1. There’s A Reason Everyone Keeps Pointing To Their Hand
Conveniently for Michiganders, their state looks a lot like two hands, allowing residents to easily say where they’re from with a simple hand gesture. The people here love it, so an out-of-towner should expect to see it a lot while making new friends.
2. Your State Has One Part? Well, Our State Has Two.
Not only does Michigan look like two hands, it can also be divided into two parts, the upper and lower peninsulas. Separated by water, the people are pretty different between the two areas, with the Upper Peninsula being much more rural and full of “Yoopers.”
3. Most People Call The Lower Peninsula The Mitten
Instead of simply referring to the more populated “Lower Peninsula” by that boring name, locals prefer to call it “the mitten,” thanks to its unique shape.
4. And The Thumb Is Really Only One Of Several Parts Of The Mitten
The Mitten of Michigan is very diverse in itself, with shorelines, big cities, and huge forests. The thumb portion is the east-most section, including cities like Port Huron, Sebewaing, Caseville, Caro, and Sandusky, as well as some of the Northern suburbs of Detroit.
5. If You’re Heading To Canada, You’ll Be Driving South
The Thumb is one of few regions in America that’s actually north of Canada. If you’re looking for poutine and Mounties, the easiest place to find them is south through Port Huron.
6. Expect A Slower Way Of Life
The Thumb is known for its more relaxed nature, full of agriculture and small towns. The corn and soybean industries are huge here, with the farming lifestyle having a big impact on the local culture.
7. A Trip To The Lake Will Always Trump A Trip To Any Ocean
With around 150 miles of shoreline, heading to the Great Lakes is the perfect summer getaway for Thumb dwellers. The beaches aren’t too crowded, the sunsets are more beautiful, and it doesn’t require a 20 hour drive.
8. But It’s Not Lake Michigan Here
While most Midwesterners probably recognize Lake Michigan and Lake Erie, thanks to their close proximity to big cities like Chicago and Cleveland, the Thumb is all about Lake Huron.
Not only does Lake Huron have the longest shoreline of the Great Lakes, it also has the second largest surface area with over 23,000 square miles of space.
9. Port Huron Is A Big Deal
One of the larger cities in the Thumb region is Port Huron, also known as the “Maritime Capital of the Great Lakes.” With around 30,000 residents, this city is not only huge on boating, it’s also one of the quickest ways to get into Ontario via the Blue Water Bridge.
10. You’re In Wolverine Territory
When it comes to college sports, Michigan is split. People in the Thumb tend to cheer for the Michigan Wolverines, while those further west prefer the Michigan State Spartans. Don’t be surprised by all the blue and maize on game days.
11. Saginaw Is Said How It Looks
While most out-of-towners may be confused by this word at first, it’s pronounced exactly how most would expect. It’s the name of the bay that gives the Thumb its shape.
12. M-25 Makes It Worth The Drive
Following along the state’s shoreline, the M-25 is one of the most scenic drives in America. Stretching from Port Huron, around the Saginaw Bay and into Bay City, this 147 miles drive is a breeze.
13. Lighthouses Are A Big Deal Here
Famous lighthouses stretch up and down the entire shoreline of the Thumb, including the Port Austin Lighthouse, the Harbor Beach Lighthouse, and the Port Sanilac Lighthouse. Most of these old buildings are still open for tours and can make a great day trip.
14. “Who Are You From Home?” Is Actually A Logical Question.
If someone from the Thumb asks you this, they’re basically asking “what’s your maiden name?” It might seem strange to out-of-towners as this is a phrase that’s very specific to this area of the country.
15. The Northern Suburbs Of Detroit Are Actually Pretty Nice
While Detroit might get a bad reputation nationwide, the parts of it closest to the thumb are actually pretty nice. With suburbs like Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, and Rochester Hills being so close to both Detroit and Lake Huron, that some people choose to live there in attempt to have the best of both worlds.
16. Being A Lions Fan Is Harder Than It Looks
People living on the Thumb still cheer for Detroit when it comes to professional sports. They’re some of the most diehard Lions fans around, despite several disappointing seasons. Never doubt their loyalty on game day.
17. The People Here Have A Crush On Jimmy Buffet
Thumb dwellers love life by the shore, so it shouldn’t be too surprising that Cheeseburger in Caseville, festival dedicated to cheeseburgers, Jimmy Buffet, and the island lifestyle exists. Lasting 10 days long, this festival is all about good food, good music, and good times.
18. Polka Isn’t Just A Type Of Dot Here
With the huge amount of German and Polish heritage in the Thumb area, out-of-towners should expect to hear a little bit of polka music while they’re here. Driven by accordions and brass instruments, this upbeat genre is hard not to tap along to.
19. Beer Is An Essential Part Of Michigan Thumb Cuisine
The Thumb of Michigan is home to some of the best craft brewers in the country. Every local brewery here adds their own special twist to the brewing process to make their beer taste unique and awesome.
20. But Don’t Forget About The Wine
The Blue Water Area is famous for having a great grape growing climate, meaning any time you see a sign for a local winery, it’s always best to try it out. One of the local favorites is Bad Axe’s Dizzy Daisy Winery. If you try it once, you’ll be back for more.
21. Koegel’s, Home To All Your Sausage Needs!
Headquartered in Flint, Koegel’s is the favorite brand around these parts when it comes to buying meat. If an out-of-towner doesn’t understand why this company is so awesome, get them a Koegel hot dog and let them taste the difference.
22. Thumbers Call It “Pop”
Some places call it “soda,” some places call it “coke,” but on the Thumb, if it’s sugary, carbonated, and full of flavor, it’s “pop.”
Out-of-towners will stick out like a sore thumb if they call it something else. And don’t forget, it’s technically illegal to throw away pop cans. Instead, in Michigan you can return them for cash.
23. Thomas Edison Pride Is A Thing
It’s a sure thing that locals will be quick to let an out-of-towner know, but Thomas Edison grew up in the Port Huron area in the 1850s and 60s.
While this was during his teenage years prior to his professional success, Thumb dwellers love to bring this fun fact up and even have a museum to honor him.
24. Bean Soup Is A Big Deal
Once upon a time, Kinde was the bean capital of the world, so it’s not surprising that people of the Thumb love their bean soup. There are tons of variations and every bowl is different, the best advice to give an out-of-towner is simply to try them all.
25. People Love Local Here
Whether it’s a small business or a farmer’s market, people on the Thumb love buying local. Not only does this help the area economically, it’s also led to a very tight knit community over the years.
26. It’s Pronounced “See-Ba-Wing”
Famous for great walleye fishing and the annual Michigan Sugar Festival, Sebewaing will be difficult for any out-of-towner to say at first. Just give them a few chances before laugh them out of the state.
27. And, Yah, The Sugar Festival Is As Sweet As It Sounds
Originally started with the goal of showing appreciation to the local sugar industry, the annual Michigan Sugar Festival in Sebewaing has become one of the coolest summer fests around. With plenty of food, a crowning of the sugar queen, and an awesome fireworks show, it can’t be missed come mid-June.
28. Canada Is Invading…Your Pockets
A side effect of living so close to the Canadian border is that sometimes the change of each country seems to be traded back and forth between unsuspecting citizens.
If an out-of-towner is planning on spending any cash in the Thumb, they should expect to find a few Canadian pennies in their pocket by the end of the trip.
29. It Smells A Little Like Worms Here Sometimes
Due to the Thumb’s close proximity to the Great Lakes, rainfall tends to bring the smell of worms with it. While it might be a bit off-putting at first, locals end up loving the smell, as it’s a simple reminder that they’re home.
30. Don’t Be Surprised By That Head On The Wall
With over 49,000 acres of state game and wildlife areas in the Thumb region, there’s a huge hunting culture. While an out-of-towner might be coming from a place where gun laws are very strict, here they shouldn’t be too surprised if they hear a shotgun blast in the distance.
31. Fridays Should Be Spelled “Fryday” Here
As a sort of tradition, Fridays are often reserved for fish fries on the Thumb. An excuse for friends and family to gather, sharing a meal and a few beers, fish fries provide some of the best entertainment around.
32. The Thumb Is One Of The Most Beautiful Places In The World
With beautiful shorelines, heavily wooded areas, and small town friendliness, the Thumb of Michigan is one of coolest places in the country. Take an out-of-towner out on the lake during a sunset and it’s a sure thing they’ll be asking to visit again in no time.
What have you had to explain to out-of-towners about the Thumb? Tell us in the comments below! 
