Michigan Travel Guide
Michigan is the 26th state. It was founded 26 January, 1837. The area - about 97 thousand square miles. The population - about 10 million people.
Michigan – in the words of Indian origin, it means "Great Water." When Europeans came to the land, Indian tribes lived in Ottawa, Miami, Potavami, Huron. The first settlement of Europeans in the territory of the state was in 1668 and was conducted by the father of Jacques Marquet, a French Jesuit. In 1763 these territories passed to the British, who held them until 1796. As in many states, settlers forced Indians from their territories and forced them to build new cities. On the territory of Michigan, there were several bloody battles with American Indian forces.
Michigan - one of the most beautiful states. Its territory consists of two peninsulas - the upper and lower. The upper Peninsula is not too populated. Rather, most of the population lies in the southern cities. Almost half of the state is water. Michigan borders four Great Lakes - Lake Superior, Huron, Erie and Michigan. In addition to the Great Lakes there are more than 11,000 small ones. A large part of the state is covered with forests. Michigan holds the greatest diversity of tree species in the United States.
Of great importance to the economy of the state is mining. The largest reserves of copper in the U.S. are in Michigan. There are also iron, oil, and gas deposits.
Michigan - a paradise for lovers of active leisure, tourists, fishermen, hunters, swimmers, boatmen and sailors.
The state is famous for its professional sports teams: Detroit Tigers baseball, Detroit Pistons basketball, Detroit Lions in American football, Detroit Red Wings in hockey.
Michigan is also famous for the automotive industry. It took first place in the United States for the production of automobiles. The three largest automobile companies, General Motors, Ford and Chrysler have headquarters in Detroit. Detroit is sometimes called the Motor City. Major industrial enterprises are located in Michigan. The state's largest cities: Dearborn, Flint, Pontiac and Lansing (Michigan is the capital).
What to see
Charlevoix Historical Society - Historical Society city of Charlevoix. Created to preserve and protect historic sites and objects of historical value in this area. Here is the Harsha House Museum. The house was built in 1891 by local businessmen and community leaders. The house is notable for its Victorian architecture and the granddaughter of a businessman Ann Harsh. In 1979 they handed over the building to the Charlevoix Historical Society and it is now used as a museum. In this house are apartments. Their rental pays for the maintenance of the museum.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - next to the town of Empire. This park reserve is the 60 km shoreline of Lake Michigan, and North and South Islands Manita. In the park there are recreational areas (beaches and forests), and historical sights (the lighthouse in 1871, three old lifesaving station and the historic farm corner).
Mackinac Island - since the mid 19 th century the island Makkinak is a favorite place for tourists. It is forbidden to travel by car, so the air is very clean and fresh. In the lake you can swim and fish.
Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village - located in the city of Dearborn. Greenfield Village reminds people the American past. The Henry Ford Museum is dedicated to famous inventors and their ideas that changed the lives of all mankind. You can join the Ford Rouge Factory Tour. It tells the history and development of the U.S. automobile industry. Also here is Benson Ford Research Center (Research Center) and The Henry Ford IMAX Theater (modern 3D movie with the classic and documentary films).
Detroit Historical Museum - several historical museums in Detroit, each with its thematic exposition. In the mid 20th century it was the largest United States Historical Society.