15 Fun Facts About Michigan: Get to Know the Great Lakes State

Michigan is a state full of natural beauty, unique history, and vibrant cities. Whether you're living in Michigan or just visiting, there's always something fascinating to discover. Whether you're looking to rent in Detroit or searching for an apartment in Grand Rapids, these fun facts about Michigan will give you a deeper appreciation for the Great Lakes State.

1. Michigan is the only state with two peninsulas

Michigan consists of the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, separated by the Straits of Mackinac. The Mackinac Bridge connects the two landmasses. The Upper Peninsula is known for its rugged wilderness and small towns. The Lower Peninsula, which is shaped like a mitten, is more urbanized.

2. Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state

With over 120 lighthouses, Michigan has the most of any state in the U.S. These lighthouses have guided ships for centuries along the state's 3,200 miles of shoreline. Some of the most famous lighthouses include Big Sable Point and Holland Harbor.

3. The first three tunnels built underwater in the United States are in Michigan

The Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, Michigan Central Railway Tunnel, and the St. Clair Tunnel are the first underwater tunnels in the U.S. These tunnels connect Michigan with Canada and were engineering marvels of their time. The Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, opened in 1930, connects Detroit with Windsor, Ontario. The St. Clair Tunnel, completed in 1891, connects Port Huron with Sarnia, Ontario.

4. Michigan is home to the largest freshwater coastline in the world

Michigan borders four of the five Great Lakes: Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie. These lakes provide Michigan with 3,288 miles of freshwater coastline, the longest in the world. The shores of these lakes offer breathtaking views and recreational opportunities. From sandy beaches to rocky cliffs, Michigan’s coastline is diverse and stunning.

5. The University of Michigan was the first university in the U.S. to own and operate a hospital

Founded in 1817, the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor is a leader in education and healthcare. In 1869, it became the first U.S. university to own and operate a hospital. This pioneering move set the standard for medical education and patient care. Today, the University of Michigan Health System is one of the largest in the country.

6. Michigan is the birthplace of the modern assembly line

Henry Ford revolutionized manufacturing by introducing the assembly line at his Highland Park plant in 1913. This innovation dramatically reduced the time to build a car, making automobiles affordable. The Model T, produced using this method, became one of the most popular cars in history.

7. The state of Michigan has over 11,000 inland lakes

Michigan is known as the "Great Lakes State," but it also has over 11,000 inland lakes. These lakes offer year-round recreation, from boating in summer to ice fishing in winter. Popular lakes include Torch Lake, Houghton Lake, and Lake Charlevoix. Many Michiganders have lakefront homes or cottages for weekend getaways.

8. Michigan is the only state that touches four of the five Great Lakes

One of Michigan’s defining characteristics is its proximity to the Great Lakes, hence the nickname. It has coastlines on Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie. No other state borders so many Great Lakes. This unique geography provides Michigan with an abundance of natural resources and beauty.

9. Michigan produces more cherries than any other state

Michigan is the leading producer of tart cherries in the United States. The majority of these cherries come from the Traverse City area. Every year, Traverse City hosts the National Cherry Festival, celebrating the region's cherry harvest. Cherries from Michigan are used in pies, jams, and other delicious treats.

10. Michigan has a floating post office

For over 140 years, the J.W. Westcott, a 45-foot-long boat, has been delivering mail to passing ships along the Detroit River. The vessel, named after Captain John Ward Westcott, is also the only floating ZIP code in the country. 

11. The world’s largest cement plant is located in Alpena, Michigan

Alpena is home to the world’s largest cement plant, operated by LafargeHolcim. The plant has been in operation since 1907 and produces millions of tons of cement annually. Cement from this plant is used in construction projects worldwide.

12. Michigan’s official state stone is the Petoskey stone

The Petoskey stone is a fossilized coral that can be found along the shores of Lake Michigan. These stones are over 350 million years old and have a distinctive hexagonal pattern. Petoskey stones are often polished and used in jewelry and decorative items. They are named after the city of Petoskey, where they are commonly found.

13. Michigan has the second-most registered boats in the United States

With its vast waterways, Michigan has more registered boats than almost any other state, trailing only Florida. Boating is a popular pastime, with activities ranging from fishing to sailing. Michigan’s lakes and rivers provide endless opportunities for water-based recreation.

14. The first soda in the United States was made in Michigan

Vernors Ginger Ale, created in Detroit in 1866, is the oldest soda brand in the United States. Pharmacist James Vernor invented the drink, which quickly became a local favorite. Vernors is known for its bold ginger flavor and is still popular today. Many locals consider it a quintessential part of the state’s culture.

15. Michigan is the largest state in the eastern United States

Covering over 96,000 square miles, Michigan is the largest state east of the Mississippi River. The state’s size includes both land and water, with a significant portion being Great Lakes. Michigan’s vast area encompasses diverse landscapes, from forests to urban centers.

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