License Plate Roundup: Michigan

Michigan: History and Interesting Facts

Ah, the great state of Michigan, known for housing such marvels as the birthplace of the automotive industry, Detroit, and the Great Lakes. Before getting into the state’s license plates, let’s cover some of the state’s history, nicknames, and standout monuments and features.

When Was Michigan Established as a State?

Michigan was officially admitted into the Union in 1837, becoming the 26th state in the U.S. However, this process didn’t happen overnight. Michigan’s path to statehood was marked by several events and delays, including a bout with Ohio known as The Toledo War. The confrontation involved a land dispute over a small strip of land on the border of Ohio and Michigan, known as the Toledo Strip. 

Though referred to as a war, the standoff was more of a show of force than a bloody battle. No deaths occurred, and no damage was done during the war, which stretched from 1835 to 1836. Ultimately, Ohio retained Toledo, while Michigan received the Upper Peninsula.

What Is Michigan Most Known For?

Michigan is a standout state known for its impressive natural and artificial features. 

Beginning with its manufactured features, Michigan is home to the city of Detroit, which was once a prominent force in the U.S. automotive industry. Often referred to as the birthplace of the automotive industry, plants within 25 miles of Detroit once produced 60 percent of the world’s automobiles.

However, the industry and Detroit’s population declined dramatically after WWII. Once home to over 1.8 million, Detroit now houses only approximately 633,000. While still a player in the automotive industry, Michigan now produces approximately 20 percent of vehicles in the United States, as most major domestic manufacturers have outsourced production to other states or countries. 

Aside from its history as a titan in the automotive industry, Detroit is also known for its arts. The city is often credited as the birthplace of Motown music, a combination of soul and pop. Michigan also houses the Detroit Institute of Arts, which is famed for the Detroit Industry Murals painted by artist Diego Rivera. 

Regarding natural wonders, Michigan is bordered by all five Great Lakes, including Lake Michigan, Huron, Ontario, Superior, and Erie. These lakes make up the world’s largest freshwater system, which serves a variety of industries, including shipping, manufacturing, agriculture, fishing, tourism, and recreation. Michigan’s iconic shape also makes it the only state with two peninsulas—the Upper Peninsula and the Lower Peninsula. 

Tour the state’s numerous lakes, rivers, forests, lighthouses, and more for eye-catching natural beauty.

What is Michigan’s Nickname?

Michigan has several nicknames derived from its natural features, weather, and more. The four most notable include: 

• Water Wonderland: Did you know that the name “Michigan” actually comes from the Ojibwe word “mishigamaa,” which means “large water” or “large lake”? This nickname stems from the state’s many coastlines, rivers, lakes, and water features. 

• The Mitten State: No, this nickname doesn’t refer to the cold weather. Instead, it stems from the shape of Michigan’s lower peninsula, which resembles a mitten. 

• The Wolverine State: While one may assume this nickname stemmed from the state’s wildlife population, that’s not the case. This nickname dates back to the Toledo War when Michiganders were said to be as bloodthirsty and vicious as Wolverines. 

• The Great Lakes State: This nickname derives from Michigan’s bordering by the Great Lakes, including Lakes Erie, Huron, Superior, Michigan, and Ontario.

Michigan’s License Plate Designs

Welcome to the Great Lakes State, filled with eye-catching license plate designs. In this section, learn the ins and outs of Michigan’s registration system and ten of RealTruck’s favorite Michigan license plates.

Custom, Special, and Other License Plates

Michigan’s standard registration system is relatively straightforward, following a process similar to that of other states.

Standard-Issue License Plates

Michigan requires that every passenger vehicle and trailer operating on Michigan’s roadways have a valid license plate and registration. Additionally, all license plates must be replaced when damaged or 10 years after issuance. 

Michigan offers four standard passenger vehicle license plate designs for no additional fees, including the Water-Winter Wonderland, Pure Michigan, Mackinac Bridge, and Water Wonderland. All trailers receive Permanent Trailer plates, which are virtually identical to Pure Michigan plates, except for the “Permanent Trailer” text on the lower edge.

Special Interest and Personalized License Plates

Michigan also offers personalized and special interest plates, which allow some deviation from standard-issue, randomized license plates. 

Special interest plates help to support particular causes, including charities, schools, and private organizations. These plates feature specialty designs and require one-time or annual donations, directly benefiting the causes or organizations. 

Michigan also offers personalized plates, though like other states, it restricts the letter/number combinations deemed appropriate. In Michigan, personalized plates must only use letters A–Z and numbers 0–9. The Michigan Department of State reviews all messages and can reject them.

RealTruck Favorites

With Michigan’s licensing process covered, let’s get into the fun part—RealTruck’s favorite state plates. This section outlines our top 10 Michigan license plate designs and the requirements for using them on your vehicle. 

Standard-Issue Water–Winter Wonderland License Plate

Our list starts with Michigan’s standard-issue Water-Winter Wonderland license plate, which references the state’s position as a watersports mecca in the warmer months and a snow-covered haven in Winter. 

This plate features a stylish navy blue backdrop with classic gold lettering. “Water-Winter Wonderland” text lines the lower edge of the plate. First issued in 1965 and reissued beginning in 2021, this plate takes drivers down memory lane. 

The Water-Winter Wonderland plate requires payment of a five-dollar standard plate fee.

Standard-Issue Water Wonderland License Plate

In a similar spirit to the Water-Winter Wonderland, Michigan’s Winter-Wonderland license plate takes drivers back to its first release, 1954. This retro design features a striking dark green background and white font for superior contrast. “Winter Wonderland” text graces the bottom edge of the license plate. 

This plate pays homage to the state’s Winter climate, where fresh snow lines the ground in a picturesque fashion. 

The Winter Wonderland plate requires payment of a five-dollar standard plate fee.

Standard-Issue Mackinac Bridge License Plate

The Mackinac Bridge license plate enables drivers and Michigan residents to showcase their state pride via one of its most iconic landmarks–the Mackinac Bridge. This plate features a sunlit sky backdrop with a silhouette of the bridge front and center. 

The Mackinac Bridge plate requires payment of a five-dollar standard plate fee.

Agricultural Heritage License Plate

Support Michigan’s K–12 school system with the Agricultural Heritage license plate, highlighting a red barn, silo, and rolling hills before a sunlit sky. Proceeds from this license plate directly benefit agricultural education programs in Michigan. 

The Agricultural Heritage license plate requires a one-time 35-dollar fee, of which 25 dollars are donated directly to the cause.

University of Michigan License Plate

Show support for the University of Michigan with the University of Michigan license plate featuring a white background, blue lettering, and Michigan college logo.

The University of Michigan license plate requires a one-time 35-dollar fee, of which 25 dollars are donated directly to fundraising efforts by the university.

Wildlife Habitat License Plate

Support wildlife populations and recovery efforts with the Wildlife Habitat license plate, depicting Michigan’s native Kirtland’s Warbler. The bird was nearly extinct just years ago. However, populations have fully recovered due to ongoing efforts by the U.S. Forestry Service. 

The Wildlife Habitat license plate requires a one-time 35-dollar fee, of which 25 dollars are donated directly to the cause.

Donate Life License Plate

The Donate Life license plate, sporting the Donate Life organization’s logo, spreads awareness for the nearly 3,000 Michiganders awaiting life-saving organ transplants. 

The Donate Life license plate requires a one-time 35-dollar fee, of which 25 dollars are donated directly to the cause.

Detroit Lions License Plate

Sports fans and humanitarians unite. The Detroit Lions license plate offers a stylish blue Lions logo over a white background. Proceeds from this license plate benefit the Detroit Lions Foundation, which works to create long-lasting impacts in underserved communities through meaningful partnerships with local non-profits. 

The Detroit Lions license plate requires a one-time 35-dollar fee, of which 25 dollars are donated directly to the cause.

Detroit Pistons License Plate

The Detroit Pistons license plate, which features a Piston’s team logo over a white background, donates a portion of the proceeds to the Detroit Pistons Foundation. The foundation assists charitable causes in the Metro Detroit region through education, health and fitness, mentoring, and equality.

The Detroit Pistons license plate requires a one-time 35-dollar fee, of which 25 dollars are donated directly to the cause.

Detroit Red Wings License Plate

Whether a hockey fan, a charitable donor, or both, check out the Detroit Red Wings license plate. A portion of all proceeds from license plate sales supports the Detroit Red Wings Foundation, which invests funds and resources back into the community. Annual initiatives introduce children and adults to the sport of hockey, the importance of education, and the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle.

The Detroit Red Wings license plate requires a one-time 35-dollar fee, of which 25 dollars are donated directly to the cause.

License Plate Products and Accessories

So, what do you think? Michigan has several standout license plate designs that contribute directly to community efforts, making the Great Lakes state a better place for all. 

If you’re a Michigan resident, display your ride’s license plate using our selection of frames, holders, brackets, and relocation solutions. 

Stay tuned for our next License Plate Roundup feature, where we tackle another state’s top license plate artwork. And as always, contact the experts for all product inquiries and order assistance.