In partnership with The Mighty Mitten, 10 percent of profits will help restore historic, cultural and natural attractions throughout the state through donations to Michigan Cares for Tourism
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Pure Michigan campaign. To commemorate the occasion, Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, has partnered with The Mighty Mitten to create six limited edition prints of Michigan’s most popular destinations. The prints, created by Ann Arbor artist Brian Walline, aim to celebrate Pure Michigan and inspire travel throughout the state.
“Summertime in Michigan is a truly wonderful time to get out and explore the Great Lakes state. From unmatched outdoor destinations to bustling city settings, from the northern tip of the Upper Peninsula to the southern border of the mitten, there is something here for everyone to enjoy,” said Dave Lorenz, Vice President of Travel Michigan. “We are excited to collaborate with the Mighty Mitten to showcase the beauty of Michigan and continue inspiring travel to our state for many more years to come.”
The full list of featured destinations include:
- Mighty Mac – The majestic Mackinac Bridge connects Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas by spanning the 5-mile Straits of Mackinac where Lake Michigan meets Lake Huron, making it the third longest (but arguably the most beautiful) suspension bridge in the world.
- Pictured Rocks – Perhaps the most iconic of all the formations in the famed Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, long recognized as, “Some of the most sublime and commanding views in nature.” Lover’s Leap is truly one of Lake Superior’s crown jewels and a true Michigan treasure.
- Sleeping Bear Dunes – Towering more than 400 feet above the Lake Michigan shoreline, Sleeping Bear Dunes is one of the most stunning destinations in all of Michigan. Admire miles of golden sand and endless waters from spots such as the famous “Overlook” from Pierce Stocking Drive.
- Detroit – Home to the famed Ambassador Bridge, the iconic Spirit of Detroit statue, and a beautiful skyline, Detroit is the perfect mix of beauty and hustle. History and passion run deep in the Motor City, which makes it one of the top destinations in all of Michigan.
- Grand Rapids – With its iconic downtown skyline, its amazing riverwalk, and its enviable proximity to the great Lake Michigan, Grand Rapids is truly a Midwestern jewel. Add in the world-class art scene and the nationally renowned breweries, and Grand Rapids is quickly becoming an American city of truly unique quality.
- Lake of the Clouds – Among the most uniquely stunning vistas in the state of Michigan, Lake of the Clouds is a favorite destination for those lucky enough to visit Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, just west of Ontonagon along Lake Superior.
“The Pure Michigan campaign is part of what inspired me to begin thinking about my love for our state and how I wanted to try to express it. I can’t really sing, so drawing scenes inspired by old National Parks posters seemed more my speed,” said Artist Brian Walline. “Years later, I’m excited to intertwine my story with Pure Michigan in some small way, and to assemble a collection of my work that attempts to represent the range and diversity of our state’s beauty and wonder.”
As part of the collaboration, 10 percent of all proceeds from the sale of these prints will be donated to Michigan Cares for Tourism (MC4T) to help restore historic, cultural and natural attractions throughout the state. Since its inception in 2013, MC4T has provided over $850,000 in labor, equipment and supplies to restoration projects throughout Michigan, benefitting 5.6 million tourists.
“It is important that we preserve and invest in the places that have given so much to us and our visitors. That is why we are proud to work with organizations like Michigan Cares for Tourism and donate part of these profits to support the significant work they are doing across Michigan to help our people and our historic, cultural, and natural attractions,” said Lorenz. “Pure Michigan would not be the same without the support of individuals and organizations like this working to keep it beautiful.”
Pure Michigan has been welcoming visitors to experience Michigan’s unique destinations, four-season activities, vibrant communities and rich recreational opportunities since 2006. In 2019, the Pure Michigan campaign inspired and stimulated about 5.8 million visitors to the state, $2.3 billion in new visitor spending and $142 million in statewide taxes. And throughout the pandemic the campaign helped create a sense of unity throughout the state, encouraging Michiganders to Support Local and keeping travel inspiration alive through #VirtualPureMichigan – all while working with the industry to ensure visitors could travel safely by taking the Pure Michigan Pledge.
The Pure Michigan 15th anniversary celebration will continue throughout 2021, with additional partnerships and announcements to come. Travel Michigan launched the Pandora Soundtrack to Summer to kick off the summer travel season – the perfect playlist for a Pure Michigan road trip. Outside of the commemorative prints created for this partnership, The Mighty Mitten offers additional vintage-style illustrations and original artwork that lives and breathes Michigan.
To stay up-to-date on the latest Travel Michigan news, upcoming events and activities across the state, while looking for additional inspiration for your next trip, please sign up for Pure Michigan’s e-newsletter, like, follow and subscribe to Pure Michigan’s social media accounts, including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube, and visit www.michigan.org.
For more information visit www.michigan.org.
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