We Michiganders have never claimed to be normal, and that’s okay. After all, being normal is ridiculously overrated. Here in the Great Lakes State, we’ve got our fair share of odd habits, beliefs, expressions, and tendencies. When it comes to strange sights, here are nine that you won’t spot anywhere but Michigan.
1. People pointing to their hands in lieu of maps
You’d be hard-pressed to find a Michigander who doesn’t immediately point to their hand upon being asked for directions to their hometown. After all, we’ve got the shape of our state built right into our palms, and we aren’t about to let this perk go unnoticed! You certainly won’t catch this happening anywhere else.
2. Vernors in a medicine cabinet
When you open the medicine cabinet in most folks’ homes, you’ll find a standard combination of prescription medications, Pepto Bismol, and a pain reliever or two. Here in Michigan, though, you might just find a bottle of Vernors tucked away for when that stomach ailment strikes. The healing power of our beloved ginger ale simply can’t be overstated!
3. Snowfall in mid-May
Don’t believe us? Make your way to Michigan in the springtime and see for yourself. On plenty of occasions, we’ve woken up in April or May and spotted an inch or two of snow or freezing rain outside our windows. Of course, the reverse is also true: Michigan weather occasionally brings us 70-degree temps in January!
4. Michigan-themed bumper stickers
If you live in the Great Lakes State, there’s a solid chance that at least one of your friends is obsessed enough with Michigan to represent this obsession on their car. Whether it reads "Say Yah To Da U.P., Eh?" or "Mitten Love," there are plenty of displays of pride to be seen on vehicles throughout our state.
5. Grown adults crying at Pure Michigan commercials
If you’ve never shed a tear while listening to or watching a Pure Michigan commercial, can you really even call yourself a true Michigander? We think not. There’s something undeniably heartwarming and moving about experiencing the delight of a Pure Michigan ad, and we wouldn’t trade our state pride for anything.
6. Billboards for Faygo
Sure, Faygo exists in other states -- but Michigan is the only place where it seems to have reached something of an obsession status. After all, nothing beats the taste of Redpop when we’re ready to quench our thirst, and we want every passing driver to know about the wonders of our beloved Faygo.
7. Signs pointing drivers directly to Hell
It’s tough to imagine a scenario in which it’s a good idea to follow signs straight to Hell, but Michiganders know better! Here in the Great Lakes State, Hell is a one-of-a-kind destination that draws in countless visitors each year with its quirky attractions and themed eateries. In Michigan, going to Hell is a fun experience that’s overflowing with strange charm.
8. Clothing that’s specifically anti-Ohio
We Michiganders are a friendly bunch, but this friendliness stops when it comes to Ohioans. Okay, okay -- it’s not the Ohioans themselves, but we certainly aren’t fans of the sports teams that call our neighboring state home. In Michigan, you’ll catch plenty of residents shamelessly rocking anti-Ohio shirts.
9. People flocking to the beach in any weather
Once the cold weather arrives, Michigan’s beaches become ghost towns, right? Wrong! Here in the Great Lakes State, we appreciate the beauty of our lakeshores in all sorts of conditions. There’s something undeniably magical about exploring the frozen pier each winter, and you’ll still find plenty of brave souls out and about at our beaches when it’s freezing outside - and maybe even partaking in a Polar Plunge!
Tell us, Michiganders: what are some other strange sights that you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere outside of our state? We would love to hear some of your humorous stories in the comment section.
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