Michigan – a trip to the American state over the strait of Mackinac
Geographically composed of two peninsulas separated by the Makino Strait, Michigan is disposed in the northern part of the United States and borders with Ohio and Indiana, with Wisconsin, Ontario, also is surrounded by the magnificent Lake Michigan, which gave the state its name. In its turn, this word derives from the term “meicigama”, meaning the “great water” in the language of the Chippewa Indians.
To some extent, because of its geographic location, Michigan was isolated almost until the end of the 19th centenary, but then it became the eighth most populous state in the US with a developed automotive industry and a stable economy. And thanks to natural attractions, unique in the world, with an impressive number of small and large lakes, huge forests and hills, the tourism industry is also highly developed here.
The state is parted into two peninsulas: Upper and Lower. The first one is located in the northern part, crossed by the rivers Menominee and Montreal and characterized by the presence of dense forests and mountains Porcupine, relatively sparsely populated, with a number of inhabitants about 330,000 people. The second peninsula, in shape resembling a glove, almost entirely consists of the most important urban centers. The curious fact is that without a sea coast, Michigan is the second of 51 US states by the number of kilometers of coastline, which in general is 3,661 km.
Incomparably beautiful natural scenery, interesting city centers and others are waiting for you when traveling to Michigan!
The capital of the state is Lansing, with a populace of approximately 120,000 inhabitants, placed in Ingham County. The city was founded in 1847 and was composed no more than a few wooden houses and a sawmill. The great economic recovery of the city reached after the opening of the first car factory in the country in 1897 by Ranson Eli Olds. Do not miss the chance to visit R.E. Olds Transport Museum, where the old models of cars are preserved with special care.
However, “the city that set the world on wheels” is Detroit, the center of Wayne County, the population of which today is about one million people. Survey of the city can start from the business center, then proceed to the Detroit Institute of Arts, considered one of the best art museums in the world. Then you should also visit the Motown Museum, which is surrounded by prestigious skyscrapers, such as the Consolidated Gas Company Building and the Fisher Building, designed by Albert Kahn. Meanwhile, from the 100 meters high of Sky Tower you can enjoy the best views of the city.
Among the important cities of the state is Dearborn, disposed about twenty kilometers from Detroit, should also be noted. Henry Ford was born here in 1863, and you can visit the incredible Henry Ford Museum, which houses many of the old cars, including Ford’s first car and the black Lincoln cabriolet on which John F. Kennedy was on the day of his death.