Shaped by the Great Lakes that surround it, Michigan is a state of water, forests and industry. Here are ten facts that capture its character.

1. It is made of two peninsulas

The Lower Peninsula (shaped like a mitten) and the Upper Peninsula are connected by the Mackinac Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world.

2. Locals use their hand as a map

Michiganders famously hold up their right hand to show where in the “mitten” they live.

3. It touches four of the five Great Lakes

Michigan borders Lakes Michigan, Huron, Superior and Erie, giving it more freshwater coastline than any other state.

4. You are never far from water

No point in Michigan is more than about six miles from a lake or stream.

5. It has thousands of inland lakes

Beyond the Great Lakes, the state contains more than 11,000 inland lakes.

6. Detroit put the world on wheels

The modern automobile industry and the moving assembly line transformed Detroit into the “Motor City.”

7. It is home to a car-free island

On Mackinac Island, motor vehicles are largely banned; transportation is by horse, carriage and bicycle.

8. Cereal was born here

Battle Creek became known as the “Cereal City,” the birthplace of major breakfast cereal companies.

9. The Upper Peninsula has its own identity

Residents of the U.P., called “Yoopers,” have a distinct culture, including the savory hand pie known as the pasty.

10. It has a national park on an island

Isle Royale, a remote wilderness island in Lake Superior, is one of the least-visited national parks.

Defined by the lakes that shape it, Michigan offers a striking mix of natural beauty and industrial history.