Michigan

Welcome to Michigan!

Michigan has been shaped – figuratively and literally – by the Great Lakes. Carved by glaciers more than 12,000 years ago, its two peninsulas are visible from the moon.

The first lighthouse appeared in Michigan in the 1830s and today we boast more than any other state. With more than 3,200 miles of shoreline, Michigan offers more freshwater coastline than any other state. We are home to countless shipwrecks, underwater preserves and maritime related national landmarks.

You’ll find three national forests, two national parks and two national lakeshores in Michigan. The state is home to 96 state parks offering hiking, biking, camping, canoeing, fishing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing and other recreational activities. Michigan really is the great outdoors, where woods and water abound. Michigan leads the nation in the number of registered boaters and ranks #3 in the nation in the number of golf courses, with nearly 900.

The state’s agricultural diversity ranges from apples to wine-making grapes. Michigan also has 65 licensed aquaculture facilities that produce several seafood products, including three species of trout, catfish, bass, bluegill and even shrimp.

Located on the northern tip in the Straits of Mackinac is one of the hundreds of islands that dot Michigan waters, Mackinac Island. This 19th century resort, where no motorized vehicles are allowed, is fixed firmly in the Victorian era-dominated by an 18th century fort and the famed Grand Hotel.

A trip to Michigan isn’t complete without a visit to Detroit, the home of Motown and Techno. This revitalized city boasts a thriving theatre district, great restaurants and major sports teams. The Major League Baseball All-Star Game comes to Detroit in 2005, followed by Super Bowl XL in 2006.