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State Pride

You Have To Hear How These Californians Pronounce Michigan Towns

Californians attempt to pronounce difficult Michigan city names and learn fun facts about each place.

Published Aug 16, 2022

Written by 

Kristen

Most people can pronounce "Grand Rapids" and "Detroit," but Michigan has some cities and towns that are more difficult to say, especially for those who aren't local. We got a group of Californians together and asked them to try their best to pronounce Ypsilanti, Ocqueoc, Trufant, Sebewaing, Charlotte, Menominee, Sault St. Marie, Dowagiac, Hamtramck, and Mackinac Island! Which do you think will be hardest to pronounce? Which do you think they'll get right? Watch the full video below and read on to learn fun facts about each city or town featured.

Ypsilanti was home to the first Domino's Pizza...

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And the very last Hudson automobile dealership. Doc Hudson from the film "Cars" was inspired by the brand.

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This unincorporated community borders Muskellunge Lake, another tough-to-pronounce place name.

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Ocqueoc Township is just minutes from Ocqueoc Falls, the biggest waterfall in Michigan's Lower Peninsula.

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Sebewaing is known as the Sugar Beet Capital of America.

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The town even hosts an annual sugar festival!

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The Dolson automobile was manufactured in Charlotte from 1904 to 1907. The 1907 model had nearly 60 horsepower - virtually unheard of at the time.

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Named after the Menominee Tribe that once called the land home, this town produced more lumber than any other in the United States in its heyday.

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Michigan's Sault Ste. Marie is located directly across from Canada's Sault Ste. Marie!

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The city name comes from the Potawatomi word dewje'og meaning "fishing [near home] water."

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Hamtramck is almost entirely surrounded by the city of Detroit. A small portion borders the fellow enclave city of Highland Park.

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This charming island in Lake Huron is car-free. Approximately 600 horses work the island, instead. (You can also walk, or bike!)

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Hopefully, you learned something new about Michigan and enjoyed the video! Were you surprised by what you saw? Were you glad that Mackinac Island was easily recognized as the home of the best fudge in America? Or, would you rather tourists stay far away? Let us know!

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State Pride

15 Stunning Photos From Michigan That Prove Oceans Have Nothing On The Great Lakes

Stunning photos of Michigan's Great Lakes showcase their beauty and grandeur, rivaling the world's oceans.

Updated May 17, 2024

Written by 

Sophie Boudreau

There’s no doubt that Michigan’s Great Lakes are beyond stunning. For those of us who are lucky enough to call Michigan home, a certain sense of pride comes along with the beauty of our beloved freshwater coastlines. Of course, for those who aren’t from Michigan, it can be tough to understand just how massive and gorgeous our Great Lakes are - and it’s all too easy to assume that they’ll never compare with the grandeur of the world’s oceans. Never fear: Here are a handful of breathtaking Great Lakes photos from Michigan that prove our waterways are just as beautiful as oceans... minus the salt!

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Flickr/Rachel Kramer

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of the most magnificent places in the state. This Lake Michigan beauty has been named among the most beautiful spots in the nation, and it's plain to see why.

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Flickr / Joe Passe

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Flickr/Jeff Camilleri

Lake Huron was once considered to be a freshwater sea by early explorers, and to a certain extent it is. Lake Huron takes up a whopping 23,012 square miles!

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Flickr/Ken Lund

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Flickr/Rachel Kramer

If you've never been to Holland, you will fall in love with this town. Here, small town charm reigns in a community with deep cultural roots and incredible homestyle cooking.

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Flickr/Bailiwick Studios

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Flickr/Cathy

Michigan borders four great lakes in total, and Lake Superior is a local favorite. Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes, and it has the largest surface area of any body of fresh water anywhere.

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Flickr/Erik Przekop

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Flickr/Josh G.

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Flickr/George Thomas

If you're an out-of-towner, you'll be amazed once you finally get to see the Straits of Mackinac. These watery stretches between the Upper and Lower Peninsula have long been coveted as trade routes.

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Flickr/Tom Gill

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Flickr/cmh2315fl

Alpena, Michigan is full of charm. This community of circa 10,000 was founded in 1840, though much of it was lost in the destructive Great Michigan Fire.

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Flickr/jimflix!

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Flickr/Charles Dawley

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Flickr / A Healthier Michigan

There is so much to love about this state and its magnificent shorelines.

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What are some of your best Great Lakes memories? Do you have any favorite Great Lakes photos from Michigan to share? We’d love to hear from you in the comment section. Planning a vacation to beautiful Michigan and need a place to hang your hat? Check out all the unique offerings from our friends at VRBO!

Craving some time at these beautiful shores? Check out Michigan's best beaches for outdoor fun.

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State Pride

This Michigan City Is One Of The Most Relaxing Places To Live In The Country

Lansing, Michigan is a peaceful and affordable city with a rich history and numerous festivals.

Updated Apr 10, 2024

Written by 

Emily Tieman

We know a thing or two about relaxing in the Great Lake State. Whether you’re enjoying a beach day, going for a hike in our beautiful forests, or just sipping on some Bell’s beer, Michiganders know how to unwind. Big cities are sometimes very busy and can be stressful regardless of the state, though. Sometimes you might think about moving somewhere more low-key or even just taking a nice trip to get away from it all! If you’re looking to move or travel to a place where you can take a load off, consider living in the relaxing city of Lansing. It's one of the most peaceful places to live in Michigan.

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Plenty of people will agree that the nice town of Lansing, Michigan is one of the most relaxing places to live in the United States. Lansing is the Michigan state capital with a population of 112,000 residents.

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Google Maps

In the past, Lansing has also been ranked as one of the most family-friendly and affordable cities in the United States.

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DenisTangneyJr/E+ via Getty Images

There is a very walkable downtown along with the gorgeous Lansing River Trail which is over 20 miles of paved walkway along the Grand River.

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pabradyphoto/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

One of the best parts about Lansing is Old Town, the original downtown area, which offers excellent restaurants, eccentric folks, eclectic shops, and a rich history.

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Moetripper/Trip Advisor

A fun fact about Lansing is that it is Michigan’s Festival Capital with more than 60 fairs and events that happen year-round. You’ll always have something to do on the weekend with festivals such as the Capital City Film Festival, Lansing JazzFest, MSU Science Festival, and the Michigan Chicken Wing Festival.

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Lansing.org

With a cost of living 17 percent lower than the national average and a median house price of only $100,000, you’ll be saving money living in Lansing, which will bring you some relaxation and peace of mind. A win-win!

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We're willing to bet that the residents here believe this town is one of the best places to live in Michigan!

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To learn even more about what Lansing has to offer, read our article about the underrated Lansing River Trail. Do you have a Michigan town or city that deserves to be featured? Please let us know about it in the comments section! We are always happy to hear from you. If you're planning a visit to this nice town, take a look at Hotels.com for some great deals on accommodations. You will find a great place to stay no matter what your hotel preferences are in their wide selection!

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