With access to four of the Great Lakes, Beer City, and the home of Eminem, it is easy to see why Michigan is a desirable state for living. However, before you make your move to Michigan and ask where South Detroit is, which only exists in a Journey song, there are nine fun facts you need to know. For even more info on relocating to The Great Lake State, check out this Great Guys Michigan moving guide.
1. Michigan Takes Its Football Seriously
In Michigan there are two main NCAA football teams, the University of Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State University Spartans. Just about every Michigander household holds an alliance to one of these two teams, and the rivalry is palpable. So, when moving to Michigan, be prepared to form an alliance and defend your team. And no matter what, remember to never root for Ohio State University.
2. Michigan Has Trolls & Yoopers
When moving to Michigan, you will either be a “troll” living in the Lower Peninsula or a “yooper” from the Upper Peninsula. For the most part, trolls are more accustomed to city life, since the more metropolitan areas of Grand Rapids and Detroit are both in the Lower Peninsula, while yoopers are used to the open country of the Upper Peninsula. Here in Wellston, we are definitely trolls, but we still have plenty of open country to roam given our proximity to the Manistee National Forest.
3. Mackinaw vs. Mackinac
Joining the two peninsulas of Michigan is the gorgeous Mackinac Bridge, which is not for the faint of heart. With a total span of 5 miles, this bridge’s roadway is suspended a lofty 199 ft. above the water below. If driving terrifyingly tall bridges isn’t your thing, you might want to call a tow truck. South of the world’s fifth longest suspension bridge is Mackinaw City, with Mackinac Island out to the east. Though these two are spelled differently, both are pronounced Mackinaw.
4. There are Four Seasons
As opposed to many Southern states, Michigan definitely experiences all four seasons in their full splendor. In addition to experiencing these seasons, you may be surprised to find a rapid change in weather in just a day’s time. Though the morning may start as a beautiful Spring day, the weather can, and often will, bring on unexpected snow. If you’re moving here from a warmer state, be sure to pack a snow shovel in case there’s another record snow year!
5. Winter Lasts…and Lasts
Winter may start out fairly mild in November and December, but do not take the weather for granted. Michigan enjoys long, wild winters that are filled with snow, ice, and more snow. The farther north you go the more snow you’ll have to traipse through. The least amount of snowfall this wintry state has ever received was a voluminous 81.3 inches, so be prepared and do not forget all-season tires.
6. Your Hand is a Map
Simply be prepared to use your hand as a map at all times. Your hand works well to symbolize the Lower Peninsula, which is shaped like a mitten.
7. Hunter’s Paradise
With Michigan’s open land full of acres overpopulated with deer, it is no surprise that hunting, especially deer hunting, is so popular. Though non-hunters can avoid the action, chances are you’ll find venison at just about any potluck. During hunting season, most of Wellston’s men can be found holed up in the Manistee Forest waiting to stock their freezer with fresh kill.
8. Michigan Lefts
Whether or not these turns exist in other states, Michigan claims these annoying left turns. In these situations, you must take a right turn where you want to make a left, take a u-turn, and then follow through. Though the Michigan Left was enacted to promote safety and reduce the number of wrecks, this time-consuming method of turning can be quite annoying.
9. Construction Season
In addition to the seasons of fall, winter, and spring, Michiganders often refer to the final season as “construction”. Frosty winters keep the ground frozen, making it nearly impossible to do any construction work any other time of the year besides summer.
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If this list of Michigan’s quirks hasn’t convinced you to move here yet, we encourage you to at least come on up for a visit and see our beautiful neck of the woods. You might not want to go home.