1. In 1836, Michigan officially became a state in the United States of America after being a part of the Northwest Territory, and then its own Michigan Territory.

2. In 1884, James Vernor invented Vernors ginger ale in Detroit, Michigan. The popular soda has been a staple of the state ever since and is even considered the oldest continuously produced soda in the United States.

3. In 1933, the Michigan State Fairgrounds opened in Detroit. The fairgrounds became home to the Michigan State Fair, which was held annually until 2009.

4. In 1960, the Mackinac Bridge was officially opened connecting Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas. At the time of its opening, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world and is still considered an engineering marvel.

5. In 2010, the Detroit Tigers played a game in Iowa against the Chicago Cubs in what was dubbed the "Field of Dreams" game. The game was played on a specially constructed field near the site where the movie "Field of Dreams" was filmed. The Tigers won the game 10-3.