Here Are 12 Things People from Michigan Do That Seem Insane To Everyone Else

Michigan is the land of lakes, cars, and some seriously head-scratching habits. To Michiganders, these quirks are just a way of life. To outsiders, they often look like pure Midwestern madness—with a side of snow and sand dunes.

1. Use Their Hand as a Map

Outsiders carry atlases or use GPS. Michiganders just hold up a hand and point to where they live.

2. Call Pop “Pop” and Judge You If You Say “Soda”

It’s not soda. It’s never soda. End of debate.

3. Treat Vernors Like Medicine

Got a stomach ache? Forget Pepto. In Michigan, Vernors ginger ale is the cure-all.

4. Vacation in the Upper Peninsula Like It’s a Whole New World

Locals act like crossing the Mackinac Bridge is entering another dimension. Outsiders just wonder why everyone’s so excited about pasties and waterfalls.

5. Brag About Being Able to Drive in Snowstorms

Blizzards don’t scare Michiganders—they just floor it and keep going. Outsiders refuse to leave the driveway.

6. Debate Over Which Side of the State Has Better Beaches

Lake Michigan vs. Lake Huron? Outsiders don’t see the difference. Locals will argue forever.

7. Worship Faygo Like It’s Holy Water

Redpop, Moon Mist, Rock & Rye—outsiders laugh, but Michiganders grew up on it.

8. Cheer for College Football Like It’s a War

Michigan vs. Michigan State isn’t a game—it’s a statewide feud that ruins Thanksgiving dinners.

9. Keep Cans for the 10-Cent Deposit

Outsiders toss them in the recycling bin. Michiganders hoard them like gold.

10. Eat Coney Dogs at 2 a.m.

Chili, mustard, onions—served on a hot dog. Outsiders are skeptical, locals swear by it.

11. Drive “Up North” Like It’s a Pilgrimage

Every summer, Michiganders flee the cities for cabins, lakes, and bonfires. Outsiders wonder why so many cars are hauling boats.

12. Treat the Weather Like a Bipolar Relative

Snow in April? A 70° day in November? Michiganders just shrug—it’s “Pure Michigan.”

To outsiders, these Michigan quirks might seem strange, extreme, or just plain insane. But for locals, they’re part of what makes life in the Great Lakes State unforgettable. Stick around long enough and you’ll be pointing at your hand to give directions, hoarding cans for cash, and cracking open a Faygo like you’ve always lived here.