MJP –
Michigan might be known for its Great Lakes, motor industry, and beautiful forests, but it also has some pretty wild traditions that outsiders might find downright baffling.
From quirky festivals to unusual habits, the people of Michigan have a way of doing things that sets them apart. Here are nine Michigan traditions that will make you say, “Wait, what?”
1. The Michigan Left
If you’ve ever driven in Michigan, you’ve likely encountered the infamous Michigan Left. Unlike typical intersections, this unique traffic maneuver involves turning left at a designated median and then making a U-turn to head in the opposite direction.
It sounds confusing (and a bit scary at first), but it’s designed to reduce accidents and keep traffic flowing smoothly. While other states have their versions of left turns, Michigan’s take is a whole different level of road oddity.
2. Celebrating “Up North” Like It’s a Religious Pilgrimage
In Michigan, when someone says they’re going “Up North,” it’s not just a vague reference to the northern part of the state—it’s a whole thing.
For Michiganders, the phrase evokes a magical, almost spiritual experience, as “Up North” is often synonymous with outdoor getaways, lakeside cottages, and an escape from everyday life. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, families flock to northern Michigan for an annual pilgrimage that’s part adventure, part nostalgia, and entirely a rite of passage.
3. The Great Lakes Eccentricity: Ice Fishing Festivals
When the temperatures drop and the lakes freeze over, Michiganders don’t just huddle inside—they head onto the ice.
Ice fishing is a beloved winter activity, and the state celebrates it with festivals like the Tip-Up Town USA in Houghton Lake, where people gather to fish, socialize, and even take part in ice-themed contests. It’s a surreal sight to see hundreds of shacks lined up on the frozen lakes, with people bundled up in layers, huddling around small holes in the ice, all in the name of fun and competition.
4. The “Pop” vs. “Soda” Debate
In most parts of the U.S., the carbonated beverage is referred to as “soda” or “soft drink.” But in Michigan, it’s strictly pop—and don’t you forget it.
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The state has a deep-rooted attachment to this term, and it’s a point of pride. Ask a Michigander for a “soda,” and you’ll likely get a confused look in return. If you’re visiting Michigan, make sure to embrace the “pop” culture, or risk looking like an outsider in the process.
5. Mackinac Island’s Fudge Frenzy
No visit to Michigan would be complete without a stop on Mackinac Island, a charming island where cars are banned and horse-drawn carriages are the norm. But the real treat?
The island’s famous fudge. Mackinac Island boasts more than a dozen fudge shops, and it’s a tradition for families to bring home boxes of this rich, creamy confection. The bizarre part? Visitors and locals alike swear by it, often making trips specifically for the fudge, which is treated like the culinary equivalent of gold.
6. The Big Rapids Cherry Festival
While cherries are harvested across the U.S., Michigan’s Cherry Festival in Traverse City is on a whole different level.
The festival is one of the largest in the country, and it celebrates the cherry harvest with everything from cherry pie-eating contests to cherry-inspired parades.
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But what truly sets it apart is the Cherry Queen—a tradition that involves crowning a young woman who embodies the festival’s spirit. The pageant culminates in a coronation, but with a cherry twist: she receives a crown made of actual cherries.
7. Detroit’s Own “Coney Dog” Rivalry
In Detroit, a trip to a diner is never complete without a Coney dog—a hot dog topped with savory chili, onions, and mustard.
But the rivalry is real: locals swear by either Lafayette Coney Island or American Coney Island, two iconic restaurants that sit across the street from each other in downtown Detroit. Each side claims to have the best version of this greasy, delicious dish, and Michiganders will argue endlessly over which one reigns supreme. This isn’t just food—it’s a deeply entrenched state tradition.
8. Kalamazoo’s World’s Largest Weathervane
While other states might boast about having the largest ball of twine or the biggest rubber band ball, Michigan proudly claims the title of the home of the world’s largest weather vane.
Located in Kalamazoo, this towering structure stands 48 feet tall and weighs over 4,000 pounds. The weathervane symbolizes Michigan’s agricultural roots, but it also serves as a quirky, must-see roadside attraction for travelers passing through the state.
9. The Annual “Shanty Days” in South Haven
In South Haven, a tradition is as Michigan as it gets: the annual Shanty Days festival. Every winter, the town hosts an event where participants build miniature “ice shanties” (small, wooden shelters used by ice fishermen) and decorate them in all sorts of creative ways.
These shanties then become the center of a festival that features ice sculptures, games, and a “shanty parade.” The event celebrates the state’s long-standing love for winter activities while also giving locals a chance to showcase their artistic sides—even if it’s just through the medium of ice and wood.
In Conclusion
Michigan may not always get the attention it deserves when it comes to quirky traditions, but these nine examples show that the state’s unique culture is anything but boring.
From the infamous Michigan Left to the obsession with Mackinac Island fudge, Michiganders know how to make even the most mundane parts of life feel like an adventure. If you ever find yourself in the Great Lakes State, be sure to embrace these odd customs—you’ll not only fit right in, but you’ll also have some great stories to share when you get home.
