It is the 11th largest state covering an overall area of 96,716 square miles of land and water. Michigan’s capital is Lansing, which is located in the southern part of the state. Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s know some of the astonishing facts about this state:

1. Humans have lived here for over 13,000 years

The Paleo-Indians were the first residents of Michigan. They had arrived here from modern-day Russia through the Bering Strait and Alaska. When and where they could, they hunted animals and lived off the land to survive and thrive.

A number of stone tools and arrowheads that belong to these people have been found. All these items date back to at least 11,000 BC. They give us a solid archaeological evidence of their existence in the state.

2. You can see the Northern Lights in this state

It might surprise you that it’s possible to see the aurora borealis in the northern part of Michigan. So, you don’t have to travel all the way to Iceland or Alaska to witness the Northern Lights. All you have to do is get to the shores of Lake Huron or Lake Superior. These are among the places where there’s minimal light pollution. Another great advantage is that there are no towering trees here to block the view.

3. The name Michigan actually means ‘large water’

The name of this state is derived from a word in the language of Native Americans. Michigan comes from the word ‘mishigami’. It was used by the Ojibwe people. They spoke a language that was a variant of the Algonquian language family. The word ‘mishigami’ means ‘large lake’ according to this language.

4. The Michigan Triangle is just as mysterious as the Bermuda Triangle

The existence of the mysterious Michigan Triangle was reported first in the late 19th century. In the year 1891, a ship called Thomas Hume disappeared in the middle of Lake Michigan. It was there to pick up lumber. No trace of the ship or the crew was found. This is why no one was able to know what happened to the ship.

Although the Michigan Triangle is not as popular as the Bermuda Triangle, it is just as mysterious. Over the years, it has claimed many lives and remained a mystery. It exists within the confines of a triangular portion of Lake Michigan. This triangle includes Benton Harbor, Ludington, and Manitowac.

5. Michigan once produced almost 60% of all cars

Michigan is the place where Henry Ford experimented with many different designs and styles of cars. Ford himself was from this state and he carried out these experiments during the early 20th century. Of course, Michigan is not the place where the cars were invented. However, it was surely the place where they became popular. The Ford Motor Company gained popularity with the release of its Model T.

This 1908 model was lovingly called Tin Lizzie. By the 1920s, the company had made it big in the United States. It was producing more than 50% of all the cars in the country at the time. Another 10% came from the other companies that were based around Michigan.

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1. Francis Ford Coppola

This famous film director and screenwriter of The Godfather trilogy was born in Michigan’s Detroit city. Some of the other films he directed include Finian’s Rainbow, Apocalypse Now, and Bram Stoker’s Dracula. His father was a flutist.

Coppola’s grandparents were immigrants from Italy. His younger sister, Talia Shire, is an actress who starred in The Godfather films and the Rocky film series. His film The Godfather won three Academy Awards. The were Best Actor, Best Picture, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

2. Kristen Bell

She is best known for her performances in Frozen, Veronica Mars, and Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Kristen was born in a small northern suburb of Detroit called Huntington Woods. After graduating high school in Royal Oak, she moved to New York City. She attended Tisch School of the Arts.

While studying musical theater, she made her Broadway stage debut in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. She made her film debut in Spartan, which was released in 2004.

3. Jerry Bruckheimer

Jerry Bruckheimer was born in Detroit on September 21, 1943. He is among the most renowned Hollywood film producers of all time. The son of German-Jewish immigrants, he graduated in 1961 from Mumford High School. He got a degree in psychology from the University of Arizona.

He worked in the advertising industry before he began producing films in the 1970s with director Dick Richards. Bruckheimer produced many successful films, such as Pearl Harbor and the Pirates of the Caribbean film series.

4. John Hughes

He was behind some of the most successful comedy films of the 1980s and 1990s. Among them were Home Alone, National Lampoon’s Vacation, and The Breakfast Club. John Hughes was born in Lansing, the capital of Michigan. He spent most of his childhood in the city of Grosse Pointe. At the time, there weren’t any boys of his age in the neighborhood.

He, therefore, spent a lot of time imagining things by himself. Later, he moved to Northbrook in Illinois with his family. He attended Grove Middle School and then went to Glenbrook North High School. After working in the advertising industry, he went on to write, produce, and even direct many successful films.

5. Elizabeth Berkley

Elizabeth Berkley was born and raised in Farmington Hills, a city located in Oakland County, Michigan. Berkley had a condition of having irises of different colors, heterochromia, since birth. Right from a young age, she danced and practiced in a room in the basement of her home.

She performed in many ballets and was a teenage model for the Elite modeling agency. Berkley made her television debut in the television film, Frog. Her first role in films was of Nomi Malone in the controversial movie, Showgirls. She has also played supporting roles in The First Wives Club and Roger Dodger.

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Some of them are sunbathing, hiking, and fishing. Here, we’ve listed some of the state parks in Southeast Michigan, where you can spend a memorable getaway:

1. Belle Isle State Park

Located in Detroit, Belle Isle is one of its two urban state parks. It is truly a green oasis in the heart of the city and is surrounded by Detroit River. The bicycle and pedestrian trails allow you to enjoy the natural beauty of this park. It is also a good place for kayak and SUP launches.

You can visit the Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse on the island. It is the only marble lighthouse in the United States. Other interesting attractions worth exploring is the Belle Isle Aquarium and Dossin Great Lakes Museum.

2. Algonac State Park

This state park near St. Clair has 1,500 acres of oak savannas and lake plain prairies. You’ll come across a variety of prairie plants, butterflies, and songbirds in Algonac State Park. It is also a great place to enjoy close-range viewing of freighters passing through the Great Lakes. The park is extremely popular among tourists owing to its excellent facilities for camping, trap-shooting, and picnicking.

3. Hayes State Park

Hayes State Park offers you some pleasant natural surroundings to escape the hustle-bustle of the neighboring cities. This state park is located in the fascinating rolling Irish Hills of south-eastern Michigan. Some tiny inland lakes surround the park and provide access to the lakes Wamplers and Round. You can enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming in these lakes. The park is also a great place for camping.

4. Dodge State Park

You’ll be able to experience thrilling outdoor recreation in this small state park located in Waterford. While exploring the park, you can get to the banks of Cass Lake. The one-mile shoreline offers you the chance to try swimming, fishing, and boating.

5. Sterling State Park

Offering plenty of opportunities in outdoor recreation, this is the only state park on Lake Erie in Michigan. It can be reached with an easy drive from Toledo, Detroit, or Cleveland. You can camp in any of the 256 lakefront sites and go fishing in Lake Erie. A wonderful sandy beach also allows you to indulge in boating and swimming.

6. Maybury State Park

Maybury State Park is the place where you’ll find enchanting rolling hills and a hardwood forest. They have trails that are ideal for hiking and mountain biking. If you’re visiting during winter, you can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Also a part of the state park property is a working farm.

The interpreters here recreate rural life that will remind you of the early 20th century. They also give demonstrations of rural activities such as harvesting, sheep shearing, and honey gathering.

7. Watkings Lake State Park

This park would be a perfect place for birdwatchers to witness large numbers of migratory waterfowls. They can be seen at the Watkins Lake during their migration in the autumn and spring months. This lake is the main attraction of the park. Besides birdwatching, the state park also offers a walking trail that stretches about 5 miles.

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It offers several other choices in accommodation, such as cottages, cabins, rental homes, and condos. The state also has over 400 bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) spread across its towns and cities. Here are some of the popular choices in accommodation that Michigan offers:

1. Hotels and motels

Hotels in the state range from five-star properties to boutique motels. Most of them are found in the state’s most important locations. Whether you’re traveling along the country roads or unwinding on a beach, you’re never far from hotels and motels.

From the luxury and historic to the nostalgic and budget-friendly, there’s one for every budget type. Of course, the luxury hotels will pamper you with signature spa treatments and elegant on-site restaurants.

2. Resorts

Michigan has got ski and golf resorts that offer world-class luxuries. At the golf resorts, you can play your desired rounds of the sport during summer. During winter, you can choose any of the ski resorts in Boyne, Shanty Creek, or Crystal Mountain. These resorts offer you some fabulous amenities like spa treatments and fine dining. Some also have boutique shops and indoor water parks in them.

If you’re in Michigan with your entire family, a resort would be an ideal place to stay. No matter how bad the weather is, the kids can still have loads of fun in the indoor water park.

3. B&Bs

The B&B accommodations in Michigan give their guests a home away from home with home-cooked meals and friendly staff. In other words, such properties provide their guests homely comforts with the right doses of heart and hospitality. Owners of these B&Bs can help you live like a local during your vacation.

This is one of the reasons why many people prefer to book their stays in B&Bs. Such type of accommodations suit all types of guests, be it couples, backpackers, or a group of friends or families.

4. Vacation rentals

Your time in Michigan will be unforgettable if you choose to stay in a vacation rental. It offers all the conveniences and comforts of a home. These rentals are available in different types, such as cottages, cabins, condos, or vacation homes. Most of these vacation rentals are available throughout the year.

Such properties mostly come with amenities like full kitchen, grills, and dining areas. They are also available in the form of rustic lodges and log cabins. Such properties can accommodate large groups or families.

5. Campgrounds

With over 1,000 campgrounds spread across Michigan, you can find a picture-perfect location for your stay. Campgrounds give you the opportunity to stay amid the natural wonders of this American state. They allow you to set up your camp under the canopy of leaves in the forest.

Many of the campgrounds are also pet-friendly. Campgrounds are a perfect option for families to enjoy some memorable moments with each other.

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In fact, everyone here lives within six miles of either a lake or a stream. You’ll find forests that are spread over thousands of miles in Michigan. During your time spent in this American state, you’ll get the chance to explore many scenic trails, golf courses, and parks. There are many beautiful cities in this state, which can be reached easily from Springport. Let’s take a look at some of them here:

1. Ann Arbor

This is the most sought-after city located close to Springport. It has some gorgeous parks and a downtown that’s pedestrian-friendly. You’ll also get to experience a fabulous culture and nightlife scene in Ann Arbor. Among the most delightful characteristics of the city is its lively yet laid-back feel.

While taking a stroll on the city’s leafy streets, you’ll also come across some inviting bars and restaurants. Of course, life in Ann Arbor is not that affordable. However, it offers amenities that are usually found only in larger cities.

2. Detroit

The north-western suburbs of this city are located close to the downtown area. You’ll find a lot of scenic roads in the city that meander around lakes. If you wish to indulge in some exciting activities near one of the lakes, try boating or fishing. You can also choose to spend some moments of relaxation on the shores.

There are several elegant restaurants in Detroit to enjoy some mouth-watering delicacies. While exploring the city, you can stop for a meal at any of these restaurants. Outdoor cafes would be great for some people-watching while savoring the delicious dishes.

3. Kalamazoo

You’d certainly agree that the name ‘Kalamazoo’ sounds cool. This scenic riverside city has a charm that’s quite irresistible. It’s more of a college town and is located inland from the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. Two other charming cities of Lansing and Grand Rapids can be reached within an hour’s drive from here.

Kalamazoo is also known as the ‘Mall City’ as it was home to America’s first pedestrian mall. The walkable downtown of this city gives you the chance to explore some local shops and restaurants. This city is also famous for its peaceful riverside walks and parks.

4. Lansing

The state’s cool and cultured capital is also an important center of commerce and education. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and nightlife spots in the city owing to its multi-cultural makeup. You’ll also find some impressive public facilities, museums, and art galleries while getting around in Lansing.

The city is rated highly for its housing and public schools. There are two rivers that run through the center of the city. Among the attractions you can explore in Lansing are the waterfront walks, parks, and the Potter Park Zoo.

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The southern part of the state is warmer, with annual temperatures in the range of 18 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Michigan experiences frequent snowing in winter. Spring and summer have temperatures that would be ideal for indulging in outdoor activities. Winters are usually preferred for activities such as ice-skating, skiing, and ice-fishing.

1. Summer

The water bodies in Michigan that warm slowly during summer make the temperatures quite pleasant. This American state rarely experiences exhausting heat during summers. This is why this time of the year is a peak tourist season. Precipitation is almost never seen and the state experiences a good weather.

Average high temperatures may rise to 82 degrees Fahrenheit during July. People usually prefer lakeside recreational activities and participate in local festivities during this season. If you’re in Michigan in summer you can also consider visiting the coastal theme parks.

2. Fall

The natural beauty in many places of the state are at their charming best during fall. September would be a good time to explore this state as the month has average highs of 72 degrees Fahrenheit. The month of September is pleasantly warm. During October, the temperatures drop to about 59 degrees Fahrenheit. It gets even cooler in November with the temperatures around 46 degrees Fahrenheit.

The temperatures might get a bit chilly owing to winds and humidity. Michigan experiences a transitional phase during mid-fall. Hunters will have the opportunity for some fantastic adventures during fall, as it is a hunting season. They can take the obligatory permissions to have a wonderful time in the state in fall.

3. Winter

The average temperatures drop to nearly 27 degrees Fahrenheit during winter. Those who like a warm atmosphere won’t enjoy the winter in Michigan at all. If you go by the thermometer, humid air often feels colder in this season. Winter brings some excellent opportunities for those adventurous individuals who dare to venture out in the cold.

They can enjoy ice-skating or skiing on the lakes that are frozen. Ice fishing is yet another popular winter-time activity in this state. Winter is milder in Michigan owing to the impact of lakes cooling slowly. Nevertheless, the state does experience snowfalls.

4. Spring

The first month of spring brings the possibility of temperatures dropping slightly below 0 to 27 degrees Fahrenheit. Owing to high humidity, March experiences a moderately cold weather. This may have an impact on weather for the entire year. Things get better in the later months. The average temperatures reach 68 degrees Fahrenheit by May.

Rains are quite rare in this season and mostly fall only on a day or two every month. The weather during early and mid-spring is not suitable for outdoor activities and winter-time entertainment options are not available. Most of the residents, therefore, prefer to enjoy some indoor activities. You’ll find some outdoor activities like boating and hiking available in late-May.

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