Michigan: some of the greatest things about the Great Lakes State

Howard Township Library

March 2024

I’ve written about Illinois—the state in which I was born and raised. I’ve written about North Carolina—the state in which I now spend my winters. But I’ve never written about Michigan—the state I have called my permanent residence for almost four years. So here goes—a little bit about the Mitten State.

Did you know no matter where you stand in Michigan you are no farther than six miles from some kind of body of water and no more than 85 miles from one of the Great Lakes? I didn’t know that. But then again, I never realized I didn’t know it until I heard this. Guess I didn’t even think about it. But it’s an interesting factoid, eh?

I did know there are a lot of lighthouses in Michigan—that comes naturally when you have so much water around. But what I didn’t know is Michigan has the most of any state-- roughly 130. That number jumps if you add in all the lighthouses I have in my house and on my walls.

Recently learned I am considered a troll. Not because I scope out websites and post derogatory comments—but because I live under “the bridge.” Yup—I’m south of the Mackinac Bridge so Michiganders refer to those living south of the bridge as living “under the bridge.” I guess if you were holding a paper map it does look like we’re under the bridge, right? I found it interesting this bridge is called “the” bridge.  Like there’s only one bridge in the state. There are tons of bridges in Michigan—but “the” bridge is the bridge of all bridges. And it’s quite magnificent to drive over it. What a view. (To get this shot I stuck my head through the sunroof and waited until there were no other cars around.)

Mackinac Bridge

I also found out those who visit the Upper Peninsula and stop in all the fudge stores are called a “Fudgie.” I had never realized the area was known for its fudge, but I am guilty of visiting and making a stop in a few of the confectionary stores myself. So, if you visit the U-P you’re a Fudgie. But if you live in the U-P, you’re a Yooper. From what I can tell, those are terms of endearment. If I’m wrong, do let me know!

Growing up in the Chicago area, I always believed the only competition when it came to pizza was New York. There are several pizza companies that got their start in Michigan. Yup—Little Caesar’s, Domino’s, Jet’s, and Hungry Howie’s. The first two I know, but not the last two. Still partial to Chicago pizza, though. Who doesn’t love Lou Malnati’s? It’s headquartered in a Chicago suburb—and now there are a few in Indiana and Arizona. Honestly, I think that’s because there’s a lot of former Illinoisians in those two states. They know a good pizza when they see (and taste) one.

And speaking of taste—there’s a lot of companies that either got their start in Michigan or are headquartered in the state. Besides the pizza places I mentioned, there’s Big Boy Restaurants (a favorite place to take our kids when they were young), Yoplait Go-gurt, Vlasic Pickles, Kellogg’s cereals, as well as Pringles, Cheez-Its and Pop Tarts, along with Biggby Coffee and Jiffy Cornbread Muffin Mixes, and a lot more.

Michigan is home to many companies, including—but certainly not limited to—Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Lazy Boy, Dow Chemicals, Penske Automotive Group and Whirlpool.

What Michigan is also home to one of the absolute most beautiful places in the country. Last summer we went with some dear friends to northern Michigan. When I’d mention to people I was going I kept hearing, “Oh, you’ve got to go see Sleeping Bear Dunes.”  In my head, I was like—yeah, been to the Warren Dunes and Indiana Dunes—if you’ve seen one big sand pile, you’ve seen 'em all. Nothing could have been further than the truth.

Located in Empire, the views are truly stunning. As a matter of fact, I read that in 2011 this area won Good Morning America’s Most Beautiful Place in America. They weren’t wrong. I remember just staring out at the shores thinking, “This is MICHIGAN?” You honestly felt like you were somewhere out in the Caribbean or the South Pacific. But nope—you were at the top of the mitten at a state park.

To get there, we crossed the Mackinac Bridge (how you pronounce this determines if you’re a true Michigander). This bridge, which took three years to complete, is said to be one of the longest suspension bridges in the world—spanning five miles connecting the lower and upper peninsulas of Michigan. You might also recall Mackinac Island’s claim to fame when it was featured in a 1979 film, “Somewhere in Time,” a fantasy romance movie starring Christopher Reeves and Jane Seymour. I didn’t know that, and I didn’t get there on this past trip, so I’m making note to get back there, if nothing else but to see the Grand Hotel in all its glory.

I’d truly be remiss if I didn’t bring up all the music we’ve cherished for decades that came from Detroit’s Motown Records. (the name of this recording studio was selected because of Detroit being known as the Motor City) I’m sure everyone knows this already, but people like Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5, Smoky Robinson, Lionel Ritchie, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Tammi Terrell, Martha and the Vandella’s, and Gladys Knight and the Pips—among many others, were all Motown favorites. Then I thought, wait—what about Aretha Franklin!  Turns out she was not a Motown artist—but of course, loved just the same.

There’s a boatload of celebrities born and/or raised in Michigan. Some who come to mind are Tim Allen (who now does the voice for the popular “Pure Michigan” commercials), Madonna, Eminem, Alice Cooper, Ted Nugent, Ray Parker Jr., Glenn Frey (founder of The Eagles), Jackie Wilson (he wants to take you “Higher and Higher”), Sonny Bono, Christie Brinkley, Steven Seagal, Selma Blair, Elizabeth Berkley (Saved by the Bell and Showgirls), Terry Crews, Tim Meadows, Jerry Bruckheimer, Bob Seger, John Hughes, David Alan Grier, Floyd Mayweather, Dean Cain, David Spade, Kate Upton, and Lee Majors (yes, the $6 Million Dollar Man),

And then there’s Tommy Jackson from Tommy James and the Shondells. He was born in Ohio but grew up Niles, Michigan. (I have no doubt he spent a lot of time on my lake—maybe right in front of my house as our house is on what was once a popular public beach.) He even formed his band in Niles—and created such hits as “Mony, Mony,” “I Think We’re Alone Now,” and “Crystal Blue Persuasion.”

While it’s pretty cool to know about all the beautiful places and the celebrities who once called Michigan home—and many still do—the things that are really close to my heart are the memories from the past 30 years (26 as a part-timer) with family and friends. Weekends on the water (or in it), seeing my children learn to water ski, campfires with plenty of s’mores, barbeques, huge 4th of July parties (and I do mean huge), designing and decorating for the boat parades with good friends, relaxing on the patio, walking through the annual Ice Festival in awe of the sculptures, and enjoying watching my grandchildren play on the beach. And did I mention I have some of the greatest neighbors? Well, I do.

Last, but certainly not least, watching the magnificent colors in the sky as the sun sets on another wonderful day. That right there is pure Michigan.

 Have some favorite Michigan memories of your own? Feel free to scroll all the way down and leave a comment!