor.
74. Harriet Quimby, born in Arcadia, Michigan was the first woman to gain a pilot’s license in the United States. In 1912, she became the first woman to fly across the English Channel.
75. The roots of the Coney Hotdog also have its starting point in Michigan. Contrary to popular belief, it was not invented in New York. This steamed bun filled with a hot dog and then topped with chili, mustard, and onions was invented in 1914.
76. In 1946, Gus Guerra took the bold step of baking his pizza in a rectangular pan. Following the recipes of his Sicilian upbringing, he put a new twist on an old favorite. This style of pizza is now known as Detroit-style pizza and is still very popular today.
77. The first Little Caesars pizza restaurant opened in Garden City, Michigan, in 1959.
78. The state is also the birthplace of “Motown Records”, which is one of the most successful soul music companies.
79. The state is also home to 360 bird species including the rare Kirtland’s warbler.
80. Every year since 1929, thousands of visitors have flooded the streets of Holland, Michigan, simply to smell the flowers. The city is home to a massive Tulip Festival, which currently boasts over 5 million flowers planted on a 4-mile stretch.
81. The Holly Dickens Festival has been transporting visitors to the fair back in Victorian times since the early 1970s. From traditional garb to foods of a bygone era, festival-goers have been able to go back in time and live like Dickens.
82. Traverse City hosts an annual Cherry Festival where participants compete to see who can spit a cherry pit the farthest. The world record is over 93 feet.
83. Westland, Michigan, is truly an ice skating paradise for tourists and locals. In fact, the city boasts an incredible ten outdoor skating rinks — among the most in the nation. Westland features several cafes, stores, and ice sculpture exhibitions in the area. The best time to visit this city is, of course, during the winter season but you have to bundle up!
84. Ann Arbor is home to mysterious “fairy doors” hidden throughout the city, attracting both locals and tourists on a whimsical scavenger hunt.
85. Ann Arbor, Michigan, is home to the iconic chewing gum wall. This wall on East Liberty Street was painted in 1999 by artist Katherine Cost as a form of free expression. Also known as “Graffiti Alley,” one of the walls is entirely layered by used chewing gum. Sticking chewing gum on the wall is a tradition that has grown in popularity since 1999 and is enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.
86. Al Capone used Michigan as his hide-out during the Prohibition era. It is said that the historic Blaney Lodge on Walloon Lake is rumored to have been a hideout for the notorious gangster.
87. Westland’s Eloise Psychiatric Hospital, abandoned since the 1980s, is rumored to be haunted, making it a popular spot for urban explorers and ghost hunters.
88. Frankenmuth, Michigan, has the quirky Christmas tradition of chicken ice bowling – participants get together on a massive ice lake and bowl with frozen chickens.
89. The famous Darth Vader attended school in Michigan. Before being loved as the bad guy in the Star Wars movies, he was known as James Earl Jones and was enrolled in the School of Music, Theater, and Dance in 1955.
90. Mackinac Island is a car-free zone and has been since 1898. The village leaders enacted the ban because the carriage drivers complained that these “dangerous horseless carriages” were frightening their horses and causing a disturbance. Since then, no car has driven on the streets of the island.
91. “The Michigan Left” is a feature of the Michigan roadways, and the state is quite famous for it. The premise is that there are no left turns allowed at intersections. To go left, you must first turn right and then make a U-turn. Some say genius, some say frustrating. It’s been there since the 1960s, so it must be working.
92. In the Upper Peninsula, residents are known as “Yoopers.” They have their own accent and even their own words, like “eh.”
93. The 1920s was a time of prohibition in the United States; the country went dry, and the sale and use of alcohol was strictly prohibited. Michigan was a hotbed of activity for the smuggling of illegal alcohol due to its proximity to the Canadian border.
94. Traverse City, a city in Michigan, is known as “the cherry capital of the world.”
95. Colon, Michigan, has less than 1200 residents but is known as the “Magic Capital of the World.” It all started in the 1920s with Harry Blackstone, a magician almost as famous as Houdini, who made his home there before moving to California.
96. Sterling Heights, Michigan, was once the Rhubarb capital of the world. In fact, the city — before it was a city — had one of the largest rhubarb farms in the state. Today, wild rhubarb still grows around the city but not as much as it once did. This is due to all the development in the area as the city continues to grow and expand. Still, the love for the popular fruit-vegetable remains in Sterling Heights and surrounding areas.
The flag of Michigan
1. Design and Symbolism
The Michigan flag stays true to classical design. Look at the coat of arms. It overflows with natural symbols and Latin mottos – quite the opposite of modern flags with basic shapes and limited colors. It paints a fascinating picture of the people, the geography, and the values of the state.
In the center is a blue shield depicting a man by the water as the sun rises, highlighting the Great Lakes. He holds a long gun for defense but raises one hand to offer peace.
The shield is between an elk and a moose – animals that roam the state and represent its strength. Above it is a hovering bald eagle, a known symbol of the US.
You will see three Latin phrases. On the shield is “Tuebor” (I will defend). On the top ribbon is the US motto “E Pluribus Unum” (Out of many, one). Lastly, on the bottom is the state motto “Si Quæris Peninsulam Amœnam Circumspice” (If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you).
2. Adoption and Revision
Michigan adopted the current flag on August 1, 1911. Some feel the need to make updates. In 2016, state senator Steven Bieda introduced a bill to create a new flag commission and initiate a public design contest. However, it failed to garner enough support.
3. Technical Details
When reproducing the Michigan flag, ensure a proportion of 2:3. Be mindful of the artistic details in this complex design.
4. History
The Michigan coat of arms is the design of Lewis Cass, inspired by the seal of the Hudson Bay Fur Company in the 1930s. Every major state flag has a version of this.
On the first flag of Michigan, one side has the State Seal, a soldier, and a lady. The other side has a sketch of the first governor, Stevens T. Mason. It was unveiled in 1837 when Michigan became a state. Unfortunately, no image of it survived.
On the second flag, one side has the Michigan coat of arms on a blue field. The reverse side featured the US coat of arms. It made its initial public appearance in 1965.
There was a clamor to include other state symbols and remove the US coat of arms. After making the changes, the Assembly adopted the third and final state flag in 1911.
5. Other Michigan Flags
You may see a replica of the state flag but with a white background instead of blue. It is the flag of the Michigan governor.
6. Flag Facts
A flag day is not enough. Michigan showers its banner with love during Flag Month from June 14 to July 14. The state flag flies over the state Capitol below the US flag.
The state Governor may order the US and Michigan flags at half-staff across the state to honor fallen heroes. The President of the United States also has the same power across the country.
Michigan has a unique pledge to the state flag, written by Harold G. Coburn and officially adopted in 1972. It describes the state as two beautiful peninsulas connected by a steel bridge, where people value equal opportunity and justice for all.
Michigan – Quick Facts and State Symbols
| State Abbreviation | MI |
|---|---|
| State Capital | Lansing |
| Largest city | Detroit |
| State Size | Total (Land + Water): 96,716 sq miles; Land Only: 56,804 sq miles |
| Population | 10,037,261 (Estimate July 1, 2023 from United States Census Bureau) |
| Statehood | January 26, 1837 |
| State rank by population | 10th |
| State rank by date of formation | 26th |
| State rank by area | 11th |
| Number of Counties | 83 Complete list of 50 states and number of counties in each |
| Demonym | Michigander, Michiganian, Yooper (for residents of the Upper Peninsula) |
| Bordering States | Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota (water border), Ohio, Wisconsin |
| Official Language | None |
| Highest Point | Mount Arvon 1,979 ft (603 m) |
| Lowest point | Lake Erie 571 ft (174 m) |
| Mean elevation | 900 feet above sea level |
| Length | 456 miles (734 km) |
| Width | 386 miles (621 km) |
| National Parks | Isle Royale National Park |
| Governor | Gretchen Whitmer (D) |
| Lieutenant Governor | Garlin Gilchrist (D) |
| Electoral Votes | 16 |
| State Motto | Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam circumspice (If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you) |
| State Nickname | Great Lakes State Mitten State Winter Water Wonderland Wolverine State |
| % Water | 41.5 |
| Nobel Prize Winners | Samuel C.C. Ting (Physics, 1976) Robert J. Shiller (Economic Sciences, 2013) Eric Betzig (Chemistry, 2014) Ralph Bunche (Peace, 1950) Glenn T. Seaborg (Chemistry, 1951) Thomas H. Weller (Physiology or Medicine, 1954) Alfred D. Hershey (Physiology or Medicine, 1969) |
| Famous People | Jerome Bettis (Pro Footbal Player) John Smoltz (Baseball Player) Magic Johnson (Basketball Player) Mike Modano (Ice Hockey Player) Kate Upton (Actress) Stevie Wonder (Singer) |
| State Gem | Chlorastrolite |
| State Soil | Kalkaska sand |
| State Fish | Brook trout |
| State Wildflower | Dwarf lake iris |
| State Bird | American robin |
| State Flower | Apple blossom |
| State Game Mammal | White-tailed deer |
| State Reptile | Painted turtle |
| State Tree | White pine |
| Fossil | Mastodon |
| Longitude | 82° 7' W to 90° 25' W |
| Latitude | 41° 41' N to 48° 18' N |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone, Central Time Zone |
| Website | www.michigan.gov |
| Area Codes | 231, 248, 269, 278, 313, 517, 586, 616, 679, 734, 810, 906, 947, 989 |
| Last updated | July 1, 2024 |
. . . continue reading on the next page