If you were lucky enough to be raised here in the breathtaking Great Lakes State, you undoubtedly maintain a host of wonderful memories from Michigan. Whether you spent your childhood exploring the metropolis of Detroit, sunbathing along the shores of Lake Michigan, or getting lost among the natural splendor of the Upper Peninsula, there are a few dead giveaways that symbolize a Mitten State upbringing. Here are 11 surefire signs you grew up in Michigan: do they ring true for you and your loved ones?

  1. It will always be “pop” to you.

Flickr/mroach No matter how many times we say it, this one holds true: that fizzy stuff we drink is called pop, and there are no exceptions. If you grew up in Michigan, chances are good that you’ll defend your favorite beverages against that silly “soda” title for as long as you live.

  1. When you think about hitting the beach, you prefer freshwater or nothing at all.

Flickr/DebMomOf3 Going to the beach should always entail a healthy amount of sand between your toes, not saltwater in your eyes! If you’re a lifelong Michigander, the word “beach” conjures images of lounging on the stunning shorelines of our state’s Great Lakes. No need to worry about strange sea creatures!

  1. You were raised on Meijer or Kroger-brand groceries.

Flickr/Mike Kalasnik The sight of one of these classic grocery stores is a welcomed and familiar experience for those of us who spent our childhoods in the Great Lakes State. There’s nothing better to do on a late night in small-town Michigan than head to the 24-hour Meijer and roam around aimlessly.

  1. Vernor’s still seems like the ultimate healing elixir.

Flickr/Bill Walsh When you get an upset stomach, your instinct will always be to grab a bottle of Vernor’s. Growing up in Michigan meant that this all-healing ginger ale was your go-to remedy for nausea, and you’ll never doubt its magical benefits!

  1. The words “Up North” fill you with excitement.

Flickr/Sailing Nomad Is there anything better than heading Up North with your family and friends? No matter how old you are, these two words bring up memories of lakeside campfires, fishing from the dock, and enjoying delicious ice cream on a hot summer evening. It doesn’t get much more wonderful than that.

  1. When thirst hits, you start craving Faygo.

Flickr/Spam Michigan is the original home of Faygo pop, and we’re also its biggest fans. No matter how much your tastes have matured over the years, there will always be something perfectly nostalgic and refreshing about cracking open a can of fruity, fizzy Faygo.

  1. Football Sundays trigger feelings of disappointment.

Flickr/Pete Sheffield Even if you’ve relocated to a city whose NFL team performs well, your Michigan upbringing won’t let you forget the disappointment experienced every Sunday while watching the Detroit Lions play. Of course, this depends on your age, but chances are good that the Lions let you down at least a few times growing up.

  1. Snow days still feel like a rare and precious commodity.

Flickr/June Marie Here in Michigan, we’re used to functioning normally in blizzard-like conditions. As a child in the Great Lakes State, it took a whole lot of serious snow and ice to call off school for the day, and we cherished every snow day as if it were gold.

  1. You show people where you’re from by pointing to your palm.

Flickr/Michigan Municipal League It’s nearly impossible to unlearn this classic Michigan trait. After all, we’re lucky to have a built-in map right on our bodies! When someone asks where you’re from, there’s no quicker way to explain than to point to a specific spot on your hand.

  1. Non-Michiganders often poke fun at you for your “accent.”

Flickr/Toni Lucatorto If you’ve traveled far from Michigan or even simply ventured to one of America’s coasts, we’re sure you’ve been called out for your “accent.” We certainly can’t hear it, but apparently we sound a bit nasally to non-Michiganders. That said, we’ll always think that out-of-staters are the ones with strange ways of speaking!

  1. There’s no place you’d rather be than Michigan.

Flickr/PunkToad No matter where life has taken you, your Michigan upbringing will always summon you home. Your best memories, family cottages, and favorite childhood hangouts are all here in Michigan, and it would be impossible to erase your past in the Great Lakes State. Luckily, Michigan is a uniquely wonderful place to grow up — and we’re lucky to call it ours.

What are some other signs you’re from Michigan? What are some of the things you miss most if you’ve relocated to a different part of the country or even across the world? We’re always eager to hear your thoughts, so be sure to leave us a Facebook comment. Are there any other silly things Michiganders do or fun facts about Michigan that we should write about in a future piece? Share your best ideas with us by filling out our official nomination form here.

Flickr/mroach

No matter how many times we say it, this one holds true: that fizzy stuff we drink is called pop, and there are no exceptions. If you grew up in Michigan, chances are good that you’ll defend your favorite beverages against that silly “soda” title for as long as you live.

Flickr/DebMomOf3

Going to the beach should always entail a healthy amount of sand between your toes, not saltwater in your eyes! If you’re a lifelong Michigander, the word “beach” conjures images of lounging on the stunning shorelines of our state’s Great Lakes. No need to worry about strange sea creatures!

Flickr/Mike Kalasnik

The sight of one of these classic grocery stores is a welcomed and familiar experience for those of us who spent our childhoods in the Great Lakes State. There’s nothing better to do on a late night in small-town Michigan than head to the 24-hour Meijer and roam around aimlessly.

Flickr/Bill Walsh

When you get an upset stomach, your instinct will always be to grab a bottle of Vernor’s. Growing up in Michigan meant that this all-healing ginger ale was your go-to remedy for nausea, and you’ll never doubt its magical benefits!

Flickr/Sailing Nomad

Is there anything better than heading Up North with your family and friends? No matter how old you are, these two words bring up memories of lakeside campfires, fishing from the dock, and enjoying delicious ice cream on a hot summer evening. It doesn’t get much more wonderful than that.

Flickr/Spam

Michigan is the original home of Faygo pop, and we’re also its biggest fans. No matter how much your tastes have matured over the years, there will always be something perfectly nostalgic and refreshing about cracking open a can of fruity, fizzy Faygo.

Flickr/Pete Sheffield

Even if you’ve relocated to a city whose NFL team performs well, your Michigan upbringing won’t let you forget the disappointment experienced every Sunday while watching the Detroit Lions play. Of course, this depends on your age, but chances are good that the Lions let you down at least a few times growing up.

Flickr/June Marie

Here in Michigan, we’re used to functioning normally in blizzard-like conditions. As a child in the Great Lakes State, it took a whole lot of serious snow and ice to call off school for the day, and we cherished every snow day as if it were gold.

Flickr/Michigan Municipal League

It’s nearly impossible to unlearn this classic Michigan trait. After all, we’re lucky to have a built-in map right on our bodies! When someone asks where you’re from, there’s no quicker way to explain than to point to a specific spot on your hand.

Flickr/Toni Lucatorto

If you’ve traveled far from Michigan or even simply ventured to one of America’s coasts, we’re sure you’ve been called out for your “accent.” We certainly can’t hear it, but apparently we sound a bit nasally to non-Michiganders. That said, we’ll always think that out-of-staters are the ones with strange ways of speaking!

Flickr/PunkToad

No matter where life has taken you, your Michigan upbringing will always summon you home. Your best memories, family cottages, and favorite childhood hangouts are all here in Michigan, and it would be impossible to erase your past in the Great Lakes State. Luckily, Michigan is a uniquely wonderful place to grow up — and we’re lucky to call it ours.

Looking for another way to celebrate your Michigan state pride? Be sure to about the most iconic restaurants in Michigan.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Signs You Grew Up In Michigan September 15, 2021 Sophie Boudreau Are there any other quirky things Michiganders do? Many folks from Michigan find themselves in confusing situations when they interact with out-of-state friends and realize that their mannerisms or word choices aren’t universal. For example, non-Michiganders might be confused when those from Michigan point out specific towns using the palm of their hand. For a full list of odd things Michiganders do, click here.  Which destinations define childhood in Michigan? Kids who grew up in Michigan likely share some of the same unique and interesting memories. From thrilling theme parks like Michigan’s Adventure to Mackinac Island and Great Wolf Lodge, many of the most famous and exciting destinations in Michigan have long played a role in crafting lifelong memories for young residents. If you’re a Michigander who’s in the mood to reminisce, read about these 11 places that define childhood in Michigan.  What are some underrated towns in Michigan? Whether you’re on the lookout for natural wonder, ample shopping opportunities, or historical attractions galore, there’s an amazing town in Michigan that fits the bill. The Great Lakes State is simply overflowing with unique spots to visit, but some of these destinations fly under the radar. Read more about our favorite underrated towns in Michigan, including spots like St. Joseph and Iron Mountain, by checking out our previous article here. 

The OIYS Visitor Center

Signs You Grew Up In Michigan

September 15, 2021

Sophie Boudreau

Are there any other quirky things Michiganders do? Many folks from Michigan find themselves in confusing situations when they interact with out-of-state friends and realize that their mannerisms or word choices aren’t universal. For example, non-Michiganders might be confused when those from Michigan point out specific towns using the palm of their hand. For a full list of odd things Michiganders do, click here.  Which destinations define childhood in Michigan? Kids who grew up in Michigan likely share some of the same unique and interesting memories. From thrilling theme parks like Michigan’s Adventure to Mackinac Island and Great Wolf Lodge, many of the most famous and exciting destinations in Michigan have long played a role in crafting lifelong memories for young residents. If you’re a Michigander who’s in the mood to reminisce, read about these 11 places that define childhood in Michigan.  What are some underrated towns in Michigan? Whether you’re on the lookout for natural wonder, ample shopping opportunities, or historical attractions galore, there’s an amazing town in Michigan that fits the bill. The Great Lakes State is simply overflowing with unique spots to visit, but some of these destinations fly under the radar. Read more about our favorite underrated towns in Michigan, including spots like St. Joseph and Iron Mountain, by checking out our previous article here. 

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Many folks from Michigan find themselves in confusing situations when they interact with out-of-state friends and realize that their mannerisms or word choices aren’t universal. For example, non-Michiganders might be confused when those from Michigan point out specific towns using the palm of their hand. For a full list of odd things Michiganders do, click here. 

Which destinations define childhood in Michigan?

Kids who grew up in Michigan likely share some of the same unique and interesting memories. From thrilling theme parks like Michigan’s Adventure to Mackinac Island and Great Wolf Lodge, many of the most famous and exciting destinations in Michigan have long played a role in crafting lifelong memories for young residents. If you’re a Michigander who’s in the mood to reminisce, read about these 11 places that define childhood in Michigan. 

What are some underrated towns in Michigan?

Whether you’re on the lookout for natural wonder, ample shopping opportunities, or historical attractions galore, there’s an amazing town in Michigan that fits the bill. The Great Lakes State is simply overflowing with unique spots to visit, but some of these destinations fly under the radar. Read more about our favorite underrated towns in Michigan, including spots like St. Joseph and Iron Mountain, by checking out our previous article here.