Facts About Michigan

Michigan, state in the East North Central United States. It is unique among the states because it consists of two peninsulas completely separated by water and bordering on four of the five Great Lakes. Between Lakes Michigan and Huron lie the Straits of Mackinac, which separate Michigan's two peninsulas. The Lower Peninsula is bounded on the east by Lakes Huron, Saint Clair, and Erie and by the Detroit and Saint Clair rivers, all of which separate the state from the Canadian province of Ontario. This peninsula is bounded on the south by Ohio and Indiana, on the west by Lake Michigan, and on the north by Lakes Michigan and Huron and by the Straits of Mackinac. The Upper Peninsula is bordered on the east by the Saint Marys River, on the south by the Straits of Mackinac and Lakes Huron and Michigan, on the west by Wisconsin, and on the north by Lake Superior. Lansing is the capital of Michigan. Detroit is the largest city.

With extensive portions of the Great Lakes under its jurisdiction, Michigan is the 11th largest of the U.S. states, with an area of 250,465 sq km (96,705 sq mi). The state includes 98,917 sq km (38,192 sq mi) of the Great Lakes waters and 4,413 sq km (1,704 sq mi) of inland waters. The Lower Peninsula encompasses a little more than two-thirds of the state's land area. The Lower Peninsula is sometimes called the Michigan Mitten, because its shape resembles a mittened hand, with the peninsula extending into Lake Huron known as the Thumb.

The interior location of Michigan in the northern part of North America results in a continental climate, characterized by four definite seasons with moist, mild to hot summers and snowy, cold winters. Winds off of Lakes Michigan and Superior in winter create heavy snow accumulations in nearby areas. The tempering effects of Lake Michigan account for the presence of the state's famous fruit-growing belt along the lake's shore. Since the water is colder than the land in spring, the westerly winds passing over the lake tend to keep temperatures low enough on land to retard the opening of young buds until the danger of frost is over. In fall the water is warmer than the land and therefore the growing season is longer than in the interior of the state. Overall, the growing season is longer near the lakeshore.

• West Michigan: West Michigan has so much to see and do, you'll start planing your next visit before you finish your first! If your sights are set on learning, you'll love the museums and historic places. Experience the zoos, explore the lighthouses, and if it's adventure you're after, take a day cruise. Rent a dune buggy. Tame a wild water park. If culture is your pursuit, let West Michigan entertain you with festivals galore and performing arts year around.
• The New Detroit Science Center: A wonderful place for the kids, the science centre here offers learning with fun. There are science projects which the kids love to put their hands on. Established nearly 30 years back by the Detroit businessman and philanthropist Dexter Ferry, the New Detroit Science Centre was among the first centers for scientific exploration and learning in the country to include an IMAX® Dome Theatre.
• Chateau Grand Traverse : Founded in 1974, the beautiful Chateau Grand Traverse Winery and Vineyards produces the best wines. Every year it is packed with tourists who come to taste the excellent wine.

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