Michigan is not only beautiful, but it is also an exciting place to live. Keep reading to learn something new about the mitten-shaped state.

If you are standing in Michigan, you are within 85 miles of one of the Great Lakes.

Imagine waking up, pouring yourself a cup of coffee, and looking out to see one of the Great Lakes gleaming in the morning sun. In Michigan, many homeowners get to live this relaxing experience every day. That isn't to say that there isn't a downside to being so close to all of these beautiful bodies of water.

High levels of precipitation and excess snow runoff during the spring and summer have affected the lake levels over the years. 

The main challenge of rising lake levels for homeowners is property damage. Homeowners that have bought lakefront homes or property in the past few years have experienced major degradation as lake levels continue to rise. Homeowners are presented with a unique challenge in protecting their lakefront properties from rising lake levels. The Great Lakes' beaches are held in public trust, and protective add-ons are often at odds with protecting shoreline aquatic habitats.

Hippo can help. We offer customizable home insurance that will put you at ease, with the great coverage you expect, plus extras like 4x higher coverage limits on your electronics than other providers and enhanced coverage on the appliances that help run your home, like your water heater and air conditioner.

You are going to have to decide which side of the long-standing Coney Dog debate you are on. Lafayette or American?

Just picture it. There are two hot dog joints, and more famous than the hotdogs themselves is the historic rivalry between the restaurants that started over a century ago. Oh, and did we mention they sit side by side on Lafayette Boulevard in Detroit's historic downtown. 

It all began when Gust Keros opened a Coney Island hot dog cart on Michigan Avenue and Lafayette. The cart was a huge success. So much so that in 1917, he moved to Lafayette's permanent residence and called it American Coney Island. Soon, he brought his brother Bill to the country to help with his growing business. But then, in 1924, Bill opened Lafayette Coney Island right next door. The reason for this is shrouded in mystery. Was it a dispute? Possible future expansion? No one can say for sure. What is clear, though, is that with the close proximity and customers to fight for, a rivalry emerged. This was most likely due to the customers as anyone, as Detroiters and visiting tourists felt the need to swear loyalty to one or the other--but never both.

Michigan loves its art museums. (DIA, Grand Rapids Art Museum, U of M Museum of Art, Flint Institute of Arts…)

Michigan has long been a state that appreciates art. Featuring big, bold works and abstract pieces of inspiration, Michigan art museums are a place to reflect, react and find inspiration.

Some museums showcase works from world-renowned names and other highlight local Michigan artists. Some offer a look back on the past art movements, while others highlight the next generation of mediums and viewpoints.

Chances are, your own personal art collection is irreplaceable. At Hippo, we understand how important it is to protect all of your assets and your investment. Scheduling coverage for those high-dollar items is something people forget when it comes to their home insurance. But having insurance for these items that you cherish and bring you joy will give you peace of mind.

They have thousands of miles of bike trails.

Because Michigan is such a naturally beautiful state, tucked amongst flora and fauna is a vast trail system from Stateline to Stateline. People can pedal through Michigan's lush forests and gentle hills, alongside the lakes and rivers and through beautiful cityscapes. Whether recreational or mountain biking, Michigan has a trail for every cyclist's interest and comfort level. 

An average mountain bike price is $3,831.66. Cyclists can expect to spend $193.96 on the low end, with prices climbing as high as $11,999.99.

Because your tricked-out mountain bike will fall underneath the personal property section of your HO-3 homeowners insurance policy, you mustn't be underinsured. 

There are more than 140 campground sites.

With so many people heading outdoors after months of quarantine, some state's campsites are suffering from crowds which, of course, comes with a lack of parking and difficulty scoring a reservation. But not in Michigan. 

There, you will have the abundance of selection to experience everything a perfectly chosen campground can offer—and, of course, perfectly roasted marshmallows.

When you can't fish, you can ice fish, and when you can't ice fish, you should be fishing.

Fishing is a time-honored sport. For some, it's a solitary venture; for others, it's a competition to win bragging rights from family and friends. If ice fishing is your choice, it can be as simple as drilling your own hole in the ice and just dropping in a line in, but for those that have made it a true lifestyle, it is an all-day outing complete with an elaborate ice shanty with all the perks. 

Michigan boasts more than 150 species of fish, and almost all of them can be caught through the ice. When the ice freezes over, popular species include panfish such as bluegill and perch and northern pike, walleye, and various trout species.

No matter what season, before arranging your trip, check the fishing laws and regulations of Michigan State. They take these regulations very seriously, and anyone found breaking these laws can receive a big fine.

You can pick perfect crisp apples from nearly 1,000 amazing orchards.

The Mitten State has no shortage of farms and orchards, actually 3rd in the nation behind Washington and New York. This year's apple-picking season is presumed to be exceptionally hearty after the pandemic. This means an abundance of apple pie, apple cider (and doughnuts, a Michigander specialty), apple fritters, and apple crisps. 

What better way to enjoy your bounty first-hand than by visiting one of your area apple orchards and enjoying all the extra-curricular they promise, like cafes, corn mazes, and hayrides.

Michigan is home to 40 ski resorts.

Michigan offers some of the most exciting, diverse terrains in the Midwest, including the Midwest's highest vertical drop. With intimidating names like Voodoo Mountain, Nose Dive, Gorge Glades, Kingdom Come and Sidewinder, the downhill ski and snowboard trails are legendary. The slopes really are family-friendly, with resorts offering runs for all skill levels and ski schools, lessons are available for all ages.

It's reasonable for the average recreational skier to spend $600 to $800 for a solid kit of new skis, boots, and bindings.

Under personal property insurance (in the property and casualty section of your home insurance policy), your most treasured and expensive items like your snowboard and ski kit are all protected from pitfalls like theft. Just ensure that your home insurance policy has your back.

Michigan has more lighthouses than any state, and more than a few are thought to be haunted.

Because Michigan is nestled between the Great Lakes, it fosters a strong sense of maritime culture and history. 

The coastlines are dotted abundantly with more lighthouses than any other state in the U.S. These beacons of light and safety have guided sailors through perilous waters to shelter, which may explain some of the historic paranormal activity known to hang around these sites. 

Perhaps it is an undying love for these beloved beacons, or maybe it's a tragic loss that keeps these ghosts lingering long after the lights have been extinguished?

If you need a trip idea, a lighthouse tour should be at the top of your list. Whether it is a bed and breakfast, a museum, or hoping for a ghost tour-- you will find a lighthouse that you will love to explore. 

100+ state parks cover 300,000 acres.

 Michigan's state parks, first established in 1919, expand across both of the state's peninsulas. Because Michigan touches four of the five Great Lakes, its parks include various landscapes and features. From beaches to forests to historic sites, Michigan's Midwest location means the parks have all four seasons, appealing to winter-sport enthusiasts, sun-bathers and everyone in between.

...and in Detroit, Alligators may not be tied to fire hydrants.

Before you get too excited, the truth is that the law simply precludes people from tying "animals" to fire hydrants; it does not mention "alligators." Granted, alligators would be included among "animals." But the supposed funniness of the law derives from the specificity of the (nonexistent) reference to alligators.

So while it's technically illegal to tie an alligator to a fire hydrant in Michigan, the Michigan law doesn't mention alligators at all.

The truth is that back in 2002-ish, there was a humor book of mostly old/outdated laws that were claimed to be "still on the books." The book was called You May Not Tie An Alligator to a Fire Hydrant. Go figure.

We are proud and thankful to offer homeowners insurance in Michigan and Detroit home insurance. Hippo can streamline your homeowners insurance policy, and our hands-on care will do more than surprise you if you ever require our services. If you're ready for a new kind of homeowners insurance, get a 60-second quote or give us a call at (877)838-8866 to see what Hippo can do for you. 

Related Articles

Unlocking the American Dream: 2024 Financial Goals Report

Feb 9

homeowner power washing their home's exterior while standing on a ladder
Are Home Improvements Tax Deductible? Guide to Tax Benefits

Feb 2

homeowner cutting a piece of wood on their deck
How Much To Budget for Home Maintenance

Jan 19

homeowner looking over their household budget