Michigan

Michigan is a state in the Great Lakes and Midwest regions of the United States. It is divided into two peninsulas—the Lower Peninsula, which resembles a mitten, and the Upper Peninsula—connected by the Mackinac Bridge. It borders Wisconsin to the west, Indiana and Ohio to the south, and the Canadian province of Ontario to the east. The Great Lakes and their connecting channels form a substantial portion of its boundary and underpin much of its economy and transportation network, with the Soo Locks linking Lake Superior to Lake Huron.

The state’s largest city is Detroit, and the capital is Lansing. Other major urban areas include Grand Rapids, Warren, Ann Arbor, and Flint. Michigan’s economy has long been anchored in manufacturing, especially automotive production, with major automakers and suppliers based in the state. Today it also emphasizes health care, education, technology, agribusiness, and tourism. The state is a leading producer of fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops such as apples and cherries, as well as a significant producer of sugar beets.

Historically, Indigenous peoples such as the Ojibme, Odawa, and Potawatomi inhabited the region before European contact. French exploration gave way to British control, and Michigan became part of the United States after the American Revolution. It achieved statehood in 1837 following the Toledo War. Michigan is known for its cultural contributions, including Motown music, and for its natural beauty, including the Sleeping Bear Dunes, Pictured Rocks, Mackinac Island, and Isle Royale National Park.