Michigan is deceptively long and large. The drive from Monroe in the southeast to Ironwood in the western Upper Peninsula is similar to the distance between Atlanta and Chicago. Along the way, one discovers that Michigan's character is really a magnificent blend of personalities, from the sophistication and excitement of its cities to the relaxation found in the northern Lower Peninsula and across the entire Upper Peninsula. The diversity of people, geography, and topography all combine to provide the traveler with a variety of experiences—and experiences that can be personalized to the type of vacation or getaway that's just right for you.

A 42-mile section of the North Country National Scenic Trail follows the Lake Superior shoreline within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Thirteen backcountry campgrounds and eight group sites are spaced every two to five miles along the trail. Only two sites (Mosquito River and Chapel Beach) have toilets. A backcountry permit is required (fee).

Multicolored sandstone cliffs, beaches, sand dunes, waterfalls, inland lakes, wildlife and the forest of Lake Superior shoreline beckon visitors to explore the 73,000+ acre park, which at its widest point is only five miles and hugs the Superior shoreline for more than 40 miles. This was the first National Lakeshore and was authorized in 1966.

Self-guiding nature trails are located at Sand Point, Miners Falls, Little Beaver Lake, and Twelvemile Beach. Many other trails provide a wealth of day hiking opportunities.

Upper Peninsula
Iron Mountain is a border town that opens the door to the Upper Peninsula's wilderness hospitality. It is the home of the world's highest man-made Ski Slide, world cup ski jumping event, a wildlife sanctuary, and a terrain that varies from mountainous regions to wetlands—it all contributes to breathtaking scenery. Activities from fishing to white water rafting are available throughout the year.

Keweenaw
Known as the Northernmost Experience, Keweenaw is at the tip of the Upper Peninsula, with its breezes and abundance of snow in the winter. There are good snowmobile trails and camping, and Isle Royale lies just 50 miles off shore; the area also is a haven for hikers, naturalists and fisherman. Ft.Wilkins State Park is a frontier fort, complete with costume interpreters. Copper Harbor and Brockway Mountain Drive will give you spectacular color in the fall months. In the winter, Keweenaw County alone receives 390 inches of snow.

Mackinac Island, over the decades, has been referred to as the " Gem of the Great Lakes." It is a truly unique destination, where all motor vehicles have been prohibited, and carriage rides takes the visitor back in time. The Grand Hotel is the Nation's largest resort, and other great hotels and B & B's are available. The island is filled with Native American lore and the rich history of fur trading during the British and French rule.

Lower Peninsula
Ann Arbor is a bustling European-style community, complete with a rich assortment of museums, art galleries, antique dealers, theaters, boutiques special shops, fine restaurants, cafes, and vibrant downtown shopping district. Ann Arbor has something for everyone to enjoy. The city is also the home of the University of Michigan, which adds to the academic, cultural, entertainment opportunities.

Bay City
Historic Bay City is nestled at the base of Saginaw Bay and is easily accessible by air, water or land. A historically rich community, Bay City boasts fabulous architecture by former lumber barons and shipping tycoons. Ship watchers can count on daily entertainment. Bird watchers can find the largest wetland in the Great Lakes, and other attractions include a new planetarium, charter fishing, and a fantastic entertainment district.

Grand Haven & Spring Lake
On Lake Michigan’s shoreline, Grand Haven is a popular resort area with sandy beaches, golf, biking, cross-country skiing, and festivals and events downtown. The specialty shops, boutiques, art galleries are worth visiting, as is the Coast Guard Festival, which features waterfront fireworks and parades. Grand Haven is also home to the world's largest Musical Fountain (a water-music-light show at dusk) that is a must-see for all.

Detroit
Detroit, the oldest city in the Midwest, was founded in 1701. Named according to its location at the Detroit River it was called the "City of the Strait" (Ville d'Etroit) by the French trader and explorer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac.

The area stayed under French control until 1760 when the British occupied it, built Fort Lernoult, and made it their central command of power on the western frontier. With the end of the Revolutionary War in 1783, Detroit was placed by treaty in the territory of the United States, but continued to be in the possession of the British until July 11, 1796. At that time, Captain Moses Porter officially accepted the transfer and the United States took control of the territory as the final act of the Treaty of Paris.

Detroit's incorporation as a city of the United States took place in 1815. After vigorous growth for a century, it became the birthplace of America's automobile industry in 1896 and is known today as the Motor City and Motown.

Detroit's cultural and ethnic diversity is celebrated in the form of weekend festivals held at Hart Plaza on the riverfront every summer. One of the highlights of the summer festivities is the weeklong International Freedom Festival, held in cooperation with Detroit's Canadian sister city Windsor, across the river. This is in celebration of Canada's Dominion Day, July 1st, and Independence Day. The festival features one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in the world staged from several large barges in the middle of the Detroit River.

Detroit is home to the Motown sound and many contemporary music stars grew up here, as Motown Records was founded and grew to international acclaim. Detroit is also known as a major jazz center and the Montreux Jazz Festival, held each year at the end of the summer festival series, is one of the country’s best and most popular.

Metropolitan Detroit presents some of the finest and most diverse shopping opportunities in the Midwest, with everything from historic Eastern Market, an early morning farmers market, to the finest malls in the suburbs. The largest, Fairlane Mall in Dearborn, has over 200 stores. The newest addition, Summerset North, opened in August 1996, features fine stores like Nordstroms, Hudsons, and others.

Area: 96810 sq.mi, Land 56809 sq. mi., Water 40001 sq.mi., Great Lakes 38,192 sq.mi.

State Capital: Lansing

Population: 9,863,775.

Agriculture: Dairy products, cattle, vegetables, hogs, corn, nursery stock, soybeans.

Industry: Motor vehicles and parts, machinery, fabricated metal products, food processing, chemical products, mining, and tourism.

Flag: The design on Michigan's deep blue field has three mottoes: On a red ribbon - "One Nation Made Up of Many States" On a blue shield - "I will Defend" On a white ribbon - "If You Seek a Pleasant Peninsula, Look Around" On the blue shield the sun rises over a lake and peninsula, a man with raised hand and holding a gun represents peace and the ability to defend his rights. The elk and moose are symbols of Michigan, while the eagle represents the United States.

Largest Cities: Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Flint, and Lansing.

State Motto: "Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam, circumspice" - If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.

Origin of state's name: Based on Chippewa Indian word "meicigama" meaning "great water" and refers to the Great Lakes.

State Bird: Robin.

State Flower: Apple Blossom--Malus coronaria.

State Nickname: Wolverine State / Great Lakes State.

Topography: Image Low rolling hills give way to northern tableland of hilly belts in the Lower Peninsula; Upper Peninsula is level in the east, with swampy areas, the western region is higher and more rugged.

State Tree: White pine--Pinus strobus.