Michigan

1958 Vintage card showing Mackinac Bridge - the largest
suspension bridge in the world -anchorage to anchorage
Opened November 1, 1957

Michigan is a state that has four of the Great Lakes as its borders.  Lake Michigan, Lake Huron and the Straits of Mackinac actually divide what is called the Upper Peninsula from the Lower Peninsula.    This northwestern section of the state is mostly forested and home to one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges.  For the outdoor sportsman, the Upper Peninsula is paradise. For extreme adventure you can visit Isle Royale National Park located in the waters of Lake Huron.  It is accessible only by boat or seaplane and remains a remote wilderness with an abundance of wildlife including wolves and moose.    

 
Tourists flock to Mackinac Island for their own “Somewhere in Time” experience.   The hotel where this popular movie was filmed is The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. An exclusive resort community, quaint shops, no motorized vehicles and a look at the Victorian era  have made this island a prime destination.  I have never been to the Upper Peninsula and would love to see it. 
  

Petosky stones shaped to look like Michigan

 

 

 

 

When I visit Michigan I usually am in Traverse City to visit my brother and my sisters-in- law who live nearby.  Traverse City is very tourist oriented as it is one of the most popular places in Michigan.  The Grand Traverse Bay is usually filled with those enjoying all kinds of water sports from sailing to wind surfing to beach combing for Petosky stones. The Petosky Stone is the state stone and one found only in Michigan.  The stones are actually fossilized coral that were formed by the pressure of glaciers and polished over eons in the waters of Lake Michigan to become the smooth stones found along beaches in the spring.  When dry they appear to be plain limestone pebbles but when wet or polished they reveal the unique fossilized coral.

Sleeping Bear Dune Climb Score Card

One of my sisters –in-law lives near the end of the Mission Peninsula in a wonderful home in the pine trees on the bay.  Just a short distance north of her place is the Mission Lighthouse. Traveling to her home from Traverse City you drive by many orchards.  At one time they were all cherry orchards but vineyards for wine have begun to appear.  There is a small general store that has been there for many years and is now a wonderful stop to glimpse into days past.  No matter where you are in Michigan, you are never far from the water of one of the Great Lakes, rivers or other lakes.  There are 150 lighthouses in Michigan, more than any other state.  The Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes are one of many dunes in Michigan. 

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Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn

The economy has taken a toll on several Michigan cities including Detroit.  There is still much to see in this city built by the automobile industry.  It may be struggling at the moment but the Michigan people are determined to come back strong and American cars are succeeding once more.   The Presidential Library of Gerald Ford is located in Detroit along with the Henry Ford Museum.  Battle Creek is famous for its cereal industry, Ann Arbor is a college town, Frankenmuth is called “little Bavaria” with a strong German influence, Lansing is the state capitol city and there are a number of other cities, each with their own history and attractions.
 

One of the most interesting places to visit is Holland, Michigan.  Just as its name implies, this city has a strong Dutch heritage.  There is a wooden shoe and Delft factory, a tulip farm, Windmill Island Gardens and an annual Tulip Time Festival at the beginning of May when the tulips bloom.  Located along the shore of Lake Michigan, there are plenty of water activities plus the beach.  For more information and schedule of events visit their website at http://www.holland.org

Pine Mountain Ski Jump

 

 

 

 Winter finds many skiers on the slopes of Iron Mountain.  At the time of this vintage postcard it was considered to be the world's highest artificial ski slide. You can also go dog sledding, ice sailing or ice climbing.  Michigan is the birthplace for snowboarding and cross country skiing is also very popular.  There are miles of cross country ski trails and snowmobile trails.  I have only touched on a few places to see in Michigan and there is so much more.  Check out their website at http://www.michigan.org