When first reading through the Thrillist article that claimed Michigan was the best state, I was a little shocked. While Michiganders are known to have an extreme pride for their state, most other people forget it’s there. Once when talking with a friend, I discovered that she didn’t even know the Upper Peninsula existed or was a part of Michigan.
The UP
Of course, for Michiganders, the UP is a boasting point and one that I never fail to bring up. I remember learning the history of the UP in my fourth-grade Michigan history book. During a little known “war” between Ohio and Michigan over the Toledo Strip, Michigan reluctantly gave up the strip for almost the entire UP. At the time, it was considered a bad deal, but later the rich logging, mining and eventually tourism made up for the loss. Mackinac Bridge, the island, the Sault (soo) locks, rich fudge and history are some of the reasons the UP is worth visiting. While many of us “southerners” mock the “yoopers,” we love our extra peninsula.
The Winters
When talking about the Mitten state, it’s important to mention mittens...and hats, scarves, and boots. Michigan winters can be brutal. And while the UP inevitably has it worse, the Lower Peninsula gets slammed as well. Most of us growing up here know that, despite freezing wind chills, ice and feet of snow, school was never cancelled. It was important to prepare for the cold days at school, and it was a common sight to see legs wrapped in blankets under desks and winter coats still on throughout the hallways.
Even with black ice and slippery snow, driving is always much worse during the warmer months. The construction cone has jokingly, but fittingly been named the state flower. Construction, pot holes and the flocks of tourists visiting the best state during the best time of the year all make the roads a more terrifying scenario than ice.
However bad the winters get, they never fail to amaze with their beauty. Fresh snow covers all the dark and dead leftover from the fall, making everything bright white and clean. The occasional ice storm was a treat making everything shine with a clear coat of ice.
The Great Lakes
By far, my favorite part of this state are the Great Lakes. The big lakes are clearly the star of the show, but Michigan is covered in smaller, equally impressive lakes. Water is hard to avoid. One friend of mine lives on one lake during the year and has a summer cottage on another. Even if you can’t make it to one of the long shorelines of the big lakes, there are always little lakes to visit. I’ve spent summers visiting every lake I could find in my area and then driving to Lake Michigan’s coastline when those didn’t cut it.
The Outdoors Life
While not everyone in Michigan is an expert outdoorsman, most Michiganders have an adventurous side. Rock climbing, cycling, hiking, trail running, boating and camping are just a few examples of what the state has to offer. The Kalhaven trail is 34 miles of biking glory that leads K'zoo'ers through South Haven, straight to Lake Michigan’s shore. South Haven is just one of the many small, charming lake towns that dot the over 3,000 miles of Michigan coastline.
Free time growing up was spent running around outside, climbing trees and splashing around in our great lakes. When the weather is (finally) nice, Michiganders soak it up.
The People
Michiganders have a way of sneaking up on you in their ability to win you over. They are hospitable and friendly to a fault, desperate to show you the treasures that Michigan has to offer. It was because of all these people that I have become so attached to this state. Michigan is where friendships form and memories are made.
