Michigan was founded on January 26, 1837 as the 26th state of the United States of America. Currently home to nearly 10 million people, spread out throughout two peninsulas, Michigan is the Great Lakes State – the Mitten of Plenty – the Wolverine State. Michigan’s early business history is centered in industries that benefited from its proximity to the Great Lakes: fishing, lumbering, mining, fur trapping and agriculture. Today, manufacturing remains the state’s top industry—followed by agriculture and tourism. This year, many noted Michigan businesses are celebrating milestone years…here’s a list (please feel free to share others we may have missed).
5 Years (2011)
- CityFlats Hotel – Grand Rapids
- Four Roses Café – Plainwell
- High Five Threads – Traverse City
- Hillside Homestead – Suttons Bay
- Journeyman Distillery – Three Oaks
- Verterra Winery – Leland
10 Years (2006)
- Craftsman Chop Co. – Portage
- New Year’s Eve Celebration at Crooked Tree Art Center – Petoskey
- Pure Michigan
- Sherwood Brewing Company – Shelby Township
- Wolverine State Brewing Company – Ann Arbor
15 Years (2001)
20 Years (1996)
- Arcadia Ales – Battle Creek
- Bay Harbor Golf Club – Bay Harbor
- Cottage & Lakefront Living Show – Grand Rapids
- Grand Rapids Camper, Travel & RV Show – Grand Rapids
- Lansing Home & Garden Show – East Lansing
- Mountain Town Station – Mount Pleasant
- New Buffalo Inn & Spa – New Buffalo
- One Trick Pony – Grand Rapids
25 Years (1991)
- Bowers Harbor Vineyards – Traverse City
- Michigander Bicycle Tour
- The Purple Rose Theatre Company – Chelsea
30 Years (1986)
- Bavarian Inn Lodge – Frankenmuth
- Michigan Women’s Golf Association event at Red Run Golf Course – Royal Oak
- The Tower & Grand Lobby @ Grand Traverse Resort and Spa – Acme
35 Years (1981)
40 Years (1976)
45 Years (1971)
- Thunder Bay Resort (as Thunder Bay Golf Course) – Hillman (25 years offering Elk Viewing, Sleigh Rides & Gourmet Dinners)
50 Years (1966)
- Gilmore Car Museum – Hickory Corners
- The Heather Golf Course at Boyne Highlands Resort – Harbor Springs
- Ranch Rudolf Resort – Traverse City
55 Years (1961)
60 Years (1956)
65 Years (1951)
70 Years (1946)
85 Years (1931)
90 Years (1926)
- America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – Detroit
- Howard Miller – Zeeland
- Hudsonville Ice Cream – Holland
- Tahquamenon River Bridge – Chippewa Township
- Vista Theater – Negaunee
95 Years (1921)
- Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra – Kalamazoo
- Michigan Department of Agriculture (& Rural Development) – Lansing
- Julian Winery – Paw Paw
100 Years (1916)
105 years (1911)
110 Years (1906)
130 Years (1886)
135 Years (1881)
140 Years (1876)