Map of Michigan

Explore this map of Michigan to know everything you want about the 26th State of the US. Learn about this State’s location in the United States of America. Also, check out its geography, time zones, history, major cities, area and zip codes, national parks, trails, flag, seal, capital, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and many more.

About Michigan

Michigan is the 26th State in the United States. On January 26, 1837, it was admitted to the Union. Lansing is Michigan’s capital, and Detroit is the largest city and metro-urban area. 

This State has no official language. Over 90% of the population speaks English. Spanish and Arabic are spoken by around 3% and 1% of Michigan’s population. In the US, Michigan is the 10th most populous State. 

The US state of Michigan has many nicknames, such as:

• The Great Lake State
• The Wolverine State
• The Mitten State
• Water (Winter) Wonderland

“Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam circumspice” is the State Motto. This Latin sentence means, “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.” Check Key Facts of Michigan to learn more about this US state.

Michigan Flag

The flag of Michigan was adopted on August 1, 1911. The flag’s design includes a dark blue background and the State’s coat of arms at the center. The coat of arms has been derived from the state seal of Michigan.

Michigan Symbols

The Great Seal of Michigan was designed by the second (non-acting) Territorial governor of Michigan, Lewis Cass. The official Great Seal of Michigan was adopted on June 2, 1835. Specific changes in design have been made over the years. The current design hasn’t been changed since 1911.

The design of the official seal consists of:

• Red Ribbon (at top): The Latin word “E Pluribus Unum” is written in a red ribbon on the top of the seal. It means, “From many, one.” This refers to the fact that one nation is formed from many states. 
• American Eagle: The national bird of the United States, the American Bald Eagle, can be seen in the image below these words. This Eagle symbolizes the USA’s superior control, jurisdiction, or authority.
  • The American Eagle can be seen holding two things in its claws:
    • Three Arrows: It symbolizes that the US as a nation is prepared to defend its principles.
    • Olive branch having 13 Olives: The olive branch means the US wants peace. The 13 olives symbolize the first 13 original states. 

• Shield: At the center of the image, there is a shield.
  • The word “Trebor” is written on the shield. It means “I Will Defend”. This refers to the frontier position of Michigan. 
  • Two animals (an elk on the left-hand side and a moose on the right-hand side) hold the shield at the center. These animals represent the supporters of the shield. 
  • The shield’s central design features:
    • A man holding a rifle (in the left hand) is standing. His right hand is raised, which symbolizes peace. This signifies that the people of Michigan are peace-loving people. However, they are also ready to defend their state and their country if the need arises. 
    • Over the surrounding waters, the sun is seen setting. 

• Lower White Ribbons: Below the shield, the State’s motto “Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice” is written on a white ribbon. These Latin words mean, “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.” Experts believe that these words refer to the Lower Peninsula. 
• Outer Circular Ring: An outer circular ring surrounds the coat of arms. “The Great Seal of the State of Michigan, AD MDCCCXXXV” is written on this outer ring. 

The great seal of the State becomes Michigan’s coat of arms when the outer circular ring with the words “The Great Seal of the State of Michigan, AD MDCCCXXXV” is removed. Learn more exciting aspects of the State from Michigan Facts & Trivia.

Michigan History

The first documented history of Michigan can be traced back to 11,000 BC. Paleo-Indians used to live along the western Great Lakes region’s settlement. The French were the first Europeans to visit this part of the US. Etienne Brule, an explorer, first visited this place in 1622 and started the fur trade with the locals. Soon, the French laid claim to this land. They cemented their place locally with marriage between the French and local native American population (including Huron and Algonquians). 

In Michigan, Sault Sainte Marie was the oldest European settlement founded in 1668 by the French. Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac established Detroit in 1701 as an administrative post and fur trading center. 

Many warfares took place among many European countries, including Great Britain, France, and others. In 1760, the British rested the French garrisons after the Seven Years’ War. Unlike the French, the relations between the British and the indigenous people were not cordial. This led to many conflicts. Ottawa chief Pontiac led a 4-month long attack on the British in Detroit. It is known as Pontiac’s Siege. Henry Gladwin led an attack on the indigenous people and brought the region under British control. 

In 1783, the current Michigan area was awarded to the USA. This area was later brought under the Northwest Territory in 1787. From Indiana, the Michigan Territory was separated in 1805. Detroit was made the capital of this territory. William Hull was the governor of the Michigan Territory. In the War of 1812, Detroit was surrendered to the British. 

At the Battle of Lake Erie, Oliver Hazard Perry reclaimed Detroit and brought it again under American rule in 1813. However, the most successful governor of this territory was Lewis Cass. He promoted development (infrastructure and transportation), on the one hand, and encouraged settlement. Detroit and Buffalo (New York) were linked through steamship navigation in 1818. 

In 1825, the Erie Canal was completed. It accelerated the pace of settlement in the Great Lakes. In 1835, the first constitution was enacted. However, the dispute with Ohio on boundary issues led to the Toledo War. Ultimately, Michigan attained statehood in 1837 (on January 26). 

During the 1840s and 1850s, Michigan’s state grew rapidly. It attracted lots of Europeans to settle in the State. This was known as the Michigan Fever. In the Upper Peninsula, copper and iron resources were found. In 1847, the state capital of Michigan was shifted to Lansing from Detroit. 

In July 1854, the Republican Party was formed in Jackson over the issue of slavery. To the cause of the Union, Michigan played an essential role against slavery in the American Civil War (1861–65). 

After the war, the Republican Party flourished. The Republican governors implemented many progressive legislations in the 1890s. The economy in Michigan was accelerated by the forestry and mining industries. Michigan became a leading economy in the USA due to intensified industrial production at all levels. 

During World War 2 in the 1930s, Detroit became a major military vehicle producer. Production of industrial goods continued even after WW2. In 1957, the Upper and Lower Peninsulas were connected by Mackinac Bridge. Racial tensions peaked in 1967, leading to the 12th Street Riot in Detroit. The automobile industry started declining in Detroit in the 1980s. Since then, Michigan started to lower its dependence on the automobile industry and diversify the economy.

Michigan Location

Michigan Location Map shows the exact location of the US state of Michigan on the United States map. This map shows the US state’s boundaries, neighboring countries, and oceans. 

The State of Michigan is situated in the upper Midwestern USA’s Great Lakes region. It shares its land border with:

• Ohio
• Indiana
• Wisconsin
• Ontario province of Canada

Michigan also shares water boundaries with:

• Minnesota
• Illinois

Michigan’s precise location is 41°41′ N to 48°18′ N Latitude and 82°7′ W to 90°25′ W Longitude. Check the Michigan Longitude and Latitude Map to learn more about the location.

Michigan Geography

Michigan is spread across a total area of 96,716 sq mi (250,493 sq km). It is the 11th largest State in the United States in terms of size. Michigan has two separate areas of land. While one is the Upper Peninsula, the other is the Lower Peninsula. A 5-mile (8 km) long bridge named Mackinac Bridge connects these land areas. You’ll find the world’s longest freshwater coastline. There are four great lakes in the State and more than 11,000 small lakes. 

The geographical area of Michigan has two significant landforms:

• The Great Lakes Plains: This landform is mainly found in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. This terrain is pretty level, but you’ll find some low rolling hills in the southern part. As you move to the northern parts of the Lower Peninsula, level landform becomes hilly belts of the northern tableland. You’ll find Michigan’s lowest elevation point on Lake Erie’s Lower Peninsula’s shore. The Great Lakes Plains can be found in some parts of the Upper Peninsula, especially in the east’s swampy areas. 
• The Superior Upland: This landform is in the Upper Peninsula’s western region. The Superior Upland features rugged terrain and higher elevations. This terrain runs along Lake Superior and continues till the Porcupine Mountains in Michigan’s northwestern part. The highest elevation point in Michigan is Mount Arvon, located in the Upper Peninsula. Check this Michigan Topographic Map to learn more.

Learn about the location of mountain peaks, rivers, lakes, the state capital, state boundary, ocean, and neighboring states from this Physical Map of Michigan.

Michigan Counties

Michigan has 83 counties. Keweenaw County is the largest county, having a total area of 5,966 sq mi (15,452 sq km). Cass County is the smallest county, having a total area of 508 sq mi (1,316 sq km). Check the Michigan County Map to learn more about the location and boundaries of different counties in the State. 

Michigan Area Codes

The US State of Michigan has 11 area codes: 

• 231: This area code covers Shelby, Muskegon, and other places.
• 248 (947 overlays): This area code covers Pontiac, Troy, and other places.
• 269: This area code covers Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, and other places.
• 313: This area code covers Dearborn, Detroit, and other places.
• 517: This area code covers Jackson, Lansing, and other places.
• 586: This area code covers St. Clair Shores, Warren, and other places.
• 616: This area code covers Holland, Grand Rapids, and other places.
• 734: This area code covers Ypsilanti, Monroe, Ann Arbor, and other places.
• 810: This area code covers Port Huron, Flint, and other places.
• 906: This area code covers Sault Ste. Marie, and other places.
• 989: This area code covers Midland, Saginaw, and other places.

The Michigan Area Codes Map helps you locate a particular area code. You can also use it to learn more about the area code boundary, county and state boundaries, and state capital. 

Michigan Zip Codes

There are 979 active zip codes in Michigan. Some of the best zip codes to live in include 48084, 48864, 48375, 48098, 48025, and many more. You can locate a particular zip code’s location, boundary, state boundary, and state capital with the help of the Michigan Zip Codes Map. 

Michigan Major Cities

Learn about the State’s major cities from this Michigan cities map. It also helps you to know the exact location of the state capital, other cities, state boundaries, neighboring states and oceans, and many more. 

Some of Michigan’s most prominent cities are Lansing, Sterling Heights, Warren, Grand Rapids, Detroit, and many more. Check out the Michigan Map with Cities for more details.

Michigan Airports

The busiest airports in Michigan are Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport, Gerald R. Ford International Airport, Bishop International Airport, etc. Check the location of different airports in the State on the Michigan Airports Map. This map also shows Michigan’s state and country boundaries, cities, the state capital, neighboring states, and oceans.

Michigan National Park and Trails

Michigan has five national parks. Around 3,249,547 visitors visit these national parks annually. Major national parks in the State are Isle Royale, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and others.

In Michigan, you can enjoy 2,081 recreational trails (hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and other adventurous trails). North Country National Scenic Trail (Lowell), Greenstone Ridge Trail (in Isle Royale National Park), Iron Belle Trail (in Detroit), Lakeshore-North Country Trail (in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore), Pyramid Point Trail (in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore), etc., are some of the most popular trails in Michigan. 

Check out the National Parks in Michigan Map to get a clear idea about the locations of different national parks, monuments, preserves, etc.

Michigan Climate 

You’ll find two kinds of climatic conditions in Michigan:

• Continental Climate (in the northern region)
• Hot-summer subtype (in the southern region)

Proximity to the Great Lakes has a massive influence on Michigan’s climate. The seasons are affected by westerly winds as well as the presence of large numbers of lakes. Near the lake shores, the ake breeze blows on summer days. During the nighttime, a reverse land breeze takes place. 

The highest temperature in summer reaches 85 °F (29.4 °C) in July. In the northern parts of the State, the temperature hardly becomes more than 90 °F (32.2 °C). In the southern parts of Michigan, the average temperature remains 90 °F (32.2 °C) for only 14 days. 

It remains cold and snowy during winters. It even dips below freezing temperature during the daytime too. In the Upper Peninsula’s northern regions, the temperature at night time remains below 0 °F (-17.8 °C). The weather remains cold but mild during the spring season. However, this season gets a lot of rainfall. As cold air moves over the warm lake waters during the fall season, the skies remain cloudiest during this time of the year. 

Michigan receives around 31 inches (787mm) of average yearly precipitation. Most rainfall (around 60%) occurs during the growing season. Thunderstorms accompany summer rainfalls. Light and steady rain take place during winters. In the western parts of the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, the yearly snowfall ranges from 150 inches (3,810 mm) to 180 inches (4,572 mm). In most parts of the State, the average yearly snowfall level ranges from 40 inches (1,016 mm) to 120 inches (3,048 mm). 

In most parts of the State, during springtime, hail is expected. In the Lower Peninsula’s northwestern region, the frequency of hail increases during autumn. Michigan receives around 2,100-2,200 hours (35-36 days) of sunshine annually. Around 160-180 days have less than 80% cloud cover. 

To learn more about the climatic condition of Michigan, check out the Key Facts of Michigan.

Michigan Time Zones

The time zone in:

• Most parts of Michigan are UTC−05:00 (Eastern). Its Summer (DST) time zone is UTC−04:00 (EDT).
• Four Upper Peninsula Counties (including Menominee, Dickinson, Iron, and Gogebic) are UTC−06:00 (Central). Its Summer (DST) time zone is UTC−05:00 (CDT).

FAQs on Michigan

FAQ #1: What Time Zone Is Michigan? 

Ans: UTC−05:00 (Eastern) is the time zone in most parts of Michigan. Its Summer (DST) time zone is UTC−04:00 (EDT). The Time zone of the four Upper Peninsula Counties (including Menominee, Dickinson, Iron, and Gogebic) is UTC−06:00 (Central). Its Summer (DST) time zone is UTC−05:00 (CDT). 

FAQ #2: What To Do In Michigan?

Ans: You can do many things in Michigan, such as visiting Mackinac Island, Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Detroit Institute of Arts, Pictured Rocks National Seashore, Grand Rapids, and many more. 

FAQ #3: What Is The Capital Of Michigan?

Ans: Lansing is the capital of Michigan. 

FAQ #4: Where Is Michigan? What Region Is Michigan In?

Ans: Michigan is in the upper Midwestern USA’s Great Lakes region.

FAQ #5: How Many People Live In Michigan?

Ans: The population of Michigan is estimated to be 10 million in 2022.

FAQ #6: What Is Michigan Known For?

Ans: Michigan is known for being the world’s car capital, cement plant, limestone quarry, and registered Holstein dairy herd. This State has around 3,000 miles of freshwater shoreline, the longest in the United States. 

FAQ #7: What Is The Best Solar Roof In Michigan?

Ans: Asphalt Shingles are the best solar roofs in Michigan. The five best solar roof companies in the State are SunPower, The Green Panel, Michigan Solar Solutions, Windfree Solar, Strawberry Solar, and many more.

FAQ #8: What Planting Zone Is Michigan?

Ans: In Michigan, the planting zones vary from 4s to 6s. 

FAQ #9: How Many Counties In Michigan?

Ans: Michigan has 83 US counties. 

FAQ #10: Are There Bears In Michigan?

Ans: Only one bear species is found in Michigan, a black bear (Ursus americanus).