Michigan

Michigan is a state in the northern United States. It is special because it has two big parts called peninsulas. Four of the five Great Lakes touch Michigan. The state has more lakes and shoreline than most others. Winters are cold and snowy, and summers are warm and sunny.

Lakes and Land

Michigan touches Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie. The Upper Peninsula is wild and full of forests. The Lower Peninsula looks like a mitten on a map. People love to swim, fish, and sail on the lakes. Sand dunes rise along some of the shores.

Old painting of an explorer meeting Native American people.
Old painting of an explorer meeting Native American people. (Wilhelm Lamprecht / Wikimedia Commons)

Cities and Work

Lansing is the capital of Michigan. Detroit is the biggest city and is famous for making cars. Many automobiles were first built in Michigan factories. Farmers grow cherries, apples, and blueberries. The state is known for its tasty fruit and sweet maple syrup.

Fun Facts

  • You are never more than 6 miles from a lake in Michigan.
  • Michigan makes more tart cherries than any other state.
  • People often show where they live by pointing to their hand like a map.

Did You Know?

Michigan has over 11,000 inland lakes, in addition to the four Great Lakes that touch its shores.