Lower Peninsula of Michigan
The Lower Peninsula of Michigan is also known as "The Mitten", "Below the Bridge", and "The L.P." (though much less frequently than the Upper Peninsula is referred to as "The U.P") by all Michiganders, and as "Detroit" by Michigan's Upper Peninsula residents. Residents of the lower peninsula are also referred to as "Trolls" (referencing to the fact that all residents of the Lower Peninsula live below the Mackinac Bridge).
Michigan's lower peninsula is surrounded by water on all sides except its southern border which it shares with Ohio and Indiana. Because of the water that surrounds it, it has a recognizable shape that many people associate with a mitten. This has led to many creation myths for the area, one being that it is a hand print of Paul Bunyan a giant lumberjack and favorite folk character in Michigan. This has also led to the phenomenon of lower peninisula residents holding out their hand and pointing to a point on it when asked where they are from.
Michigan's lower peninsula can be fairly cleanly divided into two halves, Northern Michigan and Southern Michigan. based on geological, soil, and vegetation differences; amount of urban vs. rural areas; minority populations; and agriculture.
Southern Michigan can be sub-divided into four main areas: Thumb Country, Southeastern Michigan (also known as Metro Detroit), Mid-Michigan and Western Michigan.
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Southern Michigan
Thumb Country
Major Cities
- Bad Axe, Michigan
- Bay City, Michigan
- Midland, Michigan
- Saginaw, Michigan
- Port Huron, Michigan
- Flint, Michigan
Southeastern Michigan
Major Cities
Attractions
Mid-Michigan
Major Cities
Attractions
- Michigan International Speedway
- Michigan State University
- Cascades Park
- State Capitol
Western Michigan
Major Cities
- Battle Creek, Michigan
- Kalamazoo, Michigan
- Benton Harbor, Michigan
- St. Joseph, Michigan
- Holland, Michigan
- Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Grand Haven, Michigan
- Niles, Michigan
Attractions
- Kellogg's Cereal City
- Western Michigan University
- Holland State Park, busiest state park in Michigan
- Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
- Tulip Festival
Northern Michigan
Major Cities
- Traverse City, Michigan
- Cadillac, Michigan
- Clare, Michigan
- Petoskey, Michigan
- Cheboygan, Michigan
- Mackinaw City, Michigan
- Manistee, Michigan
Attractions
Categories: Peninsulas | Michigan geography