Higher Education  

Michigan has more than eighty accredited colleges and universities, and twenty-nine community colleges. The state's public universities include the University of Michigan (with campuses in Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint), Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan State University in East Lansing, Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, and Northern Michigan University in Marquette. Among the state’s private institutions are Adrian College in Adrian, Albion College in Albion, Alma College in Alma, Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Hope College in Holland, International Academy of Design & Technology in Troy, Kalamazoo College in Kalamazoo, Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, and University of Detroit Mercy in Detroit.

Geography

Michigan covers an area of 151,584 square kilometers. Michigan is divided into two peninsulas: the Upper Peninsula and the Lower Peninsula. The two peninsulas are separated by the Straits of Mackinac. Most of Michigan's surface is comprised of rolling hills. The Porcupine Mountain chain, on the northwestern tip of the Upper Peninsula, is the state's only imposing mountain range. Four of the five Great Lakes touch Michigan's shores, including Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, and Lake Superior. Several Great Lakes islands belong to Michigan, such as Isle Royale, Mackinac Island, and Drummond Island. Michigan has more than 15,000 inland lakes. Some of the state's principal rivers are the Grand, Huron, Kalamzaoo, Saginaw, Sturgeon, and Whitefish. Major cities include Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Flint, Lansing (capital), and Ann Arbor. The state's population is over 10 million.

Climate

Overall, Michigan has a moist climate. Detroit, in the Lower Peninsula, averages 790 mm of precipitation each year, and Escanaba, in the Upper Peninsula, averages 728 mm. In January, average temperatures in Detroit range from -7° C to 0° C, while in Escanaba temperatures range from -12° C to -4° C. Average temperatures in July are around 23° C in Detroit and 19° C in Escanaba.

Cultural Profile

Detroit is famous for its "Motown Sound," a mixture of rock and black gospel music. In addition, Detroit has a fine symphony orchestra. The Interlochen Arts Academy and National Music Camp bring together talented young musicians from around the country. The University of Michigan's School of Music at Ann Arbor is considered to be among the best music programs in the USA.

Museums in Detroit include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Museum of Afro-American History, the Detroit Historical Museum, the Children's Museum, and the Dossin great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle. Other museums in the state include the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, the Public Museum and the Gerald Ford Museum in Grand Rapids, the Kingman Museum of Natural History in Battle Creek, the Tower of History in Sault Sainte Marie, and the Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing.

Recreation

Michigan has around one hundred state parks and recreations areas. Popular outdoor activities include boating, canoeing, fishing, hunting, scuba diving, skiing, snowmobiling, swimming, picnicking, and camping. Among the state's interesting places to visit are the Fort Wilkins Historical Complex at Copper Harbor, Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Iron Mountain Iron Mine, Old Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, Michigan Space Center in Jackson, and White Pine Village near Ludington.

Interesting Facts

Michigan is a leader in producing automobiles, breakfast cereals, cherries, and apples. The nickname for people from Michigan is "Wolverines." In 1908, the world's first concrete highway was built in Detroit. In 1959, the Motown record company was founded in Detroit. Famous Michiganians include Francis Ford Coppola (film director), Charles Lindbergh (aviator), Edna Ferber (novelist), Henry Ford (automobile manufacturer), Diana Ross (singer), Tom Selleck (actor), Stevie Wonder (singer and songwriter), and Madonna (singer and actress).