Michigan - The Great Lakes State

Michigan

Michigan

 

Michigan, known as the Great Lakes State, is a unique part of the United States with a deep natural and cultural heritage. It is the only state made up of two peninsulas—the Lower Peninsula, shaped like a mitten, and the Upper Peninsula, known for its rugged beauty and dense forests. Surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes—Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie—Michigan has more freshwater shoreline than any other state, offering endless opportunities for boating, fishing, and beach-going.

Detroit, Michigan’s largest city, played a key role in America’s industrial growth as the center of the auto industry. It earned the nickname “Motor City” and helped define 20th-century manufacturing. Michigan is also famous for its musical contributions, especially Motown Records, which produced legendary artists like Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross.

Beyond its cities, Michigan is home to stunning natural places, including Sleeping Bear Dunes, Isle Royale National Park, and hundreds of inland lakes and rivers. From cherry orchards in Traverse City to snowy slopes in the north, Michigan offers something for every season. Whether exploring its forests or enjoying a day on the water, visitors quickly discover why Michiganders are proud of their state’s beauty and spirit.

Michigan Symbols

Fast Facts and Interesting Facts
Fact Detail Interesting Facts
Region Midwest
    1. Michigan is the only U.S. state made up of two peninsulas—the Upper and Lower Peninsulas.
    2. It has more freshwater shoreline than any other state in the country.
    3. The Mackinac Bridge connects the Upper and Lower Peninsulas and spans 5 miles.
    4. Detroit, Michigan, is known as the historic heart of the U.S. auto industry and nicknamed "Motor City."
    5. Michigan has over 11,000 inland lakes—you're never more than 6 miles from a natural water source.
    6. Battle Creek is known as the Cereal Capital of the World, home to Kellogg’s.
    7. Michigan is the leading producer of tart cherries in the U.S.
    8. Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior is one of the least visited but most remote national parks.
    9. The state’s name comes from the Ojibwe word *mishigamaa*, meaning “large water” or “great lake.”
    10. Motown Records, a major musical influence, was founded in Detroit in 1959.
Population 10.0 million (approx.)
Area 96,714 sq mi
Statehood January 26, 1837 (26th state)
Capital City Lansing
Largest City Detroit
Abbreviation MI
Nickname The Great Lakes State
Geography Divided into two peninsulas; borders 4 Great Lakes (Huron, Michigan, Erie, Superior)
Bordering States Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin (by land); also water borders with Illinois and Minnesota
Economy Automotive industry, manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, technology
State Tree White Pine
State Bird American Robin

 

Michigan

Our Content
Michigan

Interactive and Printable Michigan Maps and Map Activities

This section features numerous interactive and printable Michigan maps. Students can even use our Maptivation program to make their own Indiana map.

French and Indian War

History of Michigan

Michigan became a U.S. territory in 1805 and achieved statehood in 1837 as the 26th state. Its early growth was fueled by the fur trade, the lumber industry, and later, the rise of the automobile industry centered in Detroit.
Rosa Parks

Famous People from Michigan

Henry Ford, born in Michigan, revolutionized the auto industry by founding the Ford Motor Company and introducing assembly line production. Rosa Parks, a civil rights icon known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, spent much of her later life advocating for justice while living in Detroit.

 
Comprehension

Michigan Literacy and Comprehension Exercises

This section offers a variety of literacy and reading comprehension activities, including engaging passages with question sets, cloze reading exercises, and lessons on text elements and structure. These resources are generally suitable for students in grades 4–8.
Michigan Symbols

Fun Michigan Printables and Coloring Activities

This section features fun and educational Michigan-themed coloring activities and printables, including state symbols, a state flag outline, a 'Welcome to Michigan' sign, and much more!
Collage America

Michigan and United States Online Games

This section provides some really exciting online games such as Michigan or Not Michigan, Collage America, Ameriquake, Conquer the States, Draw America, and several more.