National Michigan Day is celebrated on January 18th every year. Michigan is home to the Great Lakes, the Big Three automobile manufacturers, and so many beautiful natural wonders to explore. Those of us who are Michigan natives take a lot of pride in our great state. This year, be sure to go out and experience some of the amazing things Michigan has to offer on National Michigan Day. Here are five different ways to celebrate National Michigan Day!
Get Outdoors
No matter what you like to do outdoors, Michigan has something for you. Visit a local park (here are some of our favorites here at Lansing Mom) or go on a hike at your favorite trail.
Take a trip to your local water source: steam, river, pond, or even one of the Great Lakes. Even though it’s January right now, checking out the water in it’s natural (and possibly frozen) state is always an amazing experience. Breathe in the fresh Michigan air. 
Try New Cuisines and Restaurants
Chances are there is a restaurant that you have yet to experience. And supporting small and local businesses is always in style. In Greater Lansing some new restaurants to the area include:
Toscana (a personal favorite)
Comfort Zone Cigar Lounge and Bistro
Support Local Businesses
Here at Lansing Mom we love shopping local, small businesses. There are so many Michigan-owned businesses to support on National Michigan Day. Around Lansing, check out local business in Downtown, Oldtown, Reo-Town or even in you area. Highlights include:
Visit a Landmark
In Lansing, we are fortune to have several beautiful landmarks. This includes the Michigan State Capitol, R.E. Olds Transportation Museum, Turner Dodge House and the Michigan History Center.
If you’re looking to get out of town for a quick trip, take a road trip and venture off to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, Dow Gardens in Midland, the Calder Sculpture in Grand Rapids, or the Detroit Institute of Arts.
Learn Some Fun Facts
Here are some fun Michigan facts:
- Michigan has more miles of freshwater shoreline than any other state in the nation.
- It is the the second most agriculturally diverse state in the US.
- There are 11,000 inland lakes and millions of acres of forest.
- There are no longer any living wolverines in the Wolverine State. There was one discovered in Huron County in 2004, the first one spotted in 200 years, but it has since passed on and has now been stuffed and mounted.
- The first air-conditioned car was manufactured in 1939 by Detroit’s Packard Motor Car Company.
- Vernor’s Ginger Ale, which was created by a Detroit druggist, is possibly the oldest soft drink still on the market. It’s definitely the oldest-surviving brand of ginger ale.
With all of these ideas, be sure to bundle up and get to exploring our great state. Or, stay inside and look up some cool facts about our amazing state to share with your littles. Embrace the uniqueness and the tranquility that Michigan has to offer.
