7 Reasons Michigan is Superior to Ohio (As if There Needs to be a List)
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The debate between Michigan and Ohio is as old as the hills (or at least as old as the Michigan-Ohio State football rivalry). Michiganders will tell you there’s no good reason to visit Ohio and Ohioans may say they wouldn’t be caught dead going “up north.”
DID YOU KNOW: The two states even went to war over the Toledo Strip — a border dispute that ultimately gave Toledo to Ohio and the entire Upper Peninsula to Michigan.
We acknowledge that both states have their merits. But let’s face it, Michigan clearly has the edge, and here are seven reasons why Michigan is superior to Ohio (though we really don’t need a list to prove it).
1. Michigan has Great Lakes Glory
When people think of Michigan, the first thing they probably think of is the Great Lakes — after all, Michigan isn’t called the Great Lakes State for nothing. Four of the five Great Lakes border Michigan (all, but Lake Ontario), which means Michiganders and Michigan visitors have unparalleled access to freshwater shorelines.
DID YOU KNOW: Michigan has the nation’s largest freshwater coastline with more than 3,200 linear miles and accounts for more than 60% of coastline in the Great Lakes Basin.
Ohio can indeed boast 262 miles of shoreline along Lake Erie, including coastal cities like Cleveland and Sandusky. But having access to four Great Lakes is a lot better than one. Advantage Michigan.
Whether it’s the serene beauty of Lake Michigan, the bustling shores of Lake Erie, the tranquil expanse of Lake Huron, or the mighty Lake Superior, Michigan’s lakes are a treasure trove of natural beauty and recreation.
RELATED: Michigan has 129 lighthouses dotting its shoreline, giving residents and visitors yet another reason to flock to the coast.
2. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a Wonderland
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula — better known to Michiganders as “the UP” — is a slice of paradise Ohio simply can’t compete with. After taking a scenic drive across the iconic Mackinac Bridge, residents and visitors enter an absolute outdoor haven filled with endless possibilities.
Outdoorsy types of all sorts can enjoy the rugged beauty of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and the rushing waters of Tahquamenon Falls. The UP is also the spot to enjoy the ultimate UP delicacy — the pasty — and take a scenic road trip across the UP on US-2.
Looking for more? Travel to Whitefish Point to learn about Great Lakes shipwrecks including the Edmund Fitzgerald or take a day trip to two of Michigan’s crown jewels — Mackinac Island and Isle Royale.
3. The Mitten is the Ultimate Point of Pride
Both Michigan and Ohio have special points of pride, but Michigan has the advantage again because its unique shape is the ultimate point of pride.
Michigan is the only state where residents can use their hands as a map to show people where they’re from — Wisconsin might have something to say about that, but that’s a debate for another time.
Michigan’s Lower Peninsula is shaped like a mitten, and some say the Upper Peninsula is shaped like a hat. Ohioans might have pride, but Michiganders can literally point to their hometown on their hands!
4. The Magic of the Motor City
Detroit, Michigan’s largest city, is known as the birthplace of the American auto industry. But Motown is a cultural and historical powerhouse, influencing everything from music to culture to food.
Ohioans may tell you that “Cleveland Rocks!” but Michiganders will point to The D’s vibrant music scene, which has produced legendary Motown music and launched artists like Jack White, Kid Rock, and Eminem.
Detroit is home to world-class museums like Hitsville USA and the Detroit Institute of Arts; its culinary influence led to the creation of America’s favorite pizza and some of Michigan’s favorite franks along with Faygo and Vernors; and attractions like the award-winning Detroit Riverwalk showcase the very best of the Motor City.
5. A Legendary College Football Rivalry
The Michigan-Ohio State football rivalry is legendary and perhaps the best rivalry in sports. We won’t debate which team is better because both programs have a history of dominating on the gridiron.
But……we would be remiss if we didn’t mention that (as of August 2024) Michigan leads the all-time rivalry 61-51-6 and has won the last three matchups.
No matter what side of the rivalry you’re on, the Michigan-Ohio State game is a must-see event every year. Both programs have iconic stadiums — Michigan’s Big House and Ohio State’s Horseshoe — both programs have talented rosters and there are usually high stakes each time they meet.
6. Michigan’s Small Towns Are Oozing With Charm
We’ll admit that Ohio has some nice attractions, major big cities, and quaint small towns. But we’ll go ahead and argue that Michigan’s small towns can’t be beat.
From east to west and peninsula to peninsula, Michigan is dotted with charming small towns that offer a huge slice of hospitality and Americana. From scenic lakeside towns like Saugatuck and Port Huron to the charm of Bavarian-themed Frankenmuth to St. Ignace, these towns provide a quaint escape with unique local flavors.
Ohio has charm, but Michigan’s small towns have that extra sprinkle of magic that is unmatched.
7. Michigan Has Four-Season Splendor
Michiganders like to joke about the weather — especially during times of the year when they can experience several seasons on the same day. But, all jokes aside, Michigan is a year-round destination that experiences all four seasons in their full glory and each season has its own allure.
Michigan winters may be cold, but they bring snow-covered landscapes perfect for skiing and snowmobiling. Spring blooms with vibrant colors, best seen at events like Holland’s Tulip Time Festival and Mackinac’s Island Lilac Festival.
Summer offers endless opportunities for days on the water, attending hot air balloon festivals, climbing Sleeping Bear Dunes, and much more. Fall may be the most magical of the four seasons in Michigan as a breathtaking tapestry of autumn foliage emerges and small towns, hiking trails, scenic drives, and touristy spots become hotbeds of activity.
There’s No Doubt, Michigan is Superior to Ohio
Ohio may have attractions, but Michigan’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and unique character make it stand out from its Midwest counterpart. From its Great Lakes coastline to its charming small towns, there’s no place quite like the Great Lakes State. So, next time the Michigan-Ohio debate comes up, you can confidently say, “Michigan is superior—no list required.”
