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Best of Michigan - What You Never Knew You Wanted to Know About Michigan

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic (by 12 people)   Your rating: 1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic

Ranked #767 in Travel, #24524 overall

Rated G. (Control what you see)

Living in Michigan one day at a time for over 30 years

 

Michigan is a wonderful place to live (despite what the national media might portray) and I want to help get the word out.

Some of the things you will find here will include - Michigan Trivia, Michigan Travel Information, Michigan Recipes, and much more.  Be sure to check out the list of Michigan's State Symbols at the bottom of this lens.

Sit back and enjoy the great view with me.

If you like this lens, please vote for it in the top left corner.

 Thanks!

All Things Michigan recent articles 

Here are some of the recent articles that I have posted at my blog, All Things Michigan. I usually post a couple of articles every weekday. Sometimes, if I see something of interest on the weekend I will post then too. Enjoy!

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Michigan's Best Burger & Fries 

I have started this list with a few places that I enjoy. Feel free to add who you think makes the best burger & fries in Michigan and vote 'em up.

I will remove any chain restaurants or those located outside of Michigan. This list is in response to the "Michigan's Best" list that the Detroit News ran and the category for Best Burger & Fries contained chain restaurants.

C'mon I have had a Burger & Fries at a lot of places in Michigan that will beat any chain (especially fast food) restaurant hands down.

How about you?

The Bonnie Burger

One of my favorite memories of living in Lansing was this burger. Oh man, my mouth waters just thinking about the 1/4 pound charbroiled steakburger, 1/4 pound shaved ham, American cheese, swiss cheese, with whatever condiments you wanted on it all put together on a sesame seed bun.<br /><br />
Bonnie's Place, Lansing, Michigan1 point

Redamak's Burger

This is billed as the Hamburger that made New Buffalo, Michigan Famous. I haven't had the opportunity to try it yet, but it sounds pretty good and customers rave about it.<br /><br />
Redamak's, New Buffalo, Michigan0 points

Mighty Mac Hamburgers

You won't find too many places on Mackinac Island where you can eat on the cheap. Mighty Mac Hamburgers not only serves up deliciously greasy burgers and fries, but they do it on the cheap (well, cheap for Mackinac Island anyway).

I just remember how wonderful it was to smell fries and burgers after being overwhelmed by the mingled odor of fudge and horse manure.0 points

Big Bear Burger

A one pound burger in a behemoth bun topped with ham, yes ham, and other secret ingredients smothered in cheese. It will feed 4 peoople. At the Brown Bear Bar (notexactly sure of the bar's name, but on Main St. ) in Shelby, MI and Pentwater, Mi0 points

Michigan Newspapers 

Here are just a few of the many Michigan newspapers that post their articles online. I'll be adding to this list periodically to flesh out the list.

U.P. Newspapers

Lower Peninsula Newspapers


* RSS feeds available

Rate how well Governor Granholm is doing 

Michigan's economy is still struggling. Our state budget is a mess and we are looking at tax increases and/or program cuts.

Here is your chance to have your say. You could have had your say in the November election.

Maybe you did and you are happy with the results. Maybe you voted and are not so happy with the way things are going.

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My Top 5 Favorite Michigan websites 

In order to find timely news and possible content fodder for my blog, All Things Michigan, I search through numerous Michigan-related websites. Here are my five favorites.
  1. The Detroit Free Press - tons of statewide news, events, politics, and sports coverage.
  2. Michigan.gov - Michigan's award winning state website. I can't even summarize the plethora of information that is available there. Go check it out and see for yourself. :)
  3. Michigan Historical Markers - Jim Brennan has painstakingly taken pictures of the hundreds of state historical markers and categorized them with short descriptions and notes. He also includes Google maps of each markers locations. If you are interested in Michigan history you should definitely visit his site.
  4. BoatNerd.com - Interested in Great Lakes freighters? History, news, and current information fill this site. My favorite part is the map showing current positions of freighters and salties (ocean going vessels).
  5. All Things Michigan - I love my blog and from the visitor numbers I know that a large number of other folks do to. I update it almost every day (about 99% of the time) with current state news, recipes, Michigan photos, political news, events, and much more.

State of Michigan Newswire 

Recent news and headlines from the State of Michigan.

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Share what you like about Michigan 

With so much negativity in the air these days here in Michigan I thought it would be nice for fellow Michiganders, former residents as well as visitors to our fine state to share what you like/enjoy about Michigan.

grannysage

I voted for the Copper Harbor lighthouse because I grew up in Copper Harbor and I find it to be the most beautiful. And the UP is the best! I really enjoyed my time on this lens, Great Work! The videos are fun. I could almost see my parents dancing in the Finn Hall video.

Posted April 15, 2008

JanetG

Spring and fall in Michigan are absolutely gorgeous. Summer near the big lake, Lake Michigan, keeps my West Michigan cool. Love your lens. Visit me at Inside West Michigan www.squidoo.com/westmichigan

Posted September 10, 2007

LibertyBelle

Hi,I was born and raised in Michigan. Have lived in Florida and Georgia since 1976. Enough is enough. I am fixing to retire and just want to go home. Michigan may be cold, but the people are warm and down to earth. "There's No Place Like Home, There's No PLace Like Home".Did you hear my heels click?

Posted July 29, 2007

Support our State and Buy Michigan Products 

Here are some of the more important links for some really great Michigan websites.
Find tons of great Michigan products!
BuyMichiganProducts.com was started by Ryan Anderson back in October of 2004. Jobs and businesses have been leaving Michigan on a weekly basis and Ryan wants to make sure everyone knows about the great Michigan-based companies that you can support by purchasing from them.
Buy Michigan Now
This site is dedicated to restoring hope, celebrating our successes, and building a strong, vibrant, and diverse Michigan economy. You can search for Michigan businesses and products and share some of your favorite things about Michigan.

Essential books to learn more about Michigan 

This short collection of Michigan-themed books is a great way to learn more about Michigan and explore Michigan.

Michigan: A History of the Wolverine State

This is THE definitive history of Michigan. Very in-depth. My personal favorite.

Amazon Price: $23.76 (as of 07/26/2008)

Michigan Atlas & Gazetteer

I bought this same Michigan Atlas quite a few years ago and it has been worth every penny. The detail of the tiniest roads in Michigan has allowed me to travel off the beaten path without getting lost or having to stop for directions.

Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 07/26/2008)

50 Hikes in Michigan: The Best Walks, Hikes, and Backpacks in the Lower Peninsula

If you enjoy hiking and biking this book will point you in the right direction for some of the best trails in Michigan.

Amazon Price: $12.21 (as of 07/26/2008)

Michigan Trivia (Trivia Fun) (Trivia Fun)

Loads of interesting facts about Michigan geography, entertainment, history, arts and literature, sports and leisure, and science and nature. Really neat little book full of fun facts. Excellent resource for any papers or projects your youngster might need to do on Michigan.

Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 07/26/2008)

Michigan State Parks: A Complete Recreation Guide (State Parks)

I know I am biased, but I think that Michigan has some of the best state parks in the country. You don't know what a great deal you have until you travel to other states. This book provides a great reference to our state park system.

Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 07/26/2008)

Some Little Known Michigan Facts 

Here are some facts about Michigan that you are free to spout to friends, family, and other assorted acquaintances to prove your brain power.
  • The first railroad chartered in Michigan in 1832 was The Erie and Kalamazoo.
  • Michigan ranks first nationally in the production of blueberries. Yum!
  • Did you know that the Jiffy brand of mixes is made in little old Chelsea at the Chelsea Milling Company?

    Now you do!
  • Gogebic County is believed to be home to the last stagecoach holdup in the U.S. The holdup took place August 16, 1889.
  • Michigan's first television station was WWJ-TV out of Detroit in 1957.

Michigan Products and Such 

Gift Baskets From Michigan
My wife and I started Gift Baskets From Michigan back in the fall of 2002. We had been putting gift baskets filled with great Michigan products together for weddings and decided we wanted to make a business out of it. We have a lot of fun finding (and tasting) new Michigan products and putting it all together in great gift baskets.
Delicious Recipes from Michigan
Wonderful recipes for desserts, bread, meals, and more.

Pictures of Michigan Lighthouses 

The Great Lakes state is home to a bevy of beautiful lighthouses. There are some really unique ones out there amongst the ones familiar to us all.

Vote on your favorite Michigan Lighthouse photo!

Point Betsie Lighthouse, Effets de Neige, February 26, 2007
Point Betsie Lighthouse, Effets de Neige, February 26, 2007

#1

2 points
White River Lighthouse - MI
White River Lighthouse - MI

#2

1 point
Big Sable Lighthouse - MI
Big Sable Lighthouse - MI

#3

1 point
Forty Mile Point Lighthouse
Forty Mile Point Lighthouse

#4

1 point
Copper Harbor Michigan Lighthouse
Copper Harbor Michigan Lighthouse

#5

1 point
Little Sable Lighthouse 2 - MI
Little Sable Lighthouse 2 - MI

#6

0 points
Manistee North Breakwater Lighthouse Elevated Catwalk
Manistee North Breakwater Lighthouse Elevated Catwalk

#7

0 points
MICHIGAN LIGHTHOUSE
MICHIGAN LIGHTHOUSE

#8

0 points
Lighthouse near Grand Marais Island, Michigan
Lighthouse near Grand Marais Island, Michigan

#9

0 points
Old Mackinaw Lighthouse, Michigan
Old Mackinaw Lighthouse, Michigan

#10

0 points

The Great Lakes 

The Great Lakes help make Michigan one of the most unique states. The lakes enable a wide range of crops to be grown here. They also provide numerous recreation opportunities.

Millions of tons of freight are moved on the Great Lakes each year and tons of fish are harvested from the waters each season.

However, if we continue to pollute and drain these lakes will we one day look back and think of today as the "good old days" when there was plenty of water?

Here are some books on the Great Lakes to make you think and shed some light on the colorful history of the lakes.

The Day the Great Lakes Drained Away

Amazon Price: $12.89 (as of 07/26/2008)

The Great Lakes Water Wars

Amazon Price: $17.13 (as of 07/26/2008)

Commercial Ships on the Great Lakes: A Photo Gallery

Amazon Price: $22.76 (as of 07/26/2008)

S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Car Ferry (Images of America: Michigan)

Amazon Price: $13.59 (as of 07/26/2008)

The Living Great Lakes: Searching for the Heart of the Inland Seas

Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 07/26/2008)

Top news from the State of Michigan 

This is the top news from the state of Michigan website, Michigan.gov. Topics include Education, Taxes, our Economy, and more.

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Vote on your favorite Yooper video 

I love Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The tough souls who live up there refer to themselves as Yoopers.

Here are some of their videos chronicling life in the U.P. Vote on your favorite!

Car Cooking Upper Michigan Today 1990 2 points

Peninsula - revised 1 point

Finn Hall - Raatikoon 1 point

Yooper Slip-N-Slide 0 points

YooperYak & Whale 0 points

Michigan's State Symbols 

Until I put together this list I had NO idea that we had a "State Soil" here in Michigan. Weird.
  • State Game Animal - Whitetail Deer
  • State Bird - Robin
  • State Tree - White Pine
  • State Soil - Kalkaska
  • State Wildflower - Dwarf Lake Iris
  • State Gem - Isle Royale Greenstone
  • State Stone - Petoskey
  • State Reptile - Politicians - Just Kidding! It is the Painted Turtle
  • State Fish - Brook Trout
  • State Motto - If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.
  • State Flag

Hot Michigan Travel Deals 

Michigan is a great travel destination no matter the season. Our beautiful lakes (both Great and regular), rivers, lighthouses, golf courses, state parks, and more await!

Great Wolf Lodge Traverse City

Located on North US 31 South in Traverse City next to Meijers.

Great, great place to take your kids. Tons of fun with the huge indoor water park and great food - you don't even need to leave the hotel if you don't want to .

3 out of 5 stars
From $149 per night*
*Rates found for: Oct 5 to Nov 4
Hotel Features
  • Pool
  • Pets allowed
  • Room Service
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness Room

Holiday Inn MARQUETTE

Surrounded by year round recreational facilities, the Holiday Inn of Marquette is the perfect place for your lodging, meeting, dining, or banquet needs. With 191 rooms including 8 ADA rooms, and 4 beautiful...

I stayed here back in the day when I was an auditor and the rooms were nice. The breakfast was great!

3 out of 5 stars
From $93.5 per night*
*Rates found for: Oct 5 to Nov 4
Hotel Features
  • Pool
  • Pets allowed
  • Room Service
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness Room

Baymont Inn Mackinaw City

Next to Mackinaw Crossings and Mackinaw Theater. On the corner of Nicolet Ave. & Sheplers Drive.

Close to all of the shops, ferry docks, and other attractions. You don't have to get in your car to enjoy the town. Very nice rooms.

2 out of 5 stars
From $59 per night*
*Rates found for: Oct 5 to Nov 4
Hotel Features
  • Pool
  • Pets allowed
  • Room Service
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness Room

Doubletree Hotel Dearborn

The Doubletree Dearborn is conveniently located at the crossroads of Southfield Expressway and Ford Road. Close proximity to Ford World Headquarters, the Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, Fairlane...

3 out of 5 stars
From $99 per night*
*Rates found for: Oct 5 to Nov 4
Hotel Features
  • Pool
  • Pets allowed
  • Room Service
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness Room
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List of Michigan Universities 

Michigan is home to many wonderful public universities. Here is a quick list of them with links to their respective websites.

P.S. They are in alphabetical order so as not to show any particular interest in an individual university.
Central Michigan University
Location: Mount Pleasant, MI
Founded: 1892
Enrollment: 24,735 (2005)
Eastern Michigan University
With 24,000 students of all ages and walks of life from around the globe, we are able to combine a world-class university with a thriving, connected community environment.
Ferris State University
Ferris State University has Michigan College Campuses in Big Rapids MI, Grand Rapids MI, and Satellite College Campus Locations Across Michigan.
Grand Valley State University
Grand Valley State University educates students to shape their lives, their professions and their societies. The university contributes to the enrichment of society through excellent teaching, active scholarship and public service.
Lake Superior State University - A Superior University
Lake Superior State University values a personal approach to education, providing access to faculty and staff, and a high quality experience with a practical, technical education paired with the best of liberal arts tradition.
Michigan State University
Michigan State University - formerly known as Michigan Agricultural College (M.A.C).

Michigan State University has been advancing knowledge and transforming lives through innovative teaching, research, and outreach for more than 150 years.
Michigan Tech University
Offering students a top college education through the Michigan Technological University College of Engineering, College of Sciences and Arts, School of Business and Economics, School of Forestry Resources and Environmental Science, and School of Technology
Northern Michigan University - Northern. Naturally.
Northern Michigan University, located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, is a four-year, public, coeducational university which offers 180 degree programs to nearly 9,400 undergraduate and graduate students.
Oakland University
Oakland University celebrates the 50th anniversary of its founding in 2007. When it opened in 1959, 570 students were enrolled, and the charter class graduated in 1963 with 125 students receiving diplomas. Today, nearly 18,000 students attend classes at OU each fall, and our alumni number more than 73,000.
Saginaw Valley State University
Something More, Something Better. Featuring accredited Undergraduate and Graduate Programs with programs in all areas; further enhance your education at Saginaw Valley State University.
University of Michigan
An institution of higher learning known for research, academics and athletics, the University of Michigan offers undergraduate and graduate programs.
Wayne State University
Wayne State University - the intellectual hub of Detroit. Whether developing a 75-acre research and technology park or hosting the Detroit Festival of the Arts, WSU is a catalyst for the region's social, cultural, economic and educational enrichment.
Western Michigan University
Western Michigan University is a dynamic, student-centered research university with an enrollment of 25,000. WMU is focused on delivering high-quality undergraduate instruction, advancing its growing graduate division and fostering significant research activities.
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About AllThingsMichigan

Born and raised in Michigan - the Great Lakes State.

Read all about Michigan news, politics, travel destinations, recipes, photos, videos, and more at All Things Michigan.

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