5 Things that Every Michigander Should Experience

5. Summer in the Upper Peninsula.

Michigan summers are wonderful, but there is something to be said for the untouched wilderness in much of the Upper Peninsula. A trip that includes a drive along US -2 (along the northern shore of Lake Michigan) and a visit to the Hiawatha National Forest is a great start. There are a lot of great small towns, such as St. Ignace and McMillan, which make the trip memorable.

4. Visit Traverse City area and the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes.

Traverse City can get crowed during the summer, but it is the area that is something to see. If you want to avoid the crowds, stay nearby towns such as Charlevoix instead. However, one of the best sights in all of Michigan, other than the Great Lakes, of course, is the Sleeping Bear Dunes. The view from the dunes is simply breathtaking and there simply isn't anything like running down that huge pile of sand (especially if you don't run very fast). Just don't get going too fast!

3. A lazy day on a river or inland lake.

Minnesota may be the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but Michigan has its share of small, inland lakes (in addition to the Great Lakes, of course) too. There is nothing quite like spending a day spent at the lake swimming, boating, or fishing. In addition to all of the great small, inland lakes, there are lots of rivers catering to canoeists, kayakers, tubers, and the like. For example, on a Saturday during July or August, there are close to 800 canoes rented on the Rifle River - and that is a very conservative estimate. Why not plan a trip during the week or on Sunday? In that way, you will have the opportunity to see some of the wildlife that calls Michigan home.

2. Traveling across the Mackinaw Bridge.

The Mackinaw Bridge, the third-longest suspension bridge in the world and the longest tower suspension bridge between anchorages in the western hemisphere, connects the lower and upper peninsulas of Michigan. It carries four lanes of Interstate 75 and connects the cities of Mackinaw and St. Ignace.

You may ask: What is the big deal about a bridge? It can be summed up with two words: scenic view. The straights of Mackinaw, which connect Lakes Huron and Michigan, offer a beautiful view of islands, two Great Lakes, and a beautiful shoreline. A drive across the Mackinaw Bridge is a wonderful way to see it all, unless of course, you happen to be the driver.

1. Enjoying any one of the Great Lakes.

Michigan is called the Great Lakes State for a reason. Michigan touches four out of five of the lakes and has miles upon miles of scenic coastline along three. It is true that many Michiganders take the Lakes for granted, but it doesn't have to be that way. No matter where you live in Michigan, you are never more than 85 miles from one of the Great Lakes or 6 miles from an inland lake. Why not spend an afternoon boating, swimming, or fishing in the lakes? You might just realize how lucky you are to live in this state.