Found 42 blog entries tagged as michigan.

If you have to pick between Michigan’s two national lakeshores, you are not choosing between good and better. You are choosing between two great but very different experiences. Sleeping Bear Dunes delivers warm-water beach days, easy overlooks, and small-town charm you can wander on foot. Pictured Rocks answers with painted cliffs, waterfall hikes, and a true inland-sea vibe on Lake Superior. As a Metro Detroit local who road-trips north all year, here is the most useful head-to-head you will find, with the specifics that actually help you plan.

The quick answer

  • Best for families and first timers: Sleeping Bear Dunes

  • Best for epic scenery and adventure: Pictured Rocks

  • Closest to Metro Detroit: Sleeping Bear Dunes

  • Warmest swim: Sleeping…

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Michigan’s history isn’t just in textbooks, it’s built into the bricks of our theaters, the timbers of our lighthouses, the machinery of our factories, and the cobblestones of our waterfront towns. From the industrial pulse of Detroit to the windswept shores of the Upper Peninsula, every corner of the Mitten tells a story. Some places shaped our country’s industries. Others hold the memory of communities that thrived, fought, and adapted through centuries of change. This guide brings you 50 of the most remarkable historical sites in Michigan, spots that locals love, visitors seek out, and every Michigander should experience at least once.

If you’re craving even more must-visit spots beyond our historical picks, check out our ‘Michigan Bucket List: Top…

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Lions, tigers, and… giraffes? Not yet, but soon. John Ball Zoo, the beloved West Michigan attraction nestled in the rolling hills just west of downtown Grand Rapids, is preparing for a bold new chapter. Thanks to a record-setting $15 million donation from the Bill and Bea Idema Foundation, the zoo will welcome giraffes to Grand Rapids for the first time in its 133-year history. This historic gift, the single largest philanthropic contribution John Ball Zoo has ever received, is earmarked to fund a state-of-the-art giraffe habitat and marks a major leap forward in the zoo’s ongoing African expansion project.

For a broader look at Michigan’s unmissable attractions, see our full guide to Michigan Bucket List: Top Destinations You Need to See

John…

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In a quiet Lenawee County neighborhood about an hour outside Detroit, an unusual greeting has become the norm: “How’s it smelling down by your house?” For residents of Adrian’s east side, this isn’t a joke. It’s a reality born of a persistent “rotten egg” stench that has plagued their town for years. Neighbors swap stories of dashing from car to front door to escape the foul odor, likening the smell to “organic death” or “a dead animal carcass” in the yard. It sounds almost comical, but for families who’ve lived here for generations, the situation is anything but funny.

This long-running odor saga centers on a local factory that turns bad eggs into pet food. Yes, you read that right, powdered eggs destined for Fido’s kibble. The smell has gotten so bad…

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Which Michigan communities boast the highest home values? From Metro Detroit’s upscale enclaves to idyllic lakeside hamlets up north, the Great Lakes State has its share of million-dollar neighborhoods. In this deep dive, we’ll explore the 10 most expensive home markets in Michigan, highlighting what makes each place special. A lifelong Michigander and real estate expert perspective guides you through these communities, with local flavor, real data, and an engaging, trustworthy voice. Let’s find out where home prices are sky-high, and why.

Home Values Surging in the Great Lakes State

Michigan might not be the first place you think of for luxury real estate, but locals know the state hides some surprisingly pricey pockets. In fact, while the typical…

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Why are Michigan’s cities falling behind when it comes to “family-friendly” rankings? A recent national study has raised eyebrows by placing Michigan near the bottom of the pack. In WalletHub’s latest “Best & Worst Places to Raise a Family” report, Michigan ranked No. 38 out of 50 states, making it the worst in the Midwest for families. Even more startling: among 182 U.S. cities compared, Detroit came in at 181st (second from last). Only Memphis, TN scored lower, while Grand Rapids, Michigan’s other entrant landed around the middle at 100th. These findings have left many locals puzzled, especially those who’ve experienced Michigan as a great place to raise kids. In this deep dive, we’ll explore what’s behind these rankings, how they square with…

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Ask ten Michiganders where "Up North" begins, and you’ll get twelve different answers. Some point to a highway exit. Others name a favorite lake town. A few insist it doesn’t start until you cross the Mackinac Bridge.

But that's what makes the idea of "Up North" so special: it's both a destination and a feeling.

It’s the first time you see more pine trees than power lines. It’s the moment traffic clears and the air smells like wood smoke and water. Whether you're chasing waterfalls, pulling up to a lakeside cabin, or just passing a handmade pasty sign on the side of the road, the experience is universal: you’ve left the grind behind and entered the best version of Michigan.

Still, there are some clear turning points. If you’ve ever driven north…

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Michigan just landed on a national list that every art lover should know about.

Rivers Art, a national art printing company, recently released its 2025 rankings of the Top 126 Coolest Art Installations in the U.S., celebrating the most obscure, creative, and locally loved public artworks across the country. The list is full of unexpected gems, and three unique installations in Michigan made the cut.

These are not your typical sculpture parks or museum exhibits. Instead, each site offers an immersive, community-rooted experience that reflects local culture, storytelling, and creative flair. Whether you’re planning a Michigan road trip or just looking to explore something new in your own backyard, these three stops belong on your radar.

Hamtramck…

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Is nearly half of Michigan living paycheck to paycheck? It may sound shocking, but new data suggest exactly that. Across the state, from the quiet shores of Lake County to the busy streets of Detroit, a huge number of families are struggling just to cover the basics each month. In fact, 41% of Michigan households couldn’t afford all their basic needs in 2023 – meaning they either live below the poverty line or fall into the ALICE category (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). In plain English, these are our neighbors who are working hard yet still barely scraping by. This report breaks down where in Michigan families are most financially stretched, why it’s happening, and what it means for our communities. Written in the voice of a lifelong…

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There is nothing quite like a Michigan summer night. The breeze off the lake. The hum of cicadas. The scent of grilled burgers lingering in the air. And then, just when the sky turns that deep shade of navy, the fireworks begin.

Whether you're a die-hard Fourth of July fan, a parent planning the perfect family night, or someone who simply wants to catch the biggest and best fireworks shows in Michigan this summer, this is the guide you didn't know you needed but will absolutely be glad you have.

From Lake Michigan beach towns to Metro Detroit parks and Upper Peninsula gems, here are 25 Michigan fireworks displays that deserve a spot on your summer calendar.

From local festivals to fireworks nights, there’s so much happening—like the many summer…

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