Michigan’s Culinary Scene
Michigan’s culinary scene is diverse and delicious, reflecting the state’s agricultural bounty, cultural heritage, and creative spirit. From farm-to-table cuisine to ethnic specialties, from street food to fine dining, Michigan offers a rich array of flavors and experiences for food lovers.
Cherries and More
Michigan is widely known as the "Cherry Capital of the World," thanks to its ideal climate and soil for growing tart cherries, which are used in pies, jams, sauces, and more. Traverse City, located in the northern part of the Lower Peninsula, hosts an annual Cherry Festival in July, featuring cherry-themed events, parades, markets, and tastings. Besides cherries, Michigan also produces other fruits such as blueberries, apples, peaches, grapes, and melons, as well as vegetables such as asparagus, corn, beans, and pumpkins. Many farmers markets, orchards, and festivals showcase these local products and offer visitors a chance to sample and buy them.
Traverse City Cherry Festival
The Traverse City Cherry Festival is one of Michigan’s most popular and iconic events, attracting more than 500,000 visitors every year. Held for a week in July, the festival offers a variety of activities for all ages, such as cherry pit spitting, cherry pie eating, cherry wine tasting, cherry pancake breakfast, cherry air show, cherry farmers market, cherry arts and crafts fair, and cherry parade. The festival also features live music, carnival rides, and fireworks. Whether you’re a cherry fan or not, the Traverse City Cherry Festival is a must-see event that showcases Michigan’s hospitality, creativity, and community spirit.
Blueberries: Michigan’s Superfood
Michigan is the leading producer of highbush blueberries in the United States, with over 100 million pounds harvested annually. Blueberries are considered a superfood for their nutritional value and health benefits, such as antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Michigan’s blueberries are used in a wide range of products, from muffins and pancakes to yogurt and smoothies. Many farms and U-pick sites offer visitors a chance to pick their own blueberries and enjoy the fresh taste and aroma of the fruit.
Mackinac Island Fudge
Mackinac Island Fudge is a sweet treat that has become a symbol of Michigan’s tourism industry. The fudge is made of cream, sugar, butter, and flavorings, such as chocolate, caramel, peanut butter, or mint, and is traditionally cooked in copper kettles and poured onto marble slabs for cooling and shaping. Mackinac Island, located in Lake Huron between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, is famous for its fudge shops, which offer a wide variety of flavors and styles, from traditional to gourmet. Many visitors to the island make it a point to buy a box of fudge as a souvenir or gift.
Detroit-Style Pizza
Detroit-Style Pizza is a unique and delicious variation of the classic pizza that originated in Detroit in the 1940s. The pizza is rectangular, thick, and crispy, with a crust that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The toppings are typically placed under the cheese to prevent burning and enhance the flavor. Detroit-Style Pizza has gained popularity in recent years and has been featured in national food media and competitions. Many pizzerias in Michigan offer their own versions of this beloved dish, and some even ship it nationwide.
Frankenmuth’s Chicken Dinners
Frankenmuth’s Chicken Dinners are a traditional and hearty meal that has been served in Frankenmuth since 1935. The dinners feature a whole chicken, seasoned and roasted to perfection, with buttered noodles, mashed potatoes, dressing, gravy, and coleslaw. The meals are served family-style and are accompanied by warm bread, fruit preserves, and dessert. The restaurants that serve Frankenmuth’s Chicken Dinners, such as Zehnder’s and Bavarian Inn, are landmarks of Michigan’s German-American heritage and hospitality, and attract millions of visitors every year.
Michigan Craft Beer
Michigan Craft Beer is a booming industry that reflects the state’s passion for quality, innovation, and community. Michigan has over 300 breweries, ranking fifth in the nation, and produces a wide variety of styles and flavors, from IPAs and stouts to lagers and sours. Many of these breweries offer taprooms, tours, and events that showcase their beers and showcase local ingredients and collaborations. Michigan’s craft beer scene has been recognized nationally and internationally for its excellence and creativity, winning numerous awards and accolades.
Coney Dogs: A Michigan Classic
Coney Dogs are a Michigan Classic that combines a hot dog, chili sauce, mustard, and onions on a steamed bun. The origins of the Coney Dog are debated, but many sources trace it to Greek immigrants who opened diners and restaurants in Michigan in the early 1900s. Today, Coney Dogs are a staple of Michigan’s fast food scene and are served in many diners, restaurants, and food trucks. The Coney Dog has also become a cultural icon of Michigan’s working-class heritage and culinary identity, and has inspired festivals, contests, and debates among fans and purists.
Pasties: A Northern Michigan Tradition
Pasties are a Northern Michigan Tradition that consists of a pastry crust filled with meat, potatoes, onions, and rutabaga, and baked to a golden brown. Pasties were introduced to Michigan by Cornish miners who immigrated to the Upper Peninsula in the 1800s, and are still popular among locals and tourists. Pasties are often served with gravy, ketchup, or hot sauce, and can be enjoyed as a meal or snack. Many bakeries, delis, and restaurants in Michigan offer their own versions of this hearty and flavorful dish, which embodies the spirit of Michigan’s rugged and independent culture.
Lake Michigan Whitefish
Lake Michigan Whitefish is a freshwater fish that is prized for its delicate flavor, firm texture, and nutritional value. Whitefish are caught in the Great Lakes region and are used in a variety of dishes, such as smoked fish, fish boils, fish tacos, and fish sandwiches. Many restaurants in Michigan feature Lake Michigan Whitefish on their menus, and some even offer tours and demonstrations of the fishing process. Lake Michigan Whitefish represents Michigan’s connection to its natural resources, its culinary diversity, and its commitment to sustainable fishing practices.
Michigan’s Apple Orchards
Michigan’s Apple Orchards are a source of pride and joy for the state, which ranks third in the nation for apple production. Michigan grows over 16 varieties of apples, such as Honeycrisp, Gala, Empire, and Jonagold, which are harvested from late summer to early fall. Many apple orchards in Michigan offer U-pick opportunities, hayrides, corn mazes, cider mill tours, and pumpkin patches, making them popular destinations for families and groups. Michigan’s apples are used in many products, such as cider, pies, donuts, and candy, and are a symbol of the state’s agricultural heritage and innovation.
