1. In 1877, the Michigan Central Railroad completed a new train depot in Detroit, which became the largest railroad station in the city. The grand and ornate Michigan Central Station served as a hub for transportation until its closure in 1988. It is now being restored for future use.

2. The first automobile race in Michigan took place on April 24, 1899. The race started in downtown Detroit and followed the Woodward Avenue to Pontiac, a distance of about 20 miles. The race was won by Charles Brady King, who drove the "King" car, which he designed and built himself.

3. On April 24, 1901, the Detroit Tigers played their first baseball game at Bennett Park. The Tigers defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 14-13 in a high-scoring game that featured numerous errors and walks. Bennett Park was later replaced by Navin Field, which is now known as Tiger Stadium.

4. In 1959, the Mackinac Bridge opened to traffic, connecting Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas. The 5-mile-long bridge spans the Straits of Mackinac and is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. The bridge provides a vital link between the two peninsulas and has become a popular tourist destination.

5. The Detroit Free Press Marathon takes place annually on the Sunday closest to April 24. The marathon began in 1978 and has become one of the top marathons in the United States, attracting thousands of runners from around the world. The course winds through Detroit and its suburbs, taking in several iconic landmarks such as the Ambassador Bridge and Belle Isle Park.