Area, 58,216 sq mi (150,779 sq km).
Pop. (2000) 9,938,444, a 6.9% increase since the 1990 census.
Capital, Lansing.
Largest city, Detroit.
Motto, Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice [If You Seek a Pleasant Peninsula, Look about You].
State bird, robin.
State flower, apple blossom.
State tree, white pine.
The northern Michigan wilds, numerous inland lakes, and some 3,000 mi (4,800 km) of shoreline, combined with a pleasantly cool summer climate, have long attracted 
vacationers. In the winter Michigan's snow-covered hills bring skiers from all over the Midwest. Places of interest in the state include Greenfield Village, a re-creation of a 19th-century American village, and the Henry Ford Museum, both at Dearborn ; Pictured Rocks and Sleeping Bear Dunes national lakeshores; and Isle Royal National Park. Lansing is the capital, and Detroit is the largest city. Other major cities are Grand Rapids, Warren, Flint and Ann Arbor.
Manufacturing accounts for 30% of Michigan's economic production, more than twice as much as any other sector. The 
manufacture of automobiles and transportation equipment is by far the state's chief industry. The automobile industry's mass-production methods, developed here, were the core of the early-20th-century industrial revolution. The chemical industry in Midland is one of the nation's largest; Kalamazoo is an important paper-manufacturing and pharmaceuticals center; Grand Rapids is noted for its furniture, and Battle Creek for its breakfast foods.
Although mining contributes less to income in the state than either agriculture or manufacturing, Michigan still has important nonfuel mineral production, chiefly of iron ore, cement, sand, and gravel, and is a leading producer of peat, bromine, calcium-magnesium chloride, gypsum, and magnesium compounds.
Welcome to West Michigan, your four-season Great Lakes destination -- a land of sparkling blue waters, and warm hospitality. Experience all we have to offer; visit soon. Stay for a lifetime.
Beauty, Splendor, Wonder
Come to Michigan, the Great Lakes playground. From the big city hustle to snow shoeing in the rugged Upper Peninsula, spas and relaxation to downhill skiing and snowboarding, Michigan has something for everyone.
Michigan is the only state bordered by four of the five Great Lakes and with over 115 lights and lighthouses you're sure to find one along your travels. Many of the lights still guide 
ships through treacherous waters. Others have been abandoned, some to be later rescued by renovation and restoration. Several are open to the public, a few include museums, and three are Bed and Breakfasts (Big Bay Point, Sand Hills and Whitefish Point).
Michigan offers five theme amusement parks and over ten water parks with some being indoors. Visit Michigan's Adventure in Muskegon with six roller coasters or Crossroads in Flint.
Throughout the year, Michigan is the host to thousands of local, regional and statewide cultural/heritage events that spans the range of theatre, music, dance, art exhibits and more.
Experience Michigan’s West Coast in the fall to see it at its most colorful with all the wonders of nature to enjoy. Walk out to the historic Lake Michigan lighthouses of Grand Haven, Holland and Muskegon. Watch the boats come in to dock and catch a magnificent sunset. Take in all the outstanding cultural attractions and nightlife that Grand Rapids has to offer.
Sand and water, far beyond the horizon. Charming seaside villages, a thousand miles from the sea. And remarkable downtown delights of a surprising city, Grand Rapids. From the great lake to the grand city, this is Michigan’s West Coast. Not far from home, you’re in another world.
Visit Michigan’s West Coast by “coasting” through the region. Six themed “coasting tour” itineraries have been created and are as varied as “Coasting through the arts” and “Coasting through the countryside” to “Coasting through our scenic beauty” and “Coasting through our heritage.”
August, September and October are the perfect months to visit West Michigan. Savor 
freshly baked pastries and apple cider with your meal and top it off with a hay ride. Check out their festivals, antiques, historic train rides and the Coopersville Farm Museum. In another 20 minutes, you’re at the Farmer’s Market in either downtown Muskegon or Grand Rapids, where you can buy farm-fresh produce and flowers brought in by local growers.
Beautiful Grand Rapids
A great place to visit and an even better place to call your new home!! Grand Rapids is 
Michigan's second largest city, and despite the half a million residents that call it home, it hasn't lost its small town feel.
Originally known for its furniture industry, Grand Rapids is economically diverse, and in 1998, Grand Rapids was listed as one of the top 10 Best Cities for Business in the U.S. by Fortune magazine. Grand Rapids is also a great place to raise a family and boasts attractions that make it Michigan's fastest growing visitor destination.
For world-class shopping, dining, and museums, there's no reason to cross the Michigan state line. Grand Rapids has everything you are looking for right here at home!! But when you really want to ‘get away from it all’ Chicago, Detroit, and Windsor are just short drive away.