People in Michigan HATE THIS! Avoid Doing These 10 Things in Michigan

Have you ever wondered what truly grinds the gears of Michiganders? Michigan is a state filled with stunning landscapes, a proud history, and a unique culture. But, like anywhere else, there are certain things that just hit a nerve with the locals. Whether it’s about how the state is perceived or the actions of visitors, these quirks will resonate with anyone who calls Michigan home or plans to. Stick around as I dive into the top 10 things that people in Michigan absolutely hate. You might learn something new—or at least know what not to do next time you’re here!

If you plan to visit or live in Michigan. make sure you DO NOT do these 10 things!

Living In Michigan

The Mispronouncing

Starting off with #1, there’s no quicker way to irritate a Michigander than to butcher the pronunciation of their cities and landmarks. It’s Mackinac, not “Mack-in-ack,” and Ypsilanti isn’t pronounced “Yip-si-lan-tee.” Michiganders have a deep pride in their state’s unique names no matter how hard it may be to say, and they expect others to show the same respect—or at least try and even then, it might not cut it. Imagine a tourist strolling into a local diner and confidently ordering a “Mack-in-ack burger” while the entire room collectively starts throwing Vernors at them. It’s like nails on a chalkboard.

People think this point isn’t that bad, but I did a little bit of an experiment to prove it. I'm beat up but I survived. I’m a born and raised Michigander, a huge researcher, very data oriented, and in my recent few videos leading up to this one, I intentionally mispronounced several locations and cities in Michigan just to see what would happen while I was in the process of making this video and oh my goodness was there an overwhelming amount of correction and criticism. From mispronouncing Ossineke, Dimondale and Fayette, I received hundreds of comments spelling out the correct way to pronounce the word with dashes, people saying they couldn’t stand watching the video based on how I pronounced the places and I was even told several times that there’s no way I am from Michigan and to go back to Ohio. Viewers made it clear that we as Michiganders take pronounciation very very seriously. So, if you’re visiting, do your homework, so you don’t end up on the Michigan wall of shame like me. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Living In Michigan

Michigan Weather Unpredictability

Moving on to #2, We as Michiganders know our weather is unpredictable. We live it every single day. But hearing “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes” for the millionth time gets old. Winter’s icy wrath, the spring’s fake-outs, and summers that switch between sunshine and storms are part of life here. Outsiders might joke about it, but for Michiganders, it’s just another Tuesday and that’s why we all have raincoats, umbrellas and snow scrapers in our cars at all times. Picture this: It’s mid-April. You leave your house in a parka, switch to a t-shirt by noon, and then shovel snow off your driveway by dinner. Michiganders endure it all—and we’re proud of it. So, when someone from Florida comments on the “crazy weather,” locals just smile through some gritted teeth because we could move out of this state if we wanted to, and we don’t. 

Living In Michigan

Michigan Vs. Ohio Rivalry

Shifting gears to #3, if there’s one thing Michiganders hold sacred, it’s their rivalry with Ohio, particularly when it comes to sports. Rooting for Ohio State in Michigan is almost a cardinal sin. “Go Blue” means something deep here, and hearing an Ohio fan flaunt their loyalty is enough to spark a heated debate. I remember in elementary school there was a kid who always wore buckeye stuff and kids would always get in trouble for either trying to rip it off him or take a marker to it. Then we all grew up and realized it’s not that serious. It’s not just about sports either. Let’s talk about the Toledo War, a boundary dispute in the 1830s that saw Michigan and Ohio literally fight over who got Toledo. Thankfully, no one was killed, but the bitterness lingered. Ohio got Toledo, and Michigan got the Upper Peninsula (a win, if you ask any Michigander). Even today, this history adds some fuel to the rivalry. 

Living In Michigan

Michigan Roads

Stepping over to #4, We as Michiganders love to complain about their roads—but only we are allowed to do it. Outsiders making jokes about potholes or the infamous Michigan left can quickly land on their bad side. The roads may be a mess, but that’s our mess. And if you’re not from here, keep your comments to yourself, we are okay to pop a tire once in a while and redo a strut in our car if need be. Driving in Michigan is a survival skill. From swerving around craters that could swallow a small car to mastering the Michigan left (a U-turn disguised as a traffic maneuver), locals know the struggle. Outsiders pointing it out feels like rubbing Detroit salt in the wound. In a 2022 survey, Michigan ranked among the worst states for road quality, and the locals know it. But we also know how to navigate the quirks better than anyone else.

Living In Michigan

The Michigan Hand Map

Heading into #5, Michiganders are proud of their hand map. Show them your palm, and they can point out exactly where they live. Outsiders who dismiss this tradition or fail to understand its practicality are often met with a mix of frustration and pity. Picture this: A local patiently explains the hand map to a visitor, only to have them whip out their phone and say, “I’ll just Google it.” The audacity! The hand map isn’t just a quirky tradition—it’s a point of pride and a symbol of Michigan’s identity. It’s an instant visual, there is nothing better than that truly.

Living In Michigan

The Michigan Food Scene

Sliding into #6, Michiganders hate when their food scene gets dismissed or overlooked. Sure, Chicago has deep-dish pizza, and New York has bagels, but Michigan has some culinary staples that locals are fiercely proud of. From Detroit-style pizza to Coney dogs, pasties from the U.P., Mackinac Island fudge, and Vernors ginger ale, Michigan’s offerings are as unique as its people. Imagine visiting Michigan and passing on a Coney dog because you "don’t like hot dogs." Or telling someone from the U.P. that a pasty is “just a meat pie.” Locals will defend these dishes like they would their hometown sports teams. So, when outsiders downplay Michigan’s food culture, it’s a recipe for some serious side-eye.

Living In Michigan

Michigan - The "Fly Over State"

Cruising along to #7, if there’s one thing that gets Michiganders riled up, it’s hearing Michigan dismissed as a "flyover state." People from the coasts often lump Michigan in with the rest of the Midwest as if it’s just cornfields and small towns. Locals know better. Michigan is home to vibrant cities, stunning natural wonders, and a legacy of innovation that helped shape the nation. Whether it’s the auto industry in Detroit, the tech boom in Ann Arbor, or the world-class beauty of the Great Lakes, we are proud of their state’s contributions. Hearing someone say, “What’s even in Michigan?” feels like an insult to everything they cherish, but that’s okay, we will be a secret over here.

Living In Michigan

Michigan Nature Preservation

Switching gears to #8, Michigan is home to pristine lakes, lush forests, and breathtaking dunes. Locals take conservation seriously, and tourists who litter or fail to follow basic etiquette at these natural landmarks often find themselves in hot water with Michiganders. Imagine hiking at Sleeping Bear Dunes and seeing someone carve their initials into a tree. That’s the kind of thing that makes locals see red. A ranger once noted, “We love sharing our state with visitors, but it’s heartbreaking to see trash left behind.” If you’re visiting, pack it in and pack it out.

Living In Michigan

Michigan Great Lakes

On top of the wonderful landscapes, we need to talk about the lakes. Drifting into #9, people outside Michigan often underestimate the Great Lakes, dismissing them as "just lakes." For Michiganders, these are freshwater seas with immense beauty and power. Hearing someone call Lake Michigan a "big pond" is almost offensive. If anything they are oceans without salt. The Great Lakes aren’t just any bodies of water—they hold 20% of the world’s fresh surface water supply. They’re so vast that standing on the shore feels more like staring out at an ocean than a lake. These lakes generate storms, support shipping industries, and provide stunning recreational opportunities. From kayaking along the Pictured Rocks to catching sunsets over Lake Superior, the lakes are an integral part of Michigan’s identity. To dismiss these lakes as ordinary is to overlook how fascinating they are. They define the state’s geography, culture, and economy, and locals take great pride in these natural wonders.

Living In Michigan

Detroit Michigan's Reputation

And finally, wrapping up with #10, Detroit’s reputation has improved, but some outsiders still cling to outdated stereotypes about it being a city in ruins. We as Michiganders are fiercely defensive of Detroit’s rich history, vibrant culture, and ongoing revitalization. From its roots as the cradle of the American automotive industry to its status as a hub for art, music, and food, Detroit is a city on the rise. The revitalization of neighborhoods like Corktown and Midtown shows the city’s resilience. Historic landmarks like the Guardian Building and the Detroit Institute of Arts showcase the blend of history and culture that Detroiters hold dear. Events like the Detroit Jazz Festival and Motor City Pride further highlight the city’s diverse and dynamic spirit. While challenges remain, Detroit is far from the ghost town some outsiders imagine. The ongoing investments in infrastructure, local businesses, and community programs are clear signs of a bright future. Reducing Detroit to its struggles is not only unfair but ignores the incredible progress and potential of this storied city.

Michigan is a state full of pride, quirks, and passion. From its unique pronunciation rules to its stunning natural beauty, there’s a lot to love, some things to dislike, and a few things that just hit a nerve.

What did I miss? Are there other things that Michiganders can’t stand? Drop your thoughts in the comments below. 

If you’re thinking about moving to Michigan in 1 day or a million, feel free to reach out anytime. I also have a link to the Living in Michigan newsletter to give you insight on all things Michigan, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss out! Thanks for watching, until next time.

Cheers,

Andrew

Andrew McManamon is a Michigan REALTOR® with Signature Sotheby’s International Realty and provides real estate services to Buyers, Sellers and Investors throughout SE Michigan including Livingston County, Oakland County, Washtenaw County, Genesee County & beyond. Andrew has become one of the pillars of Michigan real estate. Prior to his real estate career Andrew was responsible for managing a senior living facility in Brighton, Michigan as a dining supervisor and an activities assistant. Andrew’s passion to help people is unlike any other, and he continues to strive to be the best resource he can be. Andrew graduated from Cleary University in Howell, Michigan with a double major in business and marketing, and currently resides in Brighton, Michigan.

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