Exploring the Great Lakes State: A Guide to Understanding the Locals

Have you ever visited or moved to a new state and felt like an outsider? Welcome to the Great Lakes state, where the locals are as unique as the weather patterns. From our famous Coney dogs to the ever-changing weather, Michigan is a melting pot of culture and personality. But don't let that intimidate you, because as you'll soon find out, fitting in here is all about embracing the diversity and embracing the quirks that make Michigan, well, Michigan!

Michigan Consists of Two Peninsulas

Michigan is the only state in the United States that is made up of two separate peninsulas - the Upper Peninsula and the Lower Peninsula. But don't let that fool you, these two peninsulas are vastly different in terms of geography, culture, and personality. The Upper Peninsula is known for its rugged wilderness and outdoor adventures. It's a place where you can hike through dense forests, fish in crystal clear lakes, and even catch a glimpse of the elusive moose. On the other hand, the Lower Peninsula is home to the bustling cities such as Detroit or Grand Rapids, as well as the picturesque beaches of Lake Michigan. It's a place where you can experience the hustle and bustle of city life, or get away to relax on the sandy shores of one of the Great Lakes. Together, these two peninsulas make up the diverse and unique state of Michigan.

The U.P. is a Nature Lover’s Paradise

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is truly a nature lover's paradise. With its rugged wilderness, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife, the U.P. is the perfect destination for those looking to escape city life and reconnect with the great outdoors. From hiking and camping to fishing and hunting, skiing and even dog sledding, the U.P. offers a wide variety of outdoor activities that are sure to delight nature enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.

But the Upper Peninsula is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its adventure. The U.P. is the perfect place to push your limits, whether you're looking to conquer a challenging hike or tackle a roaring river. The U.P. is home to the famous Porcupine Mountains, the Sylvania Wilderness Area and the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, all of which offer spectacular views and thrilling outdoor experiences. And for those who like to keep it low key, the U.P. also offers plenty of opportunities for bird watching, photography and stargazing.

We Take our Sports seriously

If you prefer sports to outdoor recreation, you’ll definitely want to visit Detroit to take in one of the many professional games that take place at the awesome venues within the city. Not only is Michigan home to some of the most passionate sports fans in the country, but it is also one of only 12 cities to boast all four major professional sports teams: the Detroit Lions (NFL), the Detroit Tigers (MLB), the Detroit Red Wings (NHL), and the Detroit Pistons (NBA). So, if you're a fan of football, baseball, hockey, and basketball, Michigan has you covered.

But it's not just the variety of sports that makes Michigan stand out, it's also the quality of the teams. The Detroit Lions may have been having a rough ride for the past few years or more, but have a long-standing tradition of excellence. The Detroit Tigers have a history of playoff appearances and pennant wins. The Detroit Red Wings are one of the most successful teams in NHL history with 11 Stanley Cups. And of course the Detroit Pistons have three NBA championships under their belt, extending back to the “Bad Boys” era of the NBA. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just looking to catch a game, Michigan's professional sports teams offer some of the most exciting and competitive action in the country.

Michigan Winters Are Brutal

Michigan winters can be brutal, there's no denying it. With temperatures that can drop well below freezing and snowfall that averages around 88 inches per year area dependent, Michiganders have to be tough to survive the winter months. But just because the weather is harsh, doesn't mean that the fun has to stop. In fact, Michiganders have come up with all sorts of creative ways to enjoy the winter season.

One of the most popular winter activities in Michigan is skiing and snowboarding. With an abundance of ski resorts, Michigan offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the Midwest for people of all experience levels. But skiing and snowboarding aren't the only ways to enjoy the winter in Michigan. Snowmobiling, ice fishing, and snowshoeing are also popular winter pastimes. And if you're looking for something a little more low-key, you can always enjoy a nice cup of hot cocoa next to a roaring fire, or while taking a stroll through the winter wonderland.

The Great Lakes State

Michigan is known by many names, but perhaps none is more fitting than "The Great Lakes State." With four of the five Great Lakes bordering its shores, Michigan truly is a water wonderland. From the crystal clear (although cold) waters of Lake Superior to the vast expanse of Lake Michigan, the Great Lakes provide Michiganders with endless opportunities to enjoy nature and take part in the recreational opportunities they offer. From fishing and boating to swimming and sailing, the Great Lakes provide endless opportunities for fun in the sun. And if you're looking for something a little more adventurous, you can even go scuba diving to explore the shipwrecks that litter the bottom of the lakes. Just a fun fact, Michigan's Great Lakes hold 84% of North America's fresh surface water and 21% of the world's fresh surface water. That’s A LOT of H2O!

But the Great Lakes aren't just a pretty sight, they also play a vital role in the state's economy and culture. The Great Lakes shipping industry is a crucial part of Michigan's economy, with goods worth billions of dollars passing through the locks each year. And when it comes to culture, the Great Lakes are an integral part of Michigan's identity. The Great Lakes beaches and waterfront towns are a popular summer destination for locals and tourists alike and are typically filled with wonderful boutique shops, excellent restaurants and a host of activities to easily fill a day, weekend, or longer. 

We Love Our Craft Beer

If you're a craft beer enthusiast looking for a place to call home, Michigan is the place to be. With its abundance of over 300 breweries located throughout the state, Michigan's craft beer scene is truly one of a kind. From small, family-owned microbreweries to large, nationally recognized craft breweries, Michigan has something to offer for every palate. From crisp lagers to hoppy IPAs, Michigan's craft beer scene has something to offer for every palate.

But it's not just the quantity of breweries that makes Michigan's craft beer scene so special, it's also the quality. Michigan's breweries are known for their innovative brews and unique flavor profiles, and for utilizing locally grown ingredients. The state is home to a number of hop farms, and many of the breweries use locally grown hops to create unique, terroir-driven beers. Michigan's craft beer scene it's also about community. The state is home to a number of beer festivals, where beer enthusiasts can come together and sample a wide variety of beers while also supporting local breweries. And if you're not one for festivals, you can always take a brewery tour and learn about the brewing process and the people behind the beers.

No One Does Music Like Michigan

Michigan has always been a hotbed for musical talent, and it's no surprise that some of the biggest names in the music industry have come from the Great Lakes State. Detroit itself is the birthplace of both Motown and Techno, but the truth is that Michigan has produced some of the most iconic and influential musicians of all time.

The state has a rich history of punk rock, with Iggy Pop, the Godfather of Punk, hailing from Detroit. It's also home to arena rock legends like Ted Nugent, who has been known for his high energy live performances and guitar virtuosity. We also have our own heartland rock hero with Bob Seger, one of the most iconic figures in the genre. His albums have sold millions of copies, and his live shows are legendary. And let's not forget about hip hop, Michigan has produced some of the biggest hip hop artists like Eminem, who has sold over 150 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. To top it off, Michigan has some of the best concert venues in the Midwest, many of which are located in Metro Detroit. From classic downtown venues like The Fillmore or Fox Theatre, to smaller more personable venues like the iconic St. Andrew’s Hall, to the impeccable Pine Knob Music Theatre, which was recently  named the number one Amphitheater in the world by Pollstar, there are countless venues to catch an amazing concert in Michigan.

Coney Dogs Are A Michigan Staple

Michigan is home to a variety of delicious foods, but none quite as iconic as the coney dog. This simple, yet mouthwatering concoction of a hot dog topped with chili, onions, and mustard is a long standing staple of Michigan's food culture. And while coney dogs can be found all over the state, where to find the best coney dog is a topic of hot debate, typically ending with two downtown Detroit establishments leading the pack: Lafayette Coney Island and American Coney Island.

Both Lafayette Coney Island and American Coney Island have been serving up coney dogs for over a century, and both claim to have the original recipe. Lafayette Coney Island has been serving coney dogs since 1914, with American Coney Island respectively serving thier version since 1917. These two establishments are located directly next door to each other and it's not uncommon to hear customers engaged in heated debate over which coney dog is the best. But one thing is certain, whether you prefer Lafayette's or American's secret recipe, both are delicious and a must-try for anyone visiting Detroit. If you're a foodie looking for a taste of Michigan's culinary history, head to downtown Detroit and try both Lafayette Coney Island and American Coney Island and decide for yourself which coney reigns supreme.

We Define Distance in Hours & Minutes

Michiganders, or residents of Michigan, tend to use minutes and hours to describe the distance between two places rather than miles. This is because Michigan is a relatively large state, and many areas are not easily accessible by major highways or interstates. Instead, residents often rely on smaller roads and local highways to travel between destinations, which means that the distance between two places may not be as far as it would be in miles, but the travel time can be much longer due to traffic, road conditions, and other factors.

When a Michigander tells you that a destination is "two hours away," they're not just giving you an estimate of the travel time, they're also giving you a sense of the distance and the kind of journey you can expect. For example, if a Michigander says "It's only a 45-minute drive," that usually means it's a quick and easy trip, but if they say "It's about a two-hour drive," that means it's a bit further and might involve some winding roads or scenic routes. This way of measuring distance also helps Michiganders to plan their day better, as they can use the time frame to make the most of their day and decide what activities they can do before heading back home.

We Have Our Own Language

Michigan is known for its rich history and unique culture, and that extends to the way its residents talk. From the "Yooper" dialect of the Upper Peninsula to the slang terms used in Detroit, Michigan has its own unique way of communicating. One of the most common slang terms used in Michigan is "Ope!" which is used as a casual way of saying "I'm sorry" or "Excuse me". It's a phrase that you'll hear everywhere in Michigan, from crowded city streets to quiet suburban neighborhoods.

Another unique phrase that Michiganders use is "Michigan left", which refers to the U-turns that are commonly found at intersections in the state. These U-turns are often used by Michiganders as a way to navigate around traffic and make their way to their destination faster. Residents of the Upper Peninsula are commonly referred to as "Yoopers," while those who live in the Lower Peninsula are called "Trolls," since they live below the bridge. When it comes to tourists, we have a term for them too, "Fudgies". This term is used to describe the visitors who flock to northern Michigan each summer to enjoy the beautiful scenery and taste the famous Mackinac fudge that is found throughout the area. In no way is it meant to be a derogatory term. In fact, Michiganders welcome them with open arms as many of the towns in northern Michigan depend on busy tourist seasons to help spur the economy each year.

All of these things may seem a bit strange to outsiders, however it’s the diversity, grit, food, music, language and even the landscape of Michigan that all play a part in the culture of this fantastic state. If you have yet to visit, we highly recommend a trip to the Great Lakes State where there is certainly a little something for everyone to enjoy!