2008 Is the Year of the Car
On September 16, 1908, Billy Durant founded General Motors. Two weeks later, Henry Ford sold his first Model T. The “2008: Year of the Car” is a summer-long auto-tourism festival in southeastern Michigan to celebrate these momentous centennials and offer residents and tourists an unprecedented palate of auto-themed attractions.

2008: Year of the Car - Trivia

A Superior Peninsula
There are a number of reasons Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is called Superior. Connected to the Lower Peninsula via the graceful Mackinac Bridge, the “U.P.” is surrounded by the Great Lakes Huron, Michigan, and Superior.

Affordable Getaways
Looking for a great summer travel deal? Then, you’ll want to check out our Pure Michigan one-tank trips.

America's Summer Golf Capital
April marks the springtime start of a long season on the links that lasts through the spectacular fall colors of October. During the peak summer months the extended hours of daylight allow play until 10 pm at some courses. In addition to the number and variety of courses from public to resort, its favorable climate and top-notch resorts, the Great Lakes State offers a wealth of other sports and recreational activities, historic sites, national and state parks, and visitor attractions from wineries to museums and festivals. All of which make Michigan an attractive vacation destination for golfers and their families, and have earned it the reputation as “America’s Summer Golf Capital.”

Child’s Play is Pure Michigan
Being a beach bum or root, root, rooting for the Traverse City Beach Bums baseball team. Climbing to the top of a lighthouse or riding into an underground mine. Hiking through the woods to a hidden waterfall or hiding in the falling waters at Zehnder’s Splash Village. Children, with their sense of wonder and willingness to explore, can be the best traveling companions. So order a double scoop ice cream sundae and dig into a wonder-full, Pure Michigan experience that will bring out the kid in everyone.

Discover Underwater Treasures
Break out your scuba gear and explore sunken ships, or steady your land legs and take a virtual tour of shipwrecks via live video feeds.

Dune Magic and Beaches
Michigan is home to some of the tallest fresh-water sand dunes in the world.

Dunes of Fun
Delight in the sound of your children running down the magnificent, towering mounds of sand that make up the highly impressive Lake Michigan sand dunes.

Flags, Fireworks, Fun and Freedom
The stars and stripes will be seen and heard from inland sea to shining inland sea as the Great Lakes State salutes the U.S.A. with parades, picnics, concerts and fireworks. Most activities are free, and with Independence Day falling on a Friday there are patriotic celebrations spanning the week up to and through the long holiday weekend in every corner of the state, so you don’t have to travel far or spend a lot for a memorable red, white, and blue Pure Michigan experience.