5 Fun Facts About Michigan
| 3 min read
Did you know Michigan’s state flower is the Apple Blossom? Or that our state game mammal is the white-tailed deer?
From our picturesque Petoskey stones to the magnificent Mighty Mac, Michiganders take pride in the many things that make our state so unique. But aside from these well-known state symbols, the Great Lakes state has a few other distinctions you may not have known about.
Here are five surprisingly fun facts with tips from the Healthier Michigan team to help you explore more.
- Michigan has more miles of freshwater shoreline than any other state in the nation. About 3,000 miles, to be exact. One of the most breathtaking views is along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The area is open year-round, but you’ll want to check for possible road closures if you plan to visit during winter months.
– Watch our video of a Pictured Rocks sunset cruise here.
- Michigan has the only authentic Dutch windmill operating in the United States. The De Zwaan Windmill in Holland, Mich. is not only a historic attraction, it’s also a functioning machine that produces healthy whole wheat flour for the local community and beyond.
– Check out this recipe for making your own healthy wheat bran muffins using stone ground flour.
- Michigan is home to one of only four ice luge tracks in the nation. The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex offers visitors access to acres of ice, trails and woods for those brave enough to bare the cold temperatures.
– Read what one of our bloggers had to say about taking the plunge down the 850-foot icy track.
- Michigan is home to one of 30 certified International Dark Sky Parks in the world. The Headlands in Mackinaw City was designated an official dark sky park in 2011. Visitors can explore 600 acres of old-growth forest and more than two miles of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline, all undiluted by light pollution.
– See breathtaking photos from a stargazer’s point of view in this blog where we explore the magic of Northern Michigan’s dark sky park.
- Michigan is the second-most agriculturally diverse state in the nation. With our variety of seasons, rich farming regions and proximity to the Great Lakes, Michigan grows and distributes hundreds of different crops each year. We’re the top producer of tart cherries in the country, among other accolades.
– Check out #MIProduce on Instagram for healthy meals that look (and taste) better with local Michigan produce.
Next time you’re with friends and family, use these facts to help inspire others to be proud of our great state.
If you enjoyed this blog, check out #HealthyMe, a personalized web experience based on your health and wellness goals brought to you by A Healthier Michigan and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
Photo credit: nvenechuk
Sources: [1.] Michigan Department of Natural Resources. [2.] City of Holland, Windmill Island Gardens. [3.] Pure Michigan. [4.] International Dark Sky Association. [5.] USDA Farm Service Agency.
