Portal:Michigan highways/Did you know

The following facts or hooks have been chosen to appear as in the "Did you know" section of the Michigan Highways portal.

May and June 2011

... that I-475 near Flint is named the "David Dunbar Buick Freeway" after the founder of Buick Motor Company?
... that I-496 in Lansing was named the "Ransom E. Olds Highway" after the founder of both Oldsmobile and the REO Motor Car Company?
... that a section of I-69 in Flint is named the "Louis Chevrolet Freeway" after the founder of Chevrolet?
... that I-375 and a section of I-75 in Detroit are named the "Walter P. Chrysler Freeway" after the founder of Chrysler?
... that a section of I-75 in Detroit is named the "Fisher Freeway" after the Fisher Brothers, founders of a company that built car bodies for General Motors?
... that a section of I-94 south of Detroit is named the "Edsel Ford Freeway" was named for Edsel Ford, Henry's son?
... that M-153 (Ford Road) in Dearborn was named for William Ford, Henry's father?
... that no highway in Michigan has been named for Henry Ford?

July 2011

US 127 through Lansing

... that US 127 (pictured) was tripled in length by extending the highway to replace its parent route, US 27, in 2002?
... that M-117 near Newberry was dedicated in 1993 to the deactivated 117th Quartermaster Battalion formerly based out of Kingsford?
... that sections of state highway M-37 in Michigan have been named for a Civil War general, a governor, and the road's "divine scenic and recreational delights"?
... that the Michigan Department of Transportation has erroneously marked Forest Highway 16 as "County Road H-16" on their maps since 1992?
... that M-46 is only one of three trans-peninsular state highways in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan?

August 2011

Rosie's Diner in Rockford

... that M-57 passes Rosie's Diner (pictured) near Rockford, a restaurant that served as the filming location in Little Ferry, New Jersey for a series of Bounty paper towel commercials starring Rosie the Waitress?
... that M-67, a state highway in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, has remained essentially unchanged but the highways connecting to it have changed three times since 1919?
... that the Saginaw Trail's name comes from the Ojibwe word for "where the Sauk were"?
...that the US National Park Service helped to fund improvements to county road H-58 which serves as the main access road to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in the Upper Peninsula?
... that US 10 crosses the Wisconsin–Michigan border via a privately-owned carferry?

September 2011

Covered bridge along Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

... that the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive (covered bridge pictured) was originally a route called the Sleeping Bear Dunes Park?
...that Henry Ford helped stop construction of M-35 in the Upper Peninsula in order to gain admission to the exclusive Huron Mountain Club?
... that M-97 was simultaneously named both Reid Highway and Groesbeck Highway by different levels of government from 1927 until 1949, the year it was dedicated to Alex Groesbeck?
... that M-69 was truncated in 1960 to one-fifth of its length for 33 years?
... that M-212 is the shortest signed highway in Michigan, connecting to Aloha State Park?

October 2011

SS Drummond Islander IV crossing the De Tour Passage

... that M-134 is one of three state highways in Michigan on an island, and one of two to use a ferry (pictured)?
... that M-66 is the only state highway that runs the length of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan?
... that a new section of US 2 was detoured around the Cut River Bridge when the latter was delayed due to World War II?
... that southbound M-52 in downtown Adrian previously carried both directions of the US 223 business loop in town?
... that the centerline was invented in Wayne County in 1911?

November 2011

Only 1,990 miles from Copper Harbor to Miami

... that there is a mileage sign (pictured) on US 41 in Copper Harbor that proclaims that it is 1,990 miles (3,200 km) to Miami?
... that in 1919, Michigan was the second state to sign numbered highways after Wisconsin?
... that M-68 was a discontinuous highway in Northern Michigan between 1940 and 1946?
... that Westnedge Avenue and Park Street south of downtown Kalamazoo are part of M-331, an unsigned highway?
... that cars are forbidden from Mackinac Island, making M-185 the only state highway without them?

December 2011

View of Lake Superior from Brockway Mountain with information signage

...that at 1,328 feet (405 m) above sea level, Brockway Mountain Drive (scenic overlook pictured) in the Upper Peninsula is one of the highest roads between the Rockies and Alleghenies?
... that the former M-108 in Mackinaw City was once a rare "three-legged route" connecting the State Highway Ferry Docks with the Fort Michilimackinac State Historic Park and US 31?
... that the M-64 highway designation was moved twice in two years by exchanging the number with different roads?
... that the section of Michigan Avenue in East Lansing is an unsigned highway numbered M-143?
... that a section of the former Bus. M-28 in Newberry has also carried the designations M-28, M-48, M-117 or M-123 at different times in its history?

January 2012

The Tridge in winter

... that in Midland, M-20 passes The Tridge (pictured), a three-legged bridge?
... that Industrial Drive in Adrian is officially a connector route for M-34?
... that county road H-63 runs along Mackinac Trail, a former Indian path in the Upper Peninsula?
... that a section of M-42 in Wexford County that was transferred to local control was classified as "flexible pavements"?
... that M-154 is one of three state highways on an island?

February 2012

The "Covered Trail" along US 41 south of Copper Harbor

... that US 41 (pictured) was the state's first Michigan Heritage Route in 1995?
... that before it was signed in 2007, M-121 (Chicago Drive) was an unsigned highway previously part of M-21?
... that the route of M-47 was previously part of US 10?
... that M-94 in Manistique crosses the Siphon Bridge, a structure once described in the pages of the Ripley's Believe It or Not! column?
... that the local nickname for I-194 is "the Penetrator"?

March 2012

Portage Lake Lift Bridge at night

... that M-26 between Houghton and Hancock uses the Portage Lake Lift Bridge (pictured), the heaviest and widest double-decked lift bridge in the world?
... that the Lake Huron Circle Tour follows M-25 around The Thumb?
... that M-45 runs past the campus of Grand Valley State University in Allendale?
... that the Lodge Freeway in the Detroit area is named for John C. Lodge, a former Detroit mayor?
... that M-38 was previously a part of M-35 that was 65 miles (105 km) away from the rest of the highway?

April 2012

Abandoned Peshekee River Bridge in Michigamme Township

... that the first bridge built by the Michigan State Highway Department in the 1910s was the Peshekee River Bridge (pictured) near Michigamme?
... that the former M-122 connected US 2 in St. Ignace to the state car ferry docks?
... that M-78 used to extend south to the Indiana state line and northeast to Flint, but now only runs for about 11 miles (18 km) near Battle Creek?
... that there has never been a highway numbered M-2, but all other numbers less than M-126 have been used?
... that US 127 and US 223 were going to be upgraded to become part of I-73?

May 2012

The "Tunnel of Trees" between Harbor Springs and Good Hart

... that along the "Tunnel of Trees" (pictured), M-119 has no centerline?
... that M-17 used to extend across the Lower Peninsula, but now it only runs from Ann Arbor to Ypsilanti?
... that the 267 miles (430 km) of US 131 includes only 0.67 miles (1.08 km) in Indiana?
... that county road F-41 was previously M-171?
... that M-179 is a Michigan Heritage Route named for Chief Noonday?

June 2012

Seney Stretch

... that the Seney Stretch (pictured) along M-28 is 25 miles (40 km) of "straight as an arrow highway" commonly called the most boring highway in the state?
... that although it has not been signed since 1979, I-296 near Grand Rapids is still a current part of the Interstate Highway System?
... that a section of US 2 near Gladstone and Rapid River had its speed limit raised to 65 mph (105 km/h) in 2011?
... that M-1 (Woodward Avenue) is an All-American Road?
... that the southern section of US 31 has been named the St. Joseph Valley Parkway?

July 2012

Marquette–Negaunee Road in 1917 with the first highway centerline in the country

... that the first highway centerline (pictured) was painted on the Marquette–Negaunee Road by K.I. Sawyer in 1917?
... that M-102 has been featured in music and movies?
... that US 45 runs from Mobile, Alabama, to Ontonagon in the Upper Peninsula?
... that until it was truncated, M-32 used to cross the Lower Peninsula from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron?
... that M-27 used to be a part of US 27?

August 2012

M-39 crossing the River Rouge

... that M-39 (River Rouge crossing pictured) is better known as the Southfield Freeway?
... that M-75 was previously numbered M-57 until the digits were reversed?
... that both M-30 and M-129, on the Lower and Upper peninsulas respectively, follow the Michigan Meridian, an important landmark for how Michigan was surveyed?
... that there is an unsigned section of M-221?
... that M-95 has been named for Leif Ericson, the Norse explorer?

September 2012

...that M-209, serving as a connection to the former Coast Guard station in Glen Haven (general store pictured), was the shortest state highway in the state at a half-mile (0.8 km) until 1996?
... that the first M-65 was replaced by US 23, and the current M-65 replaced two different sections of US 23?
... that a section of M-15 has been nicknamed "Death Alley" over the number of accidents there?
... that M-168 in Elberta previously connected to a car ferry dock?
... that only two of the 280 miles (3.2 of the 450 km) of US 8 lie in Michigan?

October 2012

Mackinac Bridge

... that when the Mackinac Bridge (pictured) opened, US 27 was extended north across it?
... that M-201 runs through Northport to connect to Leelanau State Park, but ends well before meeting the park gate?
... that until it was renumbered in the 1930s, M-99 used to be M-9?
... that M-155 is no longer signed, but it is a still a state highway?
... that during the "Southbelt Shuffle" event on M-6 south of Grand Rapids, horses were ridden on the partially completed freeway?

November 2012

M-22 marker

... that Broneah Kiteboarding of Traverse City uses the M-22 marker (pictured) as their corporate logo?
... that M-49 is the only state highway, except Interstate or US Highways, that connects to a like-numbered route in another state, in this case Ohio State Route 49?
... that US 2 and US 141 each have separate segments in Michigan because the highways cross back into Wisconsin for about 15 miles (24 km)?
... that Telegraph Road is named for the telegraph lines that used to run along it?
... that M-60 is one of three state highways with a business route, the others being M-28 and M-32?

December 2012

Steel Bridge over the Dead River in 1922

... that the state highway department moved a bridge from Pennsylvania in the 1920s so that M-35 could cross the Dead River?
... that the eastern and western ends of M-21 were replaced by different Interstate Highways?
... that M-114 was set up as a beltline around Grand Rapids following what are now Wilson Avenue, 28th Street and East Beltline Avenue?
... that US 102 was the first US Highway designation to be decommissioned?
... that M-99 used to be numbered M-9?

January 2013

River Road NSB entrance sign along M-65

... that the River Road National Scenic Byway (pictured) runs along a part of M-65?
... that M-553 used to be County Road 553 in Marquette County?
... that the Capitol Loop, a state highway in Lansing serving the State Capitol, was designated in a plan to revitalize downtown?
... that M-80 serves the Chippewa County International Airport on the site of the former Kinross Air Force Base?
... that the longest state highway outside of the Interstate or US Highway systems in Michigan is M-28?

February 2013

Looking south down Woodward Avenue from the Maccabees Building with the Detroit skyline in the distance in July 1942

... that Woodward Avenue (pictured in 1942) was planned to be the most important of the five major avenues planned by Judge Augustus Woodward that extend from downtown Detroit in differing directions?
... that in 1966, the freeway conversion of US 131 forced the former Grand Rapids Speedrome, a race track, to close?
... that US 41 is officially the Copper Country Trail National Scenic Byway north of Houghton?
... that M-6 is officially named for Paul B. Henry, a Congressman from the Grand Rapids area who died in office?
... that I-375 was the shortest signed Interstate Highway in the country at 1.06 miles (1.71 km) until I-110 in Texas was signed?

March 2013

M-185 downtown Mackinac Island

...that M-185 (pictured) has had exactly one automobile accident in 2005?
...that I-75 carries sections of each of the four Great Lakes Circle Tours in the state?
...that a private company wanted to pay for the construction of County Road 595 in Marquette County to connect its nickel mine to its processing mill?
...that US 16 followed Grand River Avenue between Grand Rapids and Detroit, using the path of a plank road used by some of the state's earliest settlers?
...that the Black River National Forest Scenic Byway in the Upper Peninsula connects to the tallest ski flying hill in the world and one of two National Forest harbors in the United States?

April 2013

1955 map of the proposed Michigan Turnpike

... that a proposed Michigan Turnpike (map pictured) would have run through the Detroit area if the State Highway Commissioner did not stall it until the creation of the Interstate Highway System made the proposal obsolete?
...that what is today the Whitefish Bay National Forest Scenic Byway was intended in 1967 to be part of a longer scenic highway that would connect a proposed lakeshore road through the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore with roads running along Whitefish Bay and the St. Marys River south of Sault Ste. Marie?
... that I-96 in Detroit was named the Rosa Parks Memorial Highway in December 2005 in honor of the civil rights pioneer?
...that CR 510 in Marquette County is the remnant of the segment of M-35 through the Huron Mountains that was cancelled in the 1930s?
...that the River Road in Iosco County is both a National Scenic Byway and a National Forest Scenic Byway?

May and June 2013

Original M-14 marker from the 1920s

... that on May 13, 1913, the legislation creating the State Trunkline Highway System went into effect?
... that the first rural highway centerline in the US was painted on M-15 (currently CR 492) between Negaunee and Marquette in 1917?
... that some of the original highway numbers assigned by the time the system was signposted in 1919 like M-12 or M-41 were decommissioned in 1926 and never used since?
... that M-131 was assigned as an extension of US 131 in 1926 before it was progressively replaced by US 131 and later M-119?
... that Michigan is home to the first roadside table in the country, which was installed next to US 16?
... that Michigan is also home to the first welcome center in the nation, which opened in 1935 near New Buffalo?
... that I-94 was the first Interstate Highway completed border-to-border in any state in the country when it was completed between New Buffalo and Detroit in 1960?

July 2013

SS Drummond Islander IV crossing the De Tour Passage

... that M-134 is one of three state highways in Michigan on an island, and one of two to use a ferry (pictured)?
... that US 127 was tripled in length by extending the highway to replace its parent route, US 27, in 2002?
... that M-67, a state highway in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, has remained essentially unchanged but the highways connecting to it have changed three times since 1919?
... that M-97 was simultaneously named both Reid Highway and Groesbeck Highway by different levels of government from 1927 until 1949, the year it was dedicated to Alex Groesbeck?
... that the local nickname for I-194 is "the Penetrator"?

August 2013

The "Tunnel of Trees" between Harbor Springs and Good Hart

... that along the "Tunnel of Trees" (pictured), M-119 has no centerline?
... that the Michigan Department of Transportation has erroneously marked Forest Highway 16 as "County Road H-16" on their maps since 1992?
... that M-212 is the shortest signed highway in Michigan, connecting to Aloha State Park?
... that M-94 in Manistique crosses the Siphon Bridge, a structure once described in the pages of the Ripley's Believe It or Not! column?
... that in 1919, Michigan was the second state to sign numbered highways after Wisconsin?

September 2013

Steel Bridge over the Dead River in 1922

... that the state highway department moved a bridge from Pennsylvania in the 1920s so that M-35 could cross the Dead River?
... that I-475 near Flint is named the "David Dunbar Buick Freeway" after the founder of Buick Motor Company?
... that a section of the former Bus. M-28 in Newberry has also carried the designations M-28, M-48, M-117 or M-123 at different times in its history?
... that M-179 is a Michigan Heritage Route named for Chief Noonday?
... that cars are forbidden from Mackinac Island, making M-185 the only state highway without them?

October 2013

Only 1,990 miles from Copper Harbor to Miami

... that there is a mileage sign (pictured) on US 41 in Copper Harbor that proclaims that it is 1,990 miles (3,200 km) to Miami?
... that M-17 used to extend across the Lower Peninsula, but now it only runs from Ann Arbor to Ypsilanti?
... that M-69 was truncated in 1960 to one-fifth of its length for 33 years?
... that the Capitol Loop, a state highway in Lansing serving the State Capitol, was designated in a plan to revitalize downtown?
... that a section of US 2 near Gladstone and Rapid River had its speed limit raised to 65 mph (105 km/h) in 2011?

November 2013

Rosie's Diner in Rockford

... that M-57 passes Rosie's Diner (pictured) near Rockford, a restaurant that served as the filming location in Little Ferry, New Jersey for a series of Bounty paper towel commercials starring Rosie the Waitress?
... that county road H-63 runs along Mackinac Trail, a former Indian path in the Upper Peninsula?
... that U.S. Highway 23 in Michigan was the proposed site for General Motors bid to develop an electronic highway in 1961?
... that the former M-122 connected US 2 in St. Ignace to the state car ferry docks?
... that southbound M-52 in downtown Adrian previously carried both directions of the US 223 business loop in town?

December 2013

View of Lake Superior from Brockway Mountain with information signage

...that at 1,328 feet (405 m) above sea level, Brockway Mountain Drive (scenic overlook pictured) in the Upper Peninsula is one of the highest roads between the Rockies and Alleghenies?
... that M-154 is one of three state highways on an island?
... that only two of the 280 miles (3.2 of the 450 km) of US 8 lie in Michigan?
... that sections of state highway M-37 in Michigan have been named for a Civil War general, a governor, and the road's "divine scenic and recreational delights"?
...that the US National Park Service helped to fund improvements to county road H-58 which serves as the main access road to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in the Upper Peninsula?

January and February 2014

Covered bridge along Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

... that the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive (covered bridge pictured) was originally a route called the Sleeping Bear Dunes Park?
... that M-67, a state highway in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, has remained essentially unchanged but the highways connecting to it have changed three times since 1919?
... that Westnedge Avenue and Park Street south of downtown Kalamazoo are part of M-331, an unsigned highway?
... that M-38 was previously a part of M-35 that was 65 miles (105 km) away from the rest of the highway?
... that M-78 used to extend south to the Indiana state line and northeast to Flint, but now only runs for about 11 miles (18 km) near Battle Creek?

March 2014

Seney Stretch

... that the Seney Stretch (pictured) along M-28 is 25 miles (40 km) of "straight as an arrow highway" commonly called the most boring highway in the state?
... that M-46 is only one of three trans-peninsular state highways in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan?
... that US 45 runs from Mobile, Alabama, to Ontonagon in the Upper Peninsula?
... that the centerline was invented in Wayne County in 1911?
... that US 102 was the first US Highway designation to be decommissioned?

April 2014

M-39 crossing the River Rouge

... that M-39 (River Rouge crossing pictured) is better known as the Southfield Freeway?
... that M-95 has been named for Leif Ericson, the Norse explorer?
... that until it was renumbered in the 1930s, M-99 used to be M-9?
... that M-553 used to be County Road 553 in Marquette County?
... that the eastern and western ends of M-21 were replaced by different Interstate Highways?

May 2014

Marquette–Negaunee Road in 1917 with the first highway centerline in the country

... that the first highway centerline (pictured) was painted on the Marquette–Negaunee Road by K.I. Sawyer in 1917?
... that M-1 (Woodward Avenue) is an All-American Road?
... that the longest state highway outside of the Interstate or US Highway systems in Michigan is M-28?
... that M-6 is officially named for Paul B. Henry, a Congressman from the Grand Rapids area who died in office?
... that both M-30 and M-129, on the Lower and Upper peninsulas respectively, follow the Michigan Meridian, an important landmark for how Michigan was surveyed?

June 2014

Looking south down Woodward Avenue from the Maccabees Building with the Detroit skyline in the distance in July 1942

... that Woodward Avenue (pictured in 1942) was planned to be the most important of the five major avenues planned by Judge Augustus Woodward that extend from downtown Detroit in differing directions?
... that M-80 serves the Chippewa County International Airport on the site of the former Kinross Air Force Base?
...that US 16 followed Grand River Avenue between Grand Rapids and Detroit, using the path of a plank road used by some of the state's earliest settlers?
...that a private company wanted to pay for the construction of County Road 595 in Marquette County to connect its nickel mine to its processing mill?
... that I-375 was the shortest signed Interstate Highway in the country at 1.06 miles (1.71 km) until I-110 in Texas was signed?

July 2014

Mackinac Bridge

... that when the Mackinac Bridge (pictured) opened, US 27 was extended north across it?
... that M-114 was set up as a beltline around Grand Rapids following what are now Wilson Avenue, 28th Street and East Beltline Avenue?
... that US 2 and US 141 each have separate segments in Michigan because the highways cross back into Wisconsin for about 15 miles (24 km)?
... that M-168 in Elberta previously connected to a car ferry dock?
... that US 41 is officially the Copper Country Trail National Scenic Byway north of Houghton?

August 2014

M-22 marker

... that Broneah Kiteboarding of Traverse City uses the M-22 marker (pictured) as their corporate logo?
...that the Black River National Forest Scenic Byway in the Upper Peninsula connects to the tallest ski flying hill in the world and one of two National Forest harbors in the United States?
...that I-75 carries sections of each of the four Great Lakes Circle Tours in the state?
...that CR 510 in Marquette County is the remnant of the segment of M-35 through the Huron Mountains that was cancelled in the 1930s?
... that I-96 in Detroit was named the Rosa Parks Memorial Highway in December 2005 in honor of the civil rights pioneer?

September 2014

M-185 downtown Mackinac Island

...that M-185 (pictured) has had exactly one automobile accident in 2005?
... that in 1966, the freeway conversion of US 131 forced the former Grand Rapids Speedrome, a race track, to close?
...that what is today the Whitefish Bay National Forest Scenic Byway was intended in 1967 to be part of a longer scenic highway that would connect a proposed lakeshore road through the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore with roads running along Whitefish Bay and the St. Marys River south of Sault Ste. Marie?
... that M-49 is the only state highway, except Interstate or US Highways, that connects to a like-numbered route in another state, in this case Ohio State Route 49?
... that there has never been a highway numbered M-2, but all other numbers less than M-126 have been used?

October 2014

US 127 through Lansing

... that US 127 (pictured) was tripled in length by extending the highway to replace its parent route, US 27, in 2002?
... that M-117 near Newberry was dedicated in 1993 to the deactivated 117th Quartermaster Battalion formerly based out of Kingsford?
... that sections of state highway M-37 in Michigan have been named for a Civil War general, a governor, and the road's "divine scenic and recreational delights"?
... that the Michigan Department of Transportation has erroneously marked Forest Highway 16 as "County Road H-16" on their maps since 1992?
... that M-46 is only one of three trans-peninsular state highways in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan?

November and December 2014

I-194, the "Sojourner Truth Downtown Memorial Parkway" in Battle Creek

... that the local nickname for I-194 (pictured) is "the Penetrator"?
... that I-75 is the only freeway in the Upper Peninsula?
... that US 127 and US 223 were going to be upgraded to become part of I-73?
... that although it has not been signed since 1979, I-296 near Grand Rapids is still a current part of the Interstate Highway System?
... that I-375 was the shortest signed Interstate Highway in the country at 1.06 miles (1.71 km) until I-110 in Texas was signed?

January 2015

... that Pure Michigan Byway is the new name for the Michigan Heritage Route Program (markers pictured) that was created in 1993?
... that US 41 is officially the Copper Country Trail National Scenic Byway and Pure Michigan Byway north of Houghton?
... that sections of M-37 in Michigan have been named for a Civil War general, a governor, and the road's "divine scenic and recreational delights"?
... that the loop of M-123 north of M-28 has been the Tahquamenon Scenic Heritage Route since 2007?
... that the Leelanau Scenic Heritage Route forks to follow M-22 and M-109 through the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?

February 2015

The Tridge in winter

... that in Midland, M-20 passes The Tridge (pictured), a three-legged bridge?
... that M-94 in Manistique crosses the Siphon Bridge, a structure once described in the pages of the Ripley's Believe It or Not! column?
... that the Lodge Freeway in the Detroit area is named for John C. Lodge, a former Detroit mayor?
... that M-67, a state highway in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, has remained essentially unchanged but the highways connecting to it have changed three times since 1919?
... that the Saginaw Trail's name comes from the Ojibwe word for "where the Sauk were"?

March 2015

SS Drummond Islander IV crossing the De Tour Passage

... that M-134 is one of three state highways in Michigan on an island, and one of two to use a ferry (pictured)?
... that M-212 is the shortest signed highway in Michigan, connecting to Aloha State Park?
...that the US National Park Service helped to fund improvements to county road H-58 which serves as the main access road to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in the Upper Peninsula?
... that southbound M-52 in downtown Adrian previously carried both directions of the US 223 business loop in town?
... that cars are forbidden from Mackinac Island, making M-185 the only state highway without them?

April 2015

Rosie's Diner in Rockford

... that M-57 passes Rosie's Diner (pictured) near Rockford, a restaurant that served as the filming location in Little Ferry, New Jersey for a series of Bounty paper towel commercials starring Rosie the Waitress?
...that Henry Ford helped stop construction of M-35 in the Upper Peninsula in order to gain admission to the exclusive Huron Mountain Club?
... that US 10 crosses the Wisconsin–Michigan border via a privately-owned carferry?
... that a new section of US 2 was detoured around the Cut River Bridge when the latter was delayed due to World War II?
... that in 1919, Michigan was the second state to sign numbered highways after Wisconsin?

May 2015

The "Covered Trail" along US 41 south of Copper Harbor

... that US 41 (pictured) was the state's first Michigan Heritage Route in 1995?
... that county road F-41 was previously M-171?
... that the former M-122 connected US 2 in St. Ignace to the state car ferry docks?
... that the route of M-47 was previously part of US 10?
... that the M-64 highway designation was moved twice in two years by exchanging the number with different roads?

June 2015

1955 map of the proposed Michigan Turnpike

... that a proposed Michigan Turnpike (map pictured) would have run through the Detroit area if the State Highway Commissioner did not stall it until the creation of the Interstate Highway System made the proposal obsolete?
... that a section of the former Bus. M-28 in Newberry has also carried the designations M-28, M-48, M-117 or M-123 at different times in its history?
... that M-153 (Ford Road) in Dearborn was named for William Ford, Henry's father?
... that county road H-63 runs along Mackinac Trail, a former Indian path in the Upper Peninsula?
... that US 23 in Michigan was the proposed site for General Motors bid to develop an electronic highway in 1961?

July 2015

Portage Lake Lift Bridge at night

... that M-26 between Houghton and Hancock uses the Portage Lake Lift Bridge (pictured), the heaviest and widest double-decked lift bridge in the world?
... that M-66 is the only state highway that runs the length of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan?
... that M-69 was truncated in 1960 to one-fifth of its length for 33 years?
... that the section of Michigan Avenue in East Lansing is numbered M-143?
... that US 45 runs from Mobile, Alabama, to Ontonagon in the Upper Peninsula?

August and September 2015

Covered bridge along Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

... that the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive (covered bridge pictured) was originally a route called the Sleeping Bear Dunes Park?
... that M-80 serves the Chippewa County International Airport on the site of the former Kinross Air Force Base?
... that M-168 in Elberta previously connected to a car ferry dock?
... that US 102 was the first US Highway designation to be decommissioned?
... that Telegraph Road is named for the telegraph lines that used to run along it?

October 2015

Only 1,990 miles from Copper Harbor to Miami

... that there is a mileage sign (pictured) on US 41 in Copper Harbor that proclaims that it is 1,990 miles (3,200 km) to Miami?
... that M-154 is one of three state highways on an island?
... that only two of the 280 miles (3.2 of the 450 km) of US 8 lie in Michigan?
... that M-179 is a Pure Michigan Byway named for Chief Noonday?
... that a section of US 2 near Gladstone and Rapid River had its speed limit raised to 65 mph (105 km/h) in 2011?

November 2015

Seney Stretch along M-28

... that the longest state highway outside of the Interstate or US Highway systems in Michigan is M-28 (pictured)?
...that M-209, serving as a connection to the former Coast Guard station in Glen Haven, was the shortest state highway in the state at a half-mile (0.8 km) until 1996?
...that M-134 was designated as a Pure Michigan Byway?
... that M-17 used to extend across the Lower Peninsula, but now it only runs from Ann Arbor to Ypsilanti?
... that M-553 used to be County Road 553 in Marquette County?

December 2015

Looking south down Woodward Avenue from the Maccabees Building with the Detroit skyline in the distance in July 1942

... that Woodward Avenue (pictured in 1942) was planned to be the most important of the five major avenues planned by Judge Augustus Woodward that extend from downtown Detroit in differing directions?
... that M-38 was previously a part of M-35 that was 65 miles (105 km) away from the rest of the highway?
... that the centerline was invented in Wayne County in 1911?
... that M-95 has been named for Leif Ericson, the Norse explorer?
...that prior to the opening of M-231, a "M23.1k Run" was held with participation limited to 231 runners?

January 2016

M-22 marker

... that Broneah Kiteboarding of Traverse City uses the M-22 marker (pictured) as their corporate logo?
... that US 2 and US 141 each have separate segments in Michigan because the highways cross back into Wisconsin for about 15 miles (24 km)?
... that in 1966, the freeway conversion of US 131 forced the former Grand Rapids Speedrome, a race track, to close?
... that the longest state highway outside of the Interstate or US Highway systems in Michigan is M-28?
... that M-6 is officially named for Paul B. Henry, a Congressman from the Grand Rapids area who died in office?

February 2016

Marquette–Negaunee Road in 1917 with the first highway centerline in the country

... that the first highway centerline (pictured) was painted on the Marquette–Negaunee Road by K.I. Sawyer in 1917?
... that M-114 was set up as a beltline around Grand Rapids following what are now Wilson Avenue, 28th Street and East Beltline Avenue?
...that a private company wanted to pay for the construction of County Road 595 in Marquette County to connect its nickel mine to its processing mill?
... that I-96 in Detroit was named the Rosa Parks Memorial Highway in December 2005 in honor of the civil rights pioneer?
...that the Black River National Forest Scenic Byway in the Upper Peninsula connects to the tallest ski flying hill in the world and one of two National Forest harbors in the United States?

March 2016

US 127 through Lansing

... that US 127 (pictured) was tripled in length by extending the highway to replace its parent route, US 27, in 2002?
... that I-75 is the only freeway in the Upper Peninsula?
... that M-49 is the only state highway, except Interstate or US Highways, that connects to a like-numbered route in another state, in this case Ohio State Route 49?
...that CR 510 in Marquette County is the remnant of the segment of M-35 through the Huron Mountains that was cancelled in the 1930s?
... that M-1 (Woodward Avenue) is an All-American Road?

April 2016

M-185 downtown Mackinac Island

...that M-185 (pictured) has had exactly one automobile accident in 2005?
...that I-75 carries sections of each of the four Great Lakes Circle Tours in the state?
... that US 41 is officially the Copper Country Trail National Scenic Byway north of Houghton?
... that I-375 was the shortest signed Interstate Highway in the country at 1.06 miles (1.71 km) until I-110 in Texas was signed?
... that M-117 near Newberry was dedicated in 1993 to the deactivated 117th Quartermaster Battalion formerly based out of Kingsford?

May 2016

M-39 crossing the River Rouge

... that M-39 (River Rouge crossing pictured) is better known as the Southfield Freeway?
... that what is today the Whitefish Bay National Forest Scenic Byway was intended in 1967 to be part of a longer scenic highway that would connect a proposed lakeshore road through the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore with roads running along Whitefish Bay and the St. Marys River south of Sault Ste. Marie?
... that M-78 used to extend south to the Indiana state line and northeast to Flint, but now only runs for about 11 miles (18 km) near Battle Creek?
... that both M-30 and M-129, on the Lower and Upper peninsulas respectively, follow the Michigan Meridian, an important landmark for how Michigan was surveyed?
... that M-46 is only one of three trans-peninsular state highways in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan?

June 2016

Mackinac Bridge

... that when the Mackinac Bridge (pictured) opened, US 27 was extended north across it?
... that US 127 and US 223 were going to be upgraded to become part of I-73?
... that the Michigan Department of Transportation has erroneously marked Forest Highway 16 as "County Road H-16" on their maps since 1992?
... that although it has not been signed since 1979, I-296 near Grand Rapids is still a current part of the Interstate Highway System?
... that there has never been a highway numbered M-2, but all other numbers less than M-126 have been used?

July 2016

I-194, the "Sojourner Truth Downtown Memorial Parkway" in Battle Creek

... that the local nickname for I-194 (pictured) is "the Penetrator"?
... that the loop of M-123 north of M-28 has been the Tahquamenon Scenic Heritage Route since 2007?
... that M-212 is the shortest signed highway in Michigan, connecting to Aloha State Park?
... that M-94 in Manistique crosses the Siphon Bridge, a structure once described in the pages of the Ripley's Believe It or Not! column?
... that until it was renumbered in the 1930s, M-99 used to be M-9?

August 2016

Seney Stretch

... that the Seney Stretch (pictured) along M-28 is 25 miles (40 km) of "straight as an arrow highway" commonly called the most boring highway in the state?
... that Westnedge Avenue and Park Street south of downtown Kalamazoo are part of M-331, an unsigned highway?
... that M-67, a state highway in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, has remained essentially unchanged but the highways connecting to it have changed three times since 1919?
... that the eastern and western ends of M-21 were replaced by different Interstate Highways?
...that the US National Park Service helped to fund improvements to county road H-58 which serves as the main access road to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in the Upper Peninsula?

September 2016

The Tridge in winter

... that in Midland, M-20 passes The Tridge (pictured), a three-legged bridge?
... that cars are forbidden from Mackinac Island, making M-185 the only state highway without them?
... that the Leelanau Scenic Heritage Route forks to follow M-22 and M-109 through the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
...that Henry Ford helped stop construction of M-35 in the Upper Peninsula in order to gain admission to the exclusive Huron Mountain Club?
... that the Lodge Freeway in the Detroit area is named for John C. Lodge, a former Detroit mayor?

October 2016

SS Drummond Islander IV crossing the De Tour Passage

... that M-134 is one of three state highways in Michigan on an island, and one of two to use a ferry (pictured)?
... that southbound M-52 in downtown Adrian previously carried both directions of the US 223 business loop in town?
... that a new section of US 2 was detoured around the Cut River Bridge when the latter was delayed due to World War II?
... that the section of Michigan Avenue in East Lansing is numbered M-143?
... that a section of the former Bus. M-28 in Newberry has also carried the designations M-28, M-48, M-117 or M-123 at different times in its history?

November 2016

Rosie's Diner in Rockford

... that M-57 passes Rosie's Diner (pictured) near Rockford, a restaurant that served as the filming location in Little Ferry, New Jersey for a series of Bounty paper towel commercials starring Rosie the Waitress?
... that M-69 was truncated in 1960 to one-fifth of its length for 33 years?
... that county road F-41 was previously M-171?
... that only two of the 280 miles (3.2 of the 450 km) of US 8 lie in Michigan?
... that Telegraph Road is named for the telegraph lines that used to run along it?

December 2016

Portage Lake Lift Bridge at night

... that M-26 between Houghton and Hancock uses the Portage Lake Lift Bridge (pictured), the heaviest and widest double-decked lift bridge in the world?
... that the route of M-47 was previously part of US 10?
... that county road H-63 runs along Mackinac Trail, a former Indian path in the Upper Peninsula?
... that M-153 (Ford Road) in Dearborn was named for William Ford, Henry's father?
... that US 102 was the first US Highway designation to be decommissioned?

January 2017

1955 map of the proposed Michigan Turnpike

... that a proposed Michigan Turnpike (map pictured) would have run through the Detroit area if the State Highway Commissioner did not stall it until the creation of the Interstate Highway System made the proposal obsolete?
... that US 45 runs from Mobile, Alabama, to Ontonagon in the Upper Peninsula?
... that M-168 in Elberta previously connected to a car ferry dock?
... that M-154 is one of three state highways on an island?
... that M-80 serves the Chippewa County International Airport on the site of the former Kinross Air Force Base?

February 2017

The "Covered Trail" along US 41 south of Copper Harbor

... that US 41 (pictured) was the state's first Michigan Heritage Route in 1995?
... that sections of M-37 in Michigan have been named for a Civil War general, a governor, and the road's "divine scenic and recreational delights"?
... that a section of US 2 near Gladstone and Rapid River had its speed limit raised to 65 mph (105 km/h) in 2011?
... that the Saginaw Trail's name comes from the Ojibwe word for "where the Sauk were"?
... that the former M-122 connected US 2 in St. Ignace to the state car ferry docks?

March and April 2017

Looking south down Woodward Avenue from the Maccabees Building with the Detroit skyline in the distance in July 1942

... that Woodward Avenue (pictured in 1942) was planned to be the most important of the five major avenues planned by Judge Augustus Woodward that extend from downtown Detroit in differing directions?
... that the M-64 highway designation was moved twice in two years by exchanging the number with different roads?
... that US 23 in Michigan was the proposed site for General Motors bid to develop an electronic highway in 1961?
...that M-134 was designated as a Pure Michigan Byway?
... that in 1919, Michigan was the second state to sign numbered highways after Wisconsin?

May and June 2017

M-10 (Lodge Freeway) passing under Cobo Hall

... that M-10 (Lodge Freeway, pictured) in the Detroit area is named for John C. Lodge, a former Detroit mayor?
... that the Seney Stretch (pictured) along M-28 is 25 miles (40 km) of "straight as an arrow highway" commonly called the most boring highway in the state?
... that US 127 and US 223 were going to be upgraded to become part of I-73?
... that the last eight miles (13 km) of US 45 in the country to be paved were in the Military Hills area of eastern Ontonagon County, connecting the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Superior with a hard-surfaced road in 1959?
... that the first M-65 was replaced by US 23, and the current M-65 replaced two different sections of US 23?

July 2017

Side view of the Cut River Bridge

... that a new section of US 2 was detoured around the Cut River Bridge (pictured) when the latter was delayed due to World War II?
... that the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive was originally a route called the Sleeping Bear Dunes Park before it was renamed to honor its creator?
... that at 1,328 feet (405 m) above sea level, Brockway Mountain Drive in the Upper Peninsula is one of the highest roads between the Rockies and Alleghenies?
... that the River Road National Scenic Byway running along the Au Sable River in the northeastern Lower Peninsula is also a National Forest Scenic Byway?
...that M-185 has had exactly one automobile accident in 2005?

August 2017

Covered bridge along Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

... that the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive (covered bridge pictured) was originally a route called the Sleeping Bear Dunes Park?
... that M-553 used to be County Road 553 in Marquette County?
... that M-17 used to extend across the Lower Peninsula, but now it only runs from Ann Arbor to Ypsilanti?
... that M-38 was previously a part of M-35 that was 65 miles (105 km) away from the rest of the highway?
... that M-179 is a Pure Michigan Byway named for Chief Noonday?

September 2017

Seney Stretch along M-28

... that the longest state highway outside of the Interstate or US Highway systems in Michigan is M-28 (pictured)?
...that prior to the opening of M-231, a "M23.1k Run" was held with participation limited to 231 runners?
...that the Black River National Forest Scenic Byway in the Upper Peninsula connects to the tallest ski flying hill in the world and one of two National Forest harbors in the United States?
... that in 1966, the freeway conversion of US 131 forced the former Grand Rapids Speedrome, a race track, to close?
...that CR 510 in Marquette County is the remnant of the segment of M-35 through the Huron Mountains that was cancelled in the 1930s?

October and November 2017

US 127 through Lansing

... that US 127 (pictured) was tripled in length by extending the highway to replace its parent route, US 27, in 2002?
...that a private company wanted to pay for the construction of County Road 595 in Marquette County to connect its nickel mine to its processing mill?
... that M-6 is officially named for Paul B. Henry, a Congressman from the Grand Rapids area who died in office?
... that US 41 is officially the Copper Country Trail National Scenic Byway north of Houghton?
... that I-96 in Detroit was named the Rosa Parks Memorial Highway in December 2005 in honor of the civil rights pioneer?

also

December 2017

Mackinac Bridge

... that when the Mackinac Bridge (pictured) opened, US 27 was extended north across it?
... that M-1 (Woodward Avenue) is an All-American Road?
... that I-75 is the only freeway in the Upper Peninsula?
... that M-46 is only one of three trans-peninsular state highways in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan?
... that M-117 near Newberry was dedicated in 1993 to the deactivated 117th Quartermaster Battalion formerly based out of Kingsford?

January 2018

M-39 crossing the River Rouge

... that M-39 (River Rouge crossing pictured) is better known as the Southfield Freeway?
... that there has never been a highway numbered M-2, but all other numbers less than M-126 have been used?
... that until it was renumbered in the 1930s, M-99 used to be M-9?
... that both M-30 and M-129, on the Lower and Upper peninsulas respectively, follow the Michigan Meridian, an important landmark for how Michigan was surveyed?
...that I-75 carries sections of each of the four Great Lakes Circle Tours in the state?

February 2018

SS Drummond Islander IV crossing the De Tour Passage

... that M-134 is one of three state highways in Michigan on an island, and one of two to use a ferry (pictured)?
... that although it has not been signed since 1979, I-296 near Grand Rapids is still a current part of the Interstate Highway System?
... that M-94 in Manistique crosses the Siphon Bridge, a structure once described in the pages of the Ripley's Believe It or Not! column?
... that Westnedge Avenue and Park Street south of downtown Kalamazoo are part of M-331, an unsigned highway?
... that the Michigan Department of Transportation has erroneously marked Forest Highway 16 as "County Road H-16" on their maps since 1992?

March 2018

I-194, the "Sojourner Truth Downtown Memorial Parkway" in Battle Creek

... that the local nickname for I-194 (pictured) is "the Penetrator"?
... that cars are forbidden from Mackinac Island, making M-185 the only state highway without them?
... that southbound M-52 in downtown Adrian previously carried both directions of the US 223 business loop in town?
...that Henry Ford helped stop construction of M-35 in the Upper Peninsula in order to gain admission to the exclusive Huron Mountain Club?
... that the eastern and western ends of M-21 were replaced by different Interstate Highways?

April and May 2018

Portage Lake Lift Bridge at night

... that M-26 between Houghton and Hancock uses the Portage Lake Lift Bridge (pictured), the heaviest and widest double-decked lift bridge in the world?
... that Telegraph Road is named for the telegraph lines that used to run along it?
... that a new section of US 2 was detoured around the Cut River Bridge when the latter was delayed due to World War II?
... that M-212 is the shortest signed highway in Michigan, connecting to Aloha State Park?
... that M-69 was truncated in 1960 to one-fifth of its length for 33 years?

June and July 2018

The Tridge in winter

... that in Midland, M-20 passes The Tridge (pictured), a three-legged bridge?
...that the US National Park Service helped to fund improvements to county road H-58 which serves as the main access road to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in the Upper Peninsula?
... that county road F-41 was previously M-171?
... that only two of the 280 miles (3.2 of the 450 km) of US 8 lie in Michigan?
... that the section of Michigan Avenue in East Lansing is numbered M-143?

August 2018

Seney Stretch

... that the Seney Stretch (pictured) along M-28 is 25 miles (40 km) of "straight as an arrow highway" commonly called the most boring highway in the state?
... that the route of M-47 was previously part of US 10?
... that a section of the former Bus. M-28 in Newberry has also carried the designations M-28, M-48, M-117 or M-123 at different times in its history?
... that the Leelanau Scenic Heritage Route forks to follow M-22 and M-109 through the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
... that M-67, a state highway in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, has remained essentially unchanged but the highways connecting to it have changed three times since 1919?

February 2020

M-10 (Lodge Freeway) passing under Cobo Hall

... that M-10 (Lodge Freeway, pictured) in the Detroit area is named for John C. Lodge, a former Detroit mayor?
... that at 1,328 feet (405 m) above sea level, Brockway Mountain Drive in the Upper Peninsula is one of the highest roads between the Rockies and Alleghenies?
... that the Saginaw Trail's name comes from the Ojibwe word for "where the Sauk were"?
... that M-38 was previously a part of M-35 that was 65 miles (105 km) away from the rest of the highway?
... that the centerline was invented in Wayne County in 1911?

March 2020

Portage Lake Lift Bridge at night

... that M-26 between Houghton and Hancock uses the Portage Lake Lift Bridge (pictured), the heaviest and widest double-decked lift bridge in the world?
... that the first M-65 was replaced by US 23, and the current M-65 replaced two different sections of US 23?
... that US 2 and US 141 each have separate segments in Michigan because the highways cross back into Wisconsin for about 15 miles (24 km)?
... that during the "Southbelt Shuffle" event on M-6 south of Grand Rapids, horses were ridden on the partially completed freeway?
... that the Michigan Department of Transportation has erroneously marked Forest Highway 16 as "County Road H-16" on their maps since 1992?

April 2020

M-39 crossing the River Rouge

... that M-39 (River Rouge crossing pictured) is better known as the Southfield Freeway?
... that M-80 serves the Chippewa County International Airport on the site of the former Kinross Air Force Base?
... that until it was renumbered in the 1930s, M-99 used to be M-9?
... that US 41 is officially the Copper Country Trail National Scenic Byway north of Houghton?
... that in 1919, Michigan was the second state to sign numbered highways after Wisconsin?

May 2020

Marquette–Negaunee Road in 1917 with the first highway centerline in the country

... that the first highway centerline (pictured) was painted on the Marquette–Negaunee Road by K.I. Sawyer in 1917?
... that the section of Michigan Avenue in East Lansing is an unsigned highway numbered M-143?
... that only two of the 280 miles (3.2 of the 450 km) of US 8 lie in Michigan?
... that M-114 was set up as a beltline around Grand Rapids following what are now Wilson Avenue, 28th Street and East Beltline Avenue?
... that a section of the former Bus. M-28 in Newberry has also carried the designations M-28, M-48, M-117 or M-123 at different times in its history?

June 2020

Covered bridge along Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

... that the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive (covered bridge pictured) was originally a route called the Sleeping Bear Dunes Park?
...that the Black River National Forest Scenic Byway in the Upper Peninsula connects to the tallest ski flying hill in the world and one of two National Forest harbors in the United States?
... that M-46 is only one of three trans-peninsular state highways in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan?
...that the US National Park Service helped to fund improvements to county road H-58 which serves as the main access road to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in the Upper Peninsula?
... that the southern section of US 31 has been named the St. Joseph Valley Parkway?

July 2020

View of Lake Superior from Brockway Mountain with information signage

...that at 1,328 feet (405 m) above sea level, Brockway Mountain Drive (scenic overlook pictured) in the Upper Peninsula is one of the highest roads between the Rockies and Alleghenies?
... that M-6 is officially named for Paul B. Henry, a Congressman from the Grand Rapids area who died in office?
... that cars are forbidden from Mackinac Island, making M-185 the only state highway without them?
... that although it has not been signed since 1979, I-296 near Grand Rapids is still a current part of the Interstate Highway System?
... that US 102 was the first US Highway designation to be decommissioned?

August 2020

M-22 marker

... that Broneah Kiteboarding of Traverse City uses the M-22 marker (pictured) as their corporate logo?
... that the former M-122 connected US 2 in St. Ignace to the state car ferry docks?
... that US 10 crosses the Wisconsin–Michigan border via a privately-owned carferry?
...that Henry Ford helped stop construction of M-35 in the Upper Peninsula in order to gain admission to the exclusive Huron Mountain Club?
... that Telegraph Road is named for the telegraph lines that used to run along it?

September 2020

Only 1,990 miles from Copper Harbor to Miami

... that there is a mileage sign (pictured) on US 41 in Copper Harbor that proclaims that it is 1,990 miles (3,200 km) to Miami?
... that the local nickname for I-194 is "the Penetrator"?
... that M-94 in Manistique crosses the Siphon Bridge, a structure once described in the pages of the Ripley's Believe It or Not! column?
... that southbound M-52 in downtown Adrian previously carried both directions of the US 223 business loop in town?
... that a new section of US 2 was detoured around the Cut River Bridge when the latter was delayed due to World War II?

October 2020

Rosie's Diner in Rockford

... that M-57 passes Rosie's Diner (pictured) near Rockford, a restaurant that served as the filming location in Little Ferry, New Jersey for a series of Bounty paper towel commercials starring Rosie the Waitress?
... that M-553 used to be County Road 553 in Marquette County?
... that the 267 miles (430 km) of US 131 includes only 0.67 miles (1.08 km) in Indiana?
... that M-67, a state highway in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, has remained essentially unchanged but the highways connecting to it have changed three times since 1919?
... that a section of M-15 has been nicknamed "Death Alley" over the number of accidents there?

November 2020

Steel Bridge over the Dead River in 1922

... that the state highway department moved a bridge from Pennsylvania in the 1920s so that M-35 could cross the Dead River?
... that M-131 was assigned as an extension of US 131 in 1926 before it was progressively replaced by US 131 and later M-119?
... that M-95 has been named for Leif Ericson, the Norse explorer?
... that M-78 used to extend south to the Indiana state line and northeast to Flint, but now only runs for about 11 miles (18 km) near Battle Creek?
... that both M-30 and M-129, on the Lower and Upper peninsulas respectively, follow the Michigan Meridian, an important landmark for how Michigan was surveyed?

December 2020

Looking south down Woodward Avenue from the Maccabees Building with the Detroit skyline in the distance in July 1942

... that Woodward Avenue (pictured in 1942) was planned to be the most important of the five major avenues planned by Judge Augustus Woodward that extend from downtown Detroit in differing directions?
...that what is today the Whitefish Bay National Forest Scenic Byway was intended in 1967 to be part of a longer scenic highway that would connect a proposed lakeshore road through the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore with roads running along Whitefish Bay and the St. Marys River south of Sault Ste. Marie?
...that US 16 followed Grand River Avenue between Grand Rapids and Detroit, using the path of a plank road used by some of the state's earliest settlers?
... that the M-64 highway designation was moved twice in two years by exchanging the number with different roads?
...that I-75 carries sections of each of the four Great Lakes Circle Tours in the state?