Michigan – Eloray

Ford Museum, Dearborn, Michigan (frankdorticos, Pixabay)

Let’s Visit Michigan

Join our virtual tour highlighting the top tourist attractions in Michigan.
For an overview of the state, see: National Geographic Kids. Michigan

Highlights

Let’s learn more about some fascinating places worth seeing in Michigan.

Mackinac Island (Mackinac Island) is famous for its preserved Victorian architecture, car-free environment, and historical sites, including Fort Mackinac. It is a popular destination for biking, horseback riding, and tasting the island’s famous fudge.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (Empire) is renowned for its stunning sand dunes that rise hundreds of feet above Lake Michigan. The area offers hiking, scenic drives, and breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding landscape.
The Henry Ford Museum (Dearborn) is famous for its extensive exhibits on American innovation, featuring historical artifacts such as the Wright brothers’ bicycle shop, the Rosa Parks bus, and JFK’s presidential limousine.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Munising) is known for its colorful sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and unique rock formations along the shores of Lake Superior. Visitors can explore the area by hiking, kayaking, or taking boat tours.
Detroit Institute of Arts (Detroit) is home to one of the largest and most significant art collections in the United States, including works by Van Gogh, Diego Rivera, and Picasso. It is famous for Rivera’s Detroit Industry murals.
Isle Royale National Park (Isle Royale) is famous for its rugged wilderness, located in the middle of Lake Superior. The park is a remote destination for hiking, backpacking, and observing wildlife such as wolves and moose.
Michigan Stadium (Ann Arbor) is known as The Big House and is the largest stadium in the United States, seating over 107,000 people. It is home to the University of Michigan’s football team and a popular destination for sports fans.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park (Grand Rapids) is renowned for its beautiful botanical gardens and large outdoor sculpture park, featuring works by renowned artists like Auguste Rodin and Ai Weiwei.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park (Paradise) is famous for its two large waterfalls on the Tahquamenon River, with the Upper Falls being one of the largest east of the Mississippi River. The park is a favorite spot for hiking and nature viewing.
The Motown Museum (Detroit) is a historic site known as Hitsville U.S.A. where legendary Motown artists like Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, and Marvin Gaye recorded their hits. The museum showcases the history of Motown music and its cultural impact.

Intriguing mysteries and weird facts

Discover these little-known facts about Michigan.

Michigan Has More Shoreline Than Any Other State Except Alaska
With over 3,200 miles of coastline along the Great Lakes, Michigan is surrounded by water on almost all sides, making it a haven for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts.
There Are More Lighthouses in Michigan Than Any Other State
Michigan has over 120 lighthouses, the most of any state in the U.S. These historic structures helped guide ships through the often-treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.
Michigan Is Actually Two Peninsulas
The state is divided into the Upper Peninsula (UP) and Lower Peninsula. The two are connected by the Mackinac Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world.
Detroit Is the Birthplace of the Automobile Industry
Henry Ford revolutionized car manufacturing in Detroit with the assembly line. The city is known as the Motor City because it’s where major car companies like Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler began.
It’s Illegal to Tie an Alligator to a Fire Hydrant in Michigan
One of Michigan’s weirdest laws makes it illegal to tie your alligator to a fire hydrant. Although it seems bizarre, it’s a remnant of old, outdated laws still on the books.
Michigan Has a Floating Post Office
The J.W. Westcott II, a boat on the Detroit River, is the only floating post office in the U.S. It delivers mail to passing ships, maintaining a unique and unusual postal tradition.
Lake Michigan Is the Only Great Lake Entirely Within the U.S.
Of all the Great Lakes, Lake Michigan is the only one that is entirely within U.S. borders, while the others share territory with Canada.
You Can Go “Up North” No Matter Where You Are in Michigan
Michiganders love to say they’re going “Up North,” which generally means heading to the northern parts of the state for camping, hiking, or relaxing by the lakes, even though “Up North” could mean different places depending on where you live.
Michigan Is Home to a Giant Unsolved Stone Mystery
The Sanilac Petroglyphs are ancient rock carvings discovered in Michigan. Their origins are still a mystery, and they are believed to be created by Native Americans hundreds of years ago.
Michigan Is the Wolverine State, but There Are No Wild Wolverines
Even though Michigan is nicknamed the Wolverine State, there are no wild wolverines living in the state. The nickname likely came from the fierce and resilient nature of Michigan settlers in the 1800s.

Notable People

Here are 10 famous men and women from Michigan.

Famous Men

Henry Ford (1863–1947) was born in Dearborn, Michigan, and became a pioneering industrialist. He is famous for founding the Ford Motor Company and revolutionizing the automobile industry with the development of the assembly line.
Magic Johnson (1959– ) was born in Lansing, Michigan, and became one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He led the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA championships and is also known for his philanthropic work after retiring.
Charles Lindbergh (1902–1974) was born in Detroit, Michigan, and became a famous aviator. He is best known for making the first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 1927.
Stevie Wonder (1950– ) was born in Saginaw, Michigan, and is a legendary singer, songwriter, and musician. Blind since infancy, he became one of Motown’s most successful artists, known for hits like Superstition, Isn’t She Lovely, and Signed, Sealed, Delivered.
Tom Selleck (1945– ) was born in Detroit, Michigan, and became famous for his role as the private investigator Thomas Magnum in the hit television series Magnum, P.I. He is also known for his work in films and on television, including Blue Bloods.

Famous Women

Madonna (1958– ) was born in Bay City, Michigan, and became one of the most influential pop stars of all time. She is known for hits like Like a Virgin, Vogue,”and Material Girl, and for constantly reinventing herself throughout her career.
Diana Ross (1944– ) was born in Detroit, Michigan, and became the lead singer of The Supremes, one of the most successful female groups in history. She went on to have a successful solo career in both music and film.
Serena Williams (1981– ) was born in Saginaw, Michigan, and is one of the greatest tennis players of all time. She has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles and is known for her dominance on the court and her advocacy for women’s equality.
Aretha Franklin (1942–2018) was born in Memphis, Tennessee, but raised in Detroit, Michigan. She became the Queen of Soul and was famous for hits like Respect and Natural Woman. She is considered one of the greatest singers in American history.
Ellen Burstyn (1932– ) was born in Detroit, Michigan, and is an Academy Award-winning actress, known for her roles in films like The Exorcist, Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, and Requiem for a Dream.