1. The Great Lakes
Michigan is surrounded by 4 of the 5 Great Lakes, providing its residents with entertainment, beauty and natural resources all wrapped into one. Also, they're pretty.
2. Mackinac Island.
Yes, it’s spelled correctly, despite it being pronounced "Mack-in-naw." This tourist hub in between the two peninsulas is visited by many every summer. There you can bike around the island, ride a horse and buggy or swing on the swings at the only school on the island with the Mackinac Bridge as your view. All this can be done while eating an ice cream cone of Mackinac Island Fudge ice cream.
3. The two peninsulas.
Michigan is made up of two peninsulas, with the larger and more populous being to the south, while the Upper Peninsula or U.P. contains many hidden gems of natural beauty and runs along the coastline of Lake Superior.
4. "The bridge."
Speaking of those two peninsulas, the Mighty Mac or Mackinac Bridge stretches 5 miles over Lake Michigan and Lake Huron and is the gateway to the Upper Peninsula.
5. Winter.
Winter may last far too long in Michigan, but nothing beats freshly fallen snow on a cold winter morning.
6. Summertime.
On the other hand, a Pure Michigan sunset is a gift from above that very few things can beat.
7. Lake life.
We all have a lake or know somebody who does, and a day riding on a boat, eating picnic food and enjoying each other's company is what summer is all about.
8. The shape of our state.
Each peninsula has a distinct shape (The L.P. is shaped like a mitten, the U.P. like a rabbit’s ear). Michigan is the only state where you can use your hands as a map and be completely accurate.
9. Kellog's Cereal.
The home of Kellog's Cereal is located in Battle Creek, Michigan and has been feeding people breakfast for years.
10. Our terminology.
Michigan turnarounds, Yooper's and so many others. Michigan has certain words that other states look at us funny for saying. We also have a dialect that is a mix of Midwestern and Canadian, which makes a native Michigan speaker easy to find in any crowd.
11.The cute little towns.
Michigan is covered with tons of "blink and you miss it" towns, but there are also many small towns with big character that are the heart of what makes Michigan great. My personal favorite is Marquette Michigan.
12. Our sports fans.
Whether you root for professional or college teams, Michigan sports fans love their teams with as much loyalty as anyone, but there is something special about people who will throw octopi on the ice and who stand by a football team who goes 0-16.
13. Cars.
Detroit isn't called Motor City for nothing. There aren't very many places where you can drive a Ford that is made from the factory 30 miles away and see the Chrysler headquarters from your college campus.
14. Traverse City.
A popular vacation spot, with a cute downtown, the Sleeping Bear sand dunes and the famous cherries and vineyards. A perfect spot for a weekend getaway at the beach.
15. Our college rivalry.
Michigan or Michigan State? Everybody has a favorite and it creates friendly wagers all the way up to fierce loyalty for one side. At least both schools can agree the Ohio State is the worst.
16. "The Big Bright Light Show"
A Christmas attraction in downtown Rochester, a suburb of Detroit, where the facades of the buildings are draped with colorful Christmas lights. To me, it isn't Christmas without a trip to see these lights.
17. Our historical museums.
Michigan has a rich history that traces back to the Native Americans. Michigan offers museums, such as the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village, where visitors can be brought back to Michigan in the early 1900s and beyond, during Michigan's industrial heyday.
18. The food.
Mackinac Island fudge, Superman ice cream, pasties and other cultural foods along with Michigan creations such as Faygo and Vernor's ginger ale.
19. Our natural beauty.
(Cue Tim Allen's voice) The beaches, the lakes, the woods, the waterfalls and more. All this is "Pure Michigan."
20. Fall.
My favorite season by far, with the cool nights and crisp afternoons at the cider mill, walking among the fallen autumn leaves.
21. The music.
Michigan is home to some famous musicians, including Eminem, Bob Seger, Kid Rock and is the birthplace of Motown in Detroit. The music of Michigan adds character that has withstood the past and will carry on into the future.
22. Pictured Rocks.
Located along the coastline of Lake Superior, these natural rock formations draw thousands of tourists every year, taking thousands of pictures, hence the name.
23. The beaches.
Whether you prefer the rocky coastlines or the sandy shores, Michigan has no shortage of beaches and are ideal spots for a sunny afternoon or sunset with some friends.
24. Everyone has their favorite spot.
Michigan is so diverse, with both natural and manmade attractions. Any visitor or resident of Michigan is sure to be able to find a town or attraction that they can connect to.
25. The roads.
They are in no way the best part of Michigan, but they are part of the character of our state. I mean, we have to be the best drivers the world to swerve those potholes (and deer) with which we share our streets.
26. It's my home.
I've lived other places and visited other states, but nothing compares to the beauty and ambiance that Michigan has to offer. I live just below "the thumb" and I am and always will be a proud Michigander.
