Michigan

Calling Michigan the Great Lakes State doesn't go nearly far enough. This is a state that is bounded by 4 of the 5 Great Lakes and has the most freshwater shoreline of any state in the Union. In fact, Michigan has 3250 miles of shoreline – only Alaska has more. Which leads to lighthouses, over 130 – more than any other state. There are over 11,000 lakes within the state and over one million registered boats. If you like to swim, fish, water ski, kneeboard, sail, powerboat, windsurf, jetski, canoe, kayak, or even float around in an innertube, Michigan is the place for you. However, Michigan is also called a winter water wonderland because the water fun doesn't end when winter starts. You can enjoy ice fishing, ice boating, ice skating, ice dancing, hockey and more, as well as downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, sledding and snowshoeing. Mackinaw Island is an outdoor wonderland, home of three state parks – no cars allowed. But don't think that all the fun in Michigan is outside – remember Michigan is the home of Motown, Henry Ford, automobile manufacturing, Kellog's cereals and Gerald Ford. There are museums, zoos, gardens, historical centers, festivals, sports centers and Bronners Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth. Ann Arbor is home to the beautiful main campus of the University of Michigan, whereas Michigan State University resides in East Lansing. The Upper Peninsula, or the UP as natives call it, ranks as one of the top vacation spots in the country for sheer natural beauty, outdoor recreation, casinos, and state and national parks and forests. Michigan has a little of everything – so "Say Yes to Michigan" and you'll be glad you did.

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