![Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan [photo: Crisco 1492 / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]](https://www.travel1000places.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/usa-MI-1500px-1200x497.jpg)
‘The Wolverine State’
The name Michigan is derived from the language of the Chippewa Indians who used the word ‘Michigama’ for ‘Big Lake’.
The states nickname comes from an animal of der weasel family, the ‘wolverine’, which can be compared to the skunk. The wolverines length can reach 40-45 inches, including the bushy tail. It was known for its rather destructive habits, the worst one among the weasels. Native Indians have allegedly compared the white settlers with the wolverine because of their rigorous way of taking the land.
A more modern nickname is ‘Water Wonderland’ – of course because of the estimated 10,000 lakes in the state.
Michigan consists basically of two peninsulas: the upper and the lower one – connected by the ‘Mackinac Bridge’ which is 5 mi (8 km) long.
Cities to visit
- Detroit
- Frankenmuth
State Data & Essentials
State Name
Michigan – State Abbr.: MI
Statehood
26-Jan-1837
– Statehood Ranking: 26
Land Area
56,804 square miles (147,117 qkm)
– Land Area Ranking: 22
Population
9,883,640 (2010 Census); 9,938,444 (2000 Census)
Capital
Lansing
Biggest City
Detroit
Nickname
The Wolverine State
Motto
“Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice” (== If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you)
Highest Point
603 m / 1,978 ft (Mt. Arvon)
Lowest Point
174 m / 571 ft (Lake Erie)
Daylight Saving Time: yes
Tree
White Pine (Pinus strobus)
Flower
Apple Blossom
Bird
Robin (Turdus migratorius)
Song
-no official State Song- alternative: Michigan, My Michigan (by Mrs Lyster, based on the melody of Oh Tannenbaum)
