The great United States of America are filled with places and people to be proud of. And Michigan has played a huge part in our nation’s rich history.

We’ve dug up the stories of some of the places that put Michigan in the history books. Take a look.

  1. Porcupine Mountains

Abhijit Bhatwadekar/Flickr The Porcupine Mountains in the Ontonagon area is a magical place. From restorative hiking to stunning views and prestine camp sites, this place is a UP paradise.

  1. Tahquamenon Falls

E_Bass/Flickr Tahquamenon Falls encompass nearly 52,000 acres across more than 13 miles in the Upper Peninsula. Made up of the Upper and Lower falls, they’re tucked away in deep forest land. It’s an ideal place for those of you who want to really get away from city life.

  1. Belle Isle

Lauren/Flickr This is the largest traditionally city-owned island park in the country (yeah, we know it’s run by the state now). Whoever operates, it doesn’t take away from the beauty of this place.

  1. Chateau Chantal

Rachel Kramer/Flickr Located on the Old Mission Peninsula, Chateau Chantal is a winery that sits on top the Old Mission Peninsula. It’s got spectacular views of the Grand Traverse Bay.

  1. Detroit

Jason Mrachina/Flickr The Motor City was at one time a symbol of American ingenuity. Though it’s experienced hard times over the years, it’s impact still has a lasting legacy on our economy and culture.

  1. Ford River Rouge Complex

JOHN LLOYD/Flickr This Ford Motor Company automobile factory in Dearborn, which sits alongside the Rouge River, was completed in 1928 and had became the largest integrated factory in the world.

  1. Lake Michigan

Ken Bosma/Flickr Anyone who thinks the Great Lakes are just…well… lakes…is Greatly mistaken.

  1. Mackinac Bridge

James Marvin Phelps/Flickr The Mackinac Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the Straits of Mackinac and connects the Upper and Lower peninsulas. The bridge opened in 1957, and spans 26,372 feet. Commonly known as “Big Mac” or “Mighty Mac,” it’s the world’s 16th-longest bridge in total suspension and the longest suspension bridge between anchorages in the entire Western Hemisphere.

  1. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

David Marvin/Flickr Extending 42 miles along the shores of Lake Superior, this lakeshore park boasts magnificent scenery, plus pristine kayaking opportunities.

  1. Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore

jimflix!/Flickr Situated along the northwest coast of Lake Michigan in the state’s Lower Peninsula, the park encompasses 35 miles and offers picturesque views of the beach.

  1. Turnip Rock

Derek A Young/Flickr Tucked away along the lesser traveled Great Lake of Huron, you’ll come across the awe-inspiring rock formation known as Turnip Rock.

  1. Mackinac Island

PicselPerfect/Flickr Mackinac Island is one of the best places to visit in Michigan, famous for its lack of the automobile, scenic bike trails, and, of course, its homemade fudge.

When you take a look at these places all at once, it makes you realize the awe-inspiring contributions that Michigan provides our nation. You tell us: what are some of the monumental sites in Michigan that you think have a lasting impact on our country?

Abhijit Bhatwadekar/Flickr

The Porcupine Mountains in the Ontonagon area is a magical place. From restorative hiking to stunning views and prestine camp sites, this place is a UP paradise.

E_Bass/Flickr

Tahquamenon Falls encompass nearly 52,000 acres across more than 13 miles in the Upper Peninsula. Made up of the Upper and Lower falls, they’re tucked away in deep forest land. It’s an ideal place for those of you who want to really get away from city life.

Lauren/Flickr

This is the largest traditionally city-owned island park in the country (yeah, we know it’s run by the state now). Whoever operates, it doesn’t take away from the beauty of this place.

Rachel Kramer/Flickr

Located on the Old Mission Peninsula, Chateau Chantal is a winery that sits on top the Old Mission Peninsula. It’s got spectacular views of the Grand Traverse Bay.

Jason Mrachina/Flickr

The Motor City was at one time a symbol of American ingenuity. Though it’s experienced hard times over the years, it’s impact still has a lasting legacy on our economy and culture.

JOHN LLOYD/Flickr

This Ford Motor Company automobile factory in Dearborn, which sits alongside the Rouge River, was completed in 1928 and had became the largest integrated factory in the world.

Ken Bosma/Flickr

Anyone who thinks the Great Lakes are just…well… lakes…is Greatly mistaken.

James Marvin Phelps/Flickr

The Mackinac Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the Straits of Mackinac and connects the Upper and Lower peninsulas. The bridge opened in 1957, and spans 26,372 feet. Commonly known as “Big Mac” or “Mighty Mac,” it’s the world’s 16th-longest bridge in total suspension and the longest suspension bridge between anchorages in the entire Western Hemisphere.

David Marvin/Flickr

Extending 42 miles along the shores of Lake Superior, this lakeshore park boasts magnificent scenery, plus pristine kayaking opportunities.

jimflix!/Flickr

Situated along the northwest coast of Lake Michigan in the state’s Lower Peninsula, the park encompasses 35 miles and offers picturesque views of the beach.

Derek A Young/Flickr

Tucked away along the lesser traveled Great Lake of Huron, you’ll come across the awe-inspiring rock formation known as Turnip Rock.

PicselPerfect/Flickr

Mackinac Island is one of the best places to visit in Michigan, famous for its lack of the automobile, scenic bike trails, and, of course, its homemade fudge.

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