Michigan

Nick-named the Great Lake State, Michigan is two peninsulas connected by a five mile bridge and surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes: Michigan, Huron, Erie and Superior. The Detroit and Saint Clair rivers separate the state from the Canadian province of Ontario to its north, while road access to the other states in the union are via Wisconsin, Indiana and Ohio. Detroit is the state's largest city and Lansing is its capital. . The region's early records note abundant fur-bearing creatures, thick forests and rich minerals. Before long, the animals were gone and the natural resources were depleted. Eventually, the manufacturing industry restored economy to the state and in time, Michigan, primarily Detroit, was recognized as the Automobile Capital of the world.

Over time and conservation efforts, the upper northern peninsula is rich with natural resources once again, with acres of wilderness and recreational areas, ski slopes, swimming holes and fish- laden streams. Although, the lower southern peninsula maintains the material way of life with factories, heavy water traffic along its lakes and rivers, cattle farms and bustling port towns, the state parks, country hoedowns and cherry and tulip festivals, put things in the right perspective.

Weather in Michigan is seasonal, with cold winters and hot summers when the wind is non- existent and warmer temperatures when it blows. Most times, the areas closer to the water are warmer than the regions in the interior.