11 Quirky Facts About Michigan That Sound Made Up, But Are 100% Accurate
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Emily Tieman
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The Wolverine State is known for the automotive industry in Detroit, the diverse Michigan-grown produce, and of course the gorgeous Great Lakes. But these quirky and fun facts about Michigan may surprise you. For instance, maybe it shouldn’t be called the Wolverine State after all, and a bunch more interesting truths about Michigan.
1. Michigan’s shortest freeway is only 1.1 miles long
Located in Detroit, I-375 is just 1.1 miles long, did you know that freeways could even be that short?
2. Flying squirrels live in Michigan and are more common than you think
If a squirrel flies through the forest and no one is around to see it, does it even exist? Turns out they do as flying squirrels are surprisingly quite common in Michigan but are rarely seen because they are nocturnal animals. You can find both northern and southern flying squirrels, especially in southern Michigan, and they are attracted to bird feeders placed in the woods.
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3. Gerber started in Fremont, Michigan
In 1927 in Fremont, Michigan, Dorothy Gerber strained food by hand for her daughter because it was suggested to her by a pediatrician. Her husband, Daniel Frank Gerber, saw a business opportunity and started producing baby food for the public.
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4. Michigan has the only working Dutch windmill in the United States.
Holland is known for being a Dutch community and is famous for its Tulip Time festival. A popular place to visit is Windmill Island Gardens which has not only impressive tulip fields but is also the only authentic, working Dutch windmill in America. DeZwaan Windmill was brought to Holland in 1964 and was the last working windmill allowed to leave the Netherlands. The mill still turns out flour and you can even take a tour of the structure.
5. The Wolverine State might need a name change
While wolverines still reside in Montana, Colorado, California, and a host of other states, they are no longer in Michigan.
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6. Kalamazoo has America’s first outdoor pedestrian mall
The Kalamazoo Mall debuted in 1959 and has served as a model for other pedestrian malls throughout the country. The adorable outdoor downtown mall is a hopping local hub with delightful shops, restaurants, and seasonal events.
7. The Mitten State has the only two natural luge tracks in the United States
You can embrace your inner Olympian by visiting the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park or the Lucy Hill Naturbahn Luge in the Upper Peninsula. There are only two ice luge tracks in the United States and both are located right here in Michigan.
8. Michigan is home to the world’s largest weathervane
The small town of Montague is the proud owner of a 4,300-pound weathervane that is the largest in the world.
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9. Two stars were born in Saginaw
Saginaw, Michigan is the birthplace of tennis legend Serena Williams and the iconic musician Stevie Wonder..
10. Jiffy Mix was created in Chelsea
The popular baking mix Jiffy was created in Chelsea, Michigan in the 1930s. The affordable mixes helped keep food on the tables of Americans during the Great Depression and are still a staple in many households today.
11. Michigan has two native cactus species
If you’re walking in a forest in the Great Lake State and you spot a cactus, you’re not losing your marbles. Michigan actually has two native cactus species, fragile prickly pear and eastern prickly pear.
What fact surprised you the most? Do you have a quirky fact about Michigan? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to wear your state pride on your sleeve with this apparel from Wear Your Roots.
Love all things Michigan? Check out this stunning footage from Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore:
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