ABOUT MICHIGAN 

Michigan is a state of true variety, where modern cities meet peaceful lakeshores, and historic industrial towns sit alongside dense forests and vast coastal landscapes. Known as the Great Lakes State, Michigan built its early identity on the automotive industry, but today it’s just as famous for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and passionate sports culture.

The state’s geography is among the most diverse in the Midwest. Four of the five Great Lakes border Michigan, creating hundreds of miles of beaches, trails, and scenic overlooks. The Upper Peninsula is known for its rugged forests, waterfalls, and remote wilderness, while the Lower Peninsula offers farmland, rolling hills, charming small towns, and sandy dunes along Lake Michigan. From Isle Royale National Park to Sleeping Bear Dunes, the state is filled with outdoor destinations perfect for hiking, camping, kayaking, and road trips.

Michigan’s history is shaped by the rise of American manufacturing. Detroit, once the automotive capital of the world, remains a center of innovation and culture. Today, the city is experiencing a strong revival through technology, small businesses, and the arts. University towns like Ann Arbor and East Lansing bring a youthful, energetic atmosphere, while northern lake towns offer quiet getaways and a close connection to nature.

Sports play a huge role in everyday life. Michigan is home to major league teams like the Detroit Lions (NFL), Detroit Red Wings (NHL), Detroit Tigers (MLB), and Detroit Pistons (NBA), along with powerhouse college programs such as the Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans. Motorsports fans know Michigan well thanks to Michigan International Speedway, one of the premier tracks on the NASCAR calendar.

The state’s food scene reflects its cultural mix. Classic Midwestern comfort dishes, craft breweries, and farm-to-table restaurants are everywhere, especially around Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor. Local specialties include Detroit-style pizza, fresh fish from the lakes, and cherry-based desserts from the Traverse City region.

Quick Snapshot

• Population: ~10.2 million (2023)
• Area: 96,714 sq mi – 11th largest U.S. state
• Capital: Lansing

Entry into the USA

Michigan follows standard U.S. entry rules.

• Visa requirements: Travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries may stay up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors from other countries typically need a B-1/B-2 tourist visa.
• ESTA: VWP travelers must complete an online ESTA application before flying to the U.S.
• Passport validity: All visitors must hold a passport valid for the entire duration of their stay.

Currency

Michigan uses the U.S. Dollar (USD). Approximate exchange rates:

• 1 USD ≈ 0.90–0.95 EUR
• 1 USD ≈ 0.70–0.75 GBP
• 1 USD ≈ 110–115 JPY
• 1 USD ≈ 1.25–1.30 CAD

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted everywhere.

Electricity

Michigan uses Type A/B outlets (NEMA 5-15) with 120 V / 60 Hz. Visitors from Europe and other regions will likely need a plug adapter and sometimes a voltage converter.

Mobile services

Staying connected in Michigan is easy. All major U.S. carriers offer strong statewide coverage, including the area around Michigan International Speedway.

• AT&T – Reliable 5G coverage throughout the state
• Verizon Wireless – Excellent reliability and high-speed 5G
• T-Mobile – Great value with solid coverage in cities and around MIS

For short trips, eSIM options like Airalo or Ubigi provide instant data without needing a physical SIM.

Fun and fascinating facts about Michigan

Michigan is full of natural wonders, diverse cultures, and intriguing history:

• The Great Lakes State, Michigan, has the longest freshwater coastline in the world.
• Two Peninsulas – The Upper and Lower Peninsulas are connected by the iconic Mackinac Bridge.
• Motor City Roots – Detroit is the birthplace of the modern automobile and home of Motown Records.
• Sleeping Bear Dunes – Some of the tallest and most scenic coastal dunes in the U.S.
• Thousands of Lakes – Beyond the Great Lakes, Michigan has over 11,000 inland lakes.
• Quirky Laws – In some towns, it’s technically illegal to let a pig run loose without a collar.