January 23, 2012
January 26th is Michigan’s 175th birthday! On January 26, 1837 President Andrew Jackson signed a bill declaring Michigan the 26th state of the union.
In honor of this special occasion, here are some facts about this great state from www.michigan.gov.
State Name: Michigan
Name Origin: Derived from the Indian word Michigama, meaning great or large lake.
Nickname: Wolverine State
Statehood: Jan. 26, 1837 (26th)
Capital: Lansing, since 1847; prior to that, Detroit.
State Motto: Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam circumspice, which translates, “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.”
Flower: Apple Blossom
Bird: Robin
Tree: White Pine
Stone: Petoskey Stone
Gem: Chlorastrolite
Fish: Brook Trout
Soil: Kalkaska Soil Series
Reptile: Painted Turtle
Game Mammal: White-tailed Deer
Wildflower: Dwarf Lake Iris
Fossil: Mastodon
I knew we had a state flower, tree, reptile, etc. But, I did not know we had a state soil! You learn something new everyday!
To celebrate Michigan’s 175th birthday, look around you and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us all! Turn your porch lights on Thursday night so Michigan shines brightly for all to see!
1 Comment | 
Great Lakes, History, Holiday, Michigan, Michigan Did You Know, Michigan Facts | Tagged: Detroit, History, Lansing, Michigan, Michigan Events, Michigan History, Michigan is Amazing, Michigan state bird, Michigan state fish, Michigan state flower, Michigan state gem, Michigan state motto, Michigan state reptile, Michigan state stone, Michigan state tree, Michigan's 175th birthday, Michigan's Birthday | 
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Posted by michiganisamazing
January 7, 2012
The Michigan is Amazing Facebook fan page has a great fan base with many great photographers that share photos from all over the state. There are so many great photos that have been submitted throughout the year that yesterday I opened a Best of 2011 photo contest. There are over 50 amazing photos of this great state in the contest, but there really could have been hundreds of photos included!
If you haven’t already, visit the fan page and browse through the amazing photos from all over Michigan. Voting will be open through Friday, January 13. The winner of the photo contest will receive a Michigan-themed picture frame from a very talented Michigan artist, Scott Snow of Michigan in Metal.
Comments Off | Michigan, Michigan Pictures | Tagged: Michigan, Michigan Artists, Michigan in Metal, Michigan is Amazing, Michigan Photographers, Michigan Photos, Michigan Pictures, Michigan Scenery, Scott Snow | Permalink
Posted by michiganisamazing
December 30, 2011
The 2011 year has been a good year for Michigan is Amazing, this is the 400th post on the blog. We have gained A LOT of new fans on our facebook page and have had so many super pictures shared by amazing photographers all over this great state. Thank you to all of my fans!!
On January 6th, I am going to start a Best of 2011 picture contest and we have a great prize from a fantastic Michigan artist to give away to the winner of the Best of 2011 contest.
Enjoy the last few days of 2011…soon it will be 2012! (And I just got used to writing 2011!)
Comments Off | Michigan | Tagged: Michigan, Michigan is Amazing, Michigan is Amazing Facebook, Michigan is Amazing Fan Page | Permalink
Posted by michiganisamazing
December 20, 2011
The Winter Solstice is December 22. Hanukkah starts tonight, Christmas is on Sunday….and I want to know where is the snow to really get these holidays going?? I know some of you don’t like snow and are content to put off the inevitable flakes for as long as possible. I like snow, it is one of the best things about winter in Michigan (even better if you don’t have to drive in it!)
The holiday seems complete when a beautiful white blanket covers the trees and grass. Plus – I want the snow now…when we are supposed to have it…not in April and May!
The Winter Solstice is also the shortest day of the year…so on Friday, our days will start getting longer again – now that is something to truly be thankful for!!
Comments Off | Holiday, Michigan | Tagged: Michigan, Michigan is Amazing, Michigan snow, Michigan Winter Solstice | Permalink
Posted by michiganisamazing
November 23, 2011
This year, while we are all surrounded by friends, family, and of course – delicious foods; let’s all be thankful. Take a moment to not only be thankful for the big things, but the small moments too. Let’s slow down, if only for a moment, and really enjoy the spirit of the holiday. We all have so many things to be thankful for.
Be safe in your travels and Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Comments Off | Michigan | Tagged: Michigan, Michigan is Amazing, Thanksgiving | Permalink
Posted by michiganisamazing
November 4, 2011
November is here and that means it is time to start thinking about the approaching holidays. There always seems to be art & craft fairs at nearly every school and church during this time of year. Visiting these art & craft fairs is a great way to find unique gifts and support crafty people from all over Michigan. I have found a website that has a listing of all the craft fairs around the state. Check it out: Michigan Craft Fairs
Comments Off | Art, Events, Michigan | Tagged: Michigan, Michigan Art Fair, Michigan arts & crafts, Michigan arts & crafts calendar, Michigan arts & crafts schedule, Michigan craft fair, Michigan craft fair schedule, Michigan is Amazing | Permalink
Posted by michiganisamazing
August 23, 2011
Summer is not over yet, but now is the time to think about campground and harbor reservations for next year. The Michigan DNR allows reservations 6 months in advance for campgrounds and harbors. The campgrounds that are on or near one of the Great Lakes fill up extremely fast.
As an avid camper, I love visiting our State Parks. I am currently planning next year’s camping dates and locations. I know that at the 6 month mark – I need to be ready and waiting at the computer to make my reservations or I will not be getting into the park I wish to visit.
Here is a list of the parks I have visited:
Tawas Point State Park
Tahquamenon State Park
Lakeport State Park
Hoffmaster State Park
Sleeper State Park
Van Buren State Park
Newaygo State Park
Holly Recreation Area
Bay City State Recreation Area
Brighton Recreation Area
Straits State Park
They are all great parks, but my two favorites are Tawas Point State Park and Lakeport State Park.
Tell me, where you have camped and what are your favorite parks.
Comments Off | Events, Michigan, Michigan Cities, Michigan Landmarks, Michigan State Parks | Tagged: Michigan, Michigan Camping, Michigan is Amazing, Michigan State Parks | Permalink
Posted by michiganisamazing
August 3, 2011
I recently visited Fairview and stumbled upon this hidden gem – The Michigan AuSable Valley Railroad. This amazingly beautiful train ride sits on 40 acres of Jack pine forest and overlooks the Comins Creek Valley.
I had the pleasure of speaking to the owners, Howard and Joanne Schrader about the property. The idea of this railroad came from Howard’s love of trains and ground was broken in 1994 with the construction of the engine house. Over the next 5 years the Schraders built two wooden trestles (one is over 220 feet long), a tunnel (115 feet long), the depot and gift shop, and many more buildings to make this a complete experience for the rider.
There is a 1/4 scale steam locomotive as well as two F-7 diesel hydraulic locomotives. There are 7 passenger coaches each with a unique name.
The Michigan AuSable Valley Railroad is open on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays from Memorial Day Weekend thru Labor Day Weekend. The steam locomotive runs on select Sundays and Holidays – you can call ahead for the steam schedule.
For more information and directions, please visit: www.michiganausablevalleyrailroad.com
Stop by for a great ride and have some popcorn too!
1 Comment | Michigan, Michigan Business, Michigan Cities | Tagged: Fairview, Michigan, Michigan AuSable Valley Railroad, Michigan Cities, Michigan Company, Michigan is Amazing, Michigan Train Ride | Permalink
Posted by michiganisamazing
July 26, 2011
Each year the Woodward Dream Cruise draws a large crowd of car enthusiasts from all over the country. Over one million people will soon begin pouring into the Metro Detroit area to participate in the Dream Cruise. Some will bring their cars to drive and show off – others will bring chairs to sit and admire all the cars as they creep up and down Woodward. This is the one time a year that people happily insert themselves into a gigantic traffic jam – and love every second of it!
This year the Woodward Dream Cruise is on August 20, 2011. The Cruise runs from 9am to 9pm.
For for information on the Woodward Dream Cruise, please visit:
www.woodwarddreamcruise.com
1 Comment | Events, Michigan | Tagged: Michigan, Michigan Events, Michigan is Amazing, Woodward Dream Cruise | Permalink
Posted by michiganisamazing
July 11, 2011
For all of you art enthusiasts…The Ann Arbor Art Fair is almost here! The art fair runs from July 20 – 23. Hours are W-F 10am – 9pm, Sat 10am – 6pm.
For more information on the art fair history, artists, locations, and maps, please visit:
www.artfair.org
Comments Off | Events, Food, Michigan, Michigan Cities | Tagged: Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Art Fair, Michigan, Michigan Cities, Michigan Events, Michigan Festivals, Michigan is Amazing | Permalink
Posted by michiganisamazing
