By John Lindell
Michigan is nicknamed the "Wolverine State" for one of two reasons, depending on which story you believe. In both cases the settlers of Michigan were compared to the large weasel known for its gluttony. In one scenario it was because they refused to give up land in a border dispute with Ohio. In another tale, it was how these settlers were perceived by the Native Americans living in Michigan at the time.
Great Lakes
Michigan touches four of the five Great Lakes, with only Lake Ontario being beyond its borders. Lake Huron and Lake Michigan divide the state into a lower and upper peninsula.
Lighthouses
There are over 100 lighthouses along the Great Lakes on Michigan shores and islands. One such lighthouse is the Michigan Island Lighthouse, which is on an island in the western portion of Lake Superior.
Isle Royal National Park
Isle Royal National Park is a 571,000-acre park located in the northwest corner of Lake Michigan. It can be reached only by boat or by seaplane and features rugged forest and shorelines where both moose and wolves live.
Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village
Located in Dearborn outside of Detroit the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village is a sprawling complex that features exhibits that portray American life. There are such items as John F. Kennedy's limousine, the bus that Rosa Parks refused to take a back seat in, and the chair Lincoln sat in when he was assassinated.
Sugarloaf Mountain
Six miles from the town of Harvey on the Upper Peninsula lies Sugarloaf Mountain, with a summit over 1,000 feet high. Hiking, cross-country skiing and mountain biking are some of the activities that take place here.
Resources
About the Author:
John Lindell has written articles for "The Greyhound Review" and various other online publications. A Connecticut native, his work specializes in sports, fishing and nature. Lindell worked in greyhound racing for 25 years.
