I'm relatively new to Michigan. I've only lived here for three years so far, but this is what I've already learned. And it's funny, turns out I had a lot more to say than I did for Indiana.
Hope I have it somewhat right!
Landscape and Climate
Michigan is the 10th most populous state in the United States and the 11th biggest. Still much smaller than Texas! It's capitol is Lansing. Michigan is said to look like a mitten and people will even hold up their hand and point to where they live. I live below the thumb on the outside.
The most unique feature of Michigan's landscape are its peninsulas, which means three of its sides are surrounded by water. And what's very special is that water is fresh. Our state is surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes and holds several smaller fresh water lakes inland, as well. To remember the names of the lakes, the Great Lakes spell "HOMES;" Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior.
Michigan also has a lot of marsh land, deciduous forests, and the beginnings of many coniferous forests as well. The lower peninsula experiences mild-to-moderate summers (rarely above 90F), fewer thunderstorms than the rest of the Midwest, but very cold winters with lots of snow. The upper peninsula is even more mild in the summer, and even colder in the winter. It's also windy here!
Activities
Because of its proximity, parts of Michigan tend to share some Canadian past times. By that I mean we both have a fondness of maple syrup, Tim Horton's, eating venison several ways, beer, and playing hockey. Fishing, hunting, and other wilderness activities are also loved by many.
For a Michigan weekend in the summer many families will go "Up North."
"Up North" refers ,unimaginatively, to the north part of the state. When you go "Up North" you are essentially describing wilderness. For some reason not too long after Grand Rapids civilization pretty much ends.
When "Up North" you are likely staying in a lake-side cabin in a very remote area of the state with no cable and internet. You cook out, go swimming, go boating, fish, and spend time with friends and family. The adults will most definitely drink alcohol and gather around a bon fire. There will be S'mores. You will also play Euchre.
The lack of artificial lights in many of these lake communities make the most mesmerizing night skies you've ever seen. If the conditions are right, you might even see the Northern Lights.
During the winter hunting is a dominant activity and televised sports are watched widely. Notably football and hockey. Not much of the United States care for hockey, but the Red Wings have a gigantic fan base here. Michigan also has strong college rivalries between MU and MSU. But fortunately we can all hate Ohio together.
Food
Michigan has a high population of Polish and Polish ancestry. Because of this we have several Polish delis and bakeries that serve the area. Many families eat classics such as pierogi, cured meat, pasties, cabbage roles, and pickled foods. Kielbasa is commonly eaten instead of ham on Christmas. We also take part in Paczki Day, which falls on the same day as Fat Tuesday. A Paczki is similar to a jelly donut except way more awesome.
Michigan also has a very strong agricultural and horticultural industry. Michigan grows many of the same agricultural crops of the Midwest such as corn and soybeans, but they also grow many other crops such as potatoes, beets, tomatoes, and more. We also have thriving fruit markets and are known for apples, peaches, berries, grapes, and cherries. Another thing Michigan is known for are their craft beers, ciders, and wines! It is quite easy to eat and drink mostly local foods here. Even your meat and dairy.
We also have a love of fudge, honey, and taffy, it seems. Fish fries on Friday are not just for Lent. They occur the year round for many people.
Detroit
Detroit is
not the capitol of Michigan but it is likely the most well-known city in the state. Not only for its rise in the automotive industry, but probably more notably for the
fall of the automotive industry, the mass exodus of its population, the loss of tax revenue, urban blight, and high crime rates.
During it's height the population of Detroit nearly reached 2 million people, but after the decline the population now rests around just 700,000. Many homes and iconic buildings lay in ruin, and the lack of tax dollars and gainful employment cause stagnation. Many deep seeded and complex issues complicate the city's recovery, but there seems to be a sense of "rooting for" Detroit prevalent in the Metro community.
Fun facts
- Many in the American Midwest may be familiar with Vernor's Ginger Ale and Faygo brand soda pops. These are both bottled in Detroit.
- Vernor's was the first soda pop made in the United States of America.
- Most people in Michigan also refer to carbonated beverages as 'pop.'
- A convenience store is called a party store here.
- It's kitty-corner, not catty-corner
- A shopping cart is a buggy
- A "Yooper" lives in the upper peninsula.
- If you live south of, or "under," the Mackinac Bridge (Mack-eh-gnaw) you're a "troll"
- Sliding doors are "door walls."
- Michigan is the largest freshwater coastline in the entire world.
- Michigan has 11,000 inland lakes and 36,000 streams.
- Be it a stream, lake, or river you are never more than 6 miles away from a body of fresh water and never more than 85 miles from a Great Lake.
- In Michigan you have to pay a deposit on each carbonated beverage that is only redeemed by recycling the bottle. The state sees a 95% return of all aluminum cans and plastic bottles.
- When you're 19 you go to Windsor to celebrate your birthday. Hint, Windsor is in Canada.
- It is likely a good chunk of your change is Canadian.
- Owning a foreign car will be met with criticism.
