The ‘Pure Michigan’ Traditions Every Michigander Must Try

Where would we be without tradition? The routine events that families and society have deemed important are an organic way of bringing people together. Whether that be opening presents on Christmas morning, watching fireworks on July 4th, or if you lived in my house, Friday pizza nights.

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Michigan is a pretty unique state with traditions that stand out even from the other Midwest states (my guess is it has something to do with being surrounded by water on three sides). Whether it's some of our curious delicacies or the activities we do by season, there's no shortage of traditions that are quintessentially Michigan.

Facebook users in the group "Original Michigan" were posed this question, and nearly 200 people posted what they believed were Michigan traditions. Let us know if you agree, or if there is one that wasn't mentioned that should be here!

Apple Cider Mill and Donuts

As the temperatures begin to drop, getting cider and donuts is a must. A day at the apple or pumpkin orchard, or running around a corn maze, just isn't complete without a box of delicious donuts and some apple cider to wash it down.

Plus, many cider mills, like Farmhaus Cider Co., have year-round taprooms for those of us looking for a more adult-oriented cider anytime.

Going Up North

Going "up north" usually means either taking a trip to the top of Michigan's Lower Peninsula or experiencing the beauty of the Upper Peninsula.

Either way, you're getting away from the hustle and bustle of your day-to-day to enjoy nature. Typically, people do this in the summer or the fall to watch the trees turn color.

Michigan vs Michigan State

A few days in middle school were as hype as the week before a duel between Michigan's two powerhouse college sports teams - the Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans.

When these two schools play each other, everyone is wearing either maize and blue or green and white. This rivalry runs deep, and each side wants bragging rights.

The Bridge Walk

Michigan's most iconic structure, the Mackinac Bridge, is what connects the UP to the LP. The five miles over Lake Michigan-Huron is typically a 10-15 minute car ride, but on one day a year, Labor Day, people are invited to walk halfway across the Mighty Mack for the annual Bridge Walk. The event is free to the public and offers an unforgettable view of the Great Lakes.

Tulip Time & Michigan's Festivals

Michigan has plenty of unique festivals that take place throughout the year, with the three largest being the world-renowned Tulip Festival in Holland (recently the setting for a Nicole Kidman thriller), the Cherry Festival in Traverse City, and ArtPrize in Grand Rapids.

But we also have festivals for beer, comedy, apples, pickles, lilacs, winter, and more. Pure Michigan offers a massive list of fairs and festivals around Michigan.

Hunting & Fishing Season

Hunting and fishing are two of the most popular Michigan traditions. Where I grew up, half the town would take their kid out of school for the opening day of deer hunting season, mainly firearm season in mid-November.

READ MORE: How to Get a Seasonal Job on Mackinac Island

Seasons vary depending on what you're hunting or fishing, with fishing season typically running from April to September (though there is ice fishing, so really committed fishermen can find ways to go anytime).

Pączki & Pasties

Michigan has two unique foods that highlight different aspects of its culture. Pączki are a huge part of Polish culture, with thousands of people indulging in deep-fried jelly-filled donuts on Fat Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the pasty is an Upper Peninsula delicacy. A hand-held meat pie, usually with beef, potatoes, and onions, is delicious and makes for a hearty meal. I just had one last night and was full all afternoon!