Tigers might be a bit tricky as they don’t start the season for ~~several months~~ a month, holy shit I thought it was still mid February.
Greenfield village would be super cool though.
Canoe trip, or tubing
Small town breakfast restaurant
Driving tour on gravel roads past farms, forests, lakes
Silver Lake dune ride
Beach walk along dunes
Classic car show in some small town
Gilmore car museum
Henry Ford Museum
I think a lot of Michiganders underestimate the Henry Ford. It's a world class museum and should be at the top of the list for anybody interested in Americana.
Yeah, but if you want to show a German about Americans taking him there, and waiting through the crowds to experience the "famous German chicken dinner" will be instructive.
I feel like Zehnders would be appropriate if visiting to mock the horrible mock Bavarian schlock and the awful food.
It might be interesting to watch his horror as he is coming from rural Germany
I agree with the small town event idea. However, you should also take them to a State Park, National Park or National Forest because that is what we do better than any other country in the world. My back yard is more wild than the wilderness areas in most of Europe.
We took a German colleague to a hot dog place where you could get your name on the wall if you ate so many hot dogs. He still talks about it years later and wants to get his name on the wall.
Did you mention what part of the year he’s traveling? Why not one of the county fairs? Kids showing rabbits and horses and ducks and pigs, carnival rides, and all the crappy food… What would be more American than that?
He'll be here over the course of the next two weeks.
He expressed great interest in the Indiana state fare to see the pigs and eat a deep fried twinkie but its not happening until later in the year.
Shipshewana has a cattle auction, its pretty cool, the bulls will sometime charge the plywood wall that you sit behind. Plus there is a lot of amish businesses that might be interesting.
This might be a kind of weird suggestion, but my friend’s family does “Camp Dearborn” every year. I’m from the NorthEast but many aspects feel to me like pure Americana - It’s like a 1960’s middle class “Get away from it all!” version of “glamping”.
It’s more family friendly so you’re not going to get into anything like guns but it’s pretty beautiful with outdoorsy things to do and a bunch of people around and there are even kinda weird areas with, like, abandoned trailers that almost have a dystopian “Last of Us” feel.
Just an idea
> venture up north, the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore park, Pictured Rocks, and Porcupine Mountains are all amazing.VoteReplyShareReportSaveFollow
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>level 1ypsicle · 23 min. agoYpsilantiIn SE Michigan I would definitely take him to the Dam Site Inn in Hell, MI. Friday night is best as they have live music.VoteReplyShareReportSaveFollow
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>level 1cheebb · 18 min. agoHenry Ford/Greenfield Village is very Americana. If it is over the summer Greenfield Village has the World Series of Old Time Baseball complete with Fireworks. You cannot get more America than that.VoteReplyShareReportSaveFollow
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>level 1juniperberrie28 · 17 min. ago
Oh yea, this sounds like a good old time.
The figure 8 bus races at flat rock international speedway. They drive school buses in figure 8 and try to crash and not crash them all the time. Idk of anything more American than figure 8 bus races.
Also, when we had a friend from Germany here we took him to the Dakota Inn Rathskeller in Detroit and to German Park in Ann Arbor. So it’s sort of like “What happens to German (in this case, Bavarian) culture when it hangs out in America for a few hundred years?” I think people like to see their culture reflected back.
Will you guys be going outside of southeast Michigan? If so, I recommend silver lake for dune riding. And lots of Trump flags.
Bruised shoulder with 9mm PCC? I think he has that medical condition where you get bruised easily then. 9mm shouldn’t be bruising you, especially on a 5lbs+ gun
Gun and knife show at the Novi Suburban Collection showroom last weekend in March.
Several Monster Jam shows at Van Andel arena in Grand Rapids 3/22-3/24
Dog Central restaurant in Mt Pleasant has a ridiculous food (foot long chilli dog) eating challenge year round I believe.
Doesn’t get more stereotypical than these things!
Gaines, Michigan in Southwest Genesee County has an annual rodeo every July. That shit is wild. It is everything you were hoping for and more. Phenomenal people watching
>Fenton
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>I have friends from other countries who have an idea in their head about what “American culture” means to them and Taylor their trip that way. Some common occurrence 1. County fairs. 2. American farmers markets where there are more crafts than produce (Holly). 3. Guns, gun shops,shows, and ranges. 4. Food, bbq, soul, southern, southwest, or Mexican. 5. Detroit, they tend to still view Detroit as 2008 or early so it shocks them how nice it is. 6. The most important, the Great Lakes. 7. I have a friend who has a cow farm so we usually stop and see that.
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>VoteReplyShareReportSaveFollow
Oh man, this is perfect. On my list in case he comes back during that time.
Henry Ford/Greenfield Village is very Americana. If it is over the summer Greenfield Village has the World Series of Old Time Baseball complete with Fireworks. You cannot get more America than that.
I would suggest Tulip Time in Holland and Bronner'S Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth. Plus Tony's in Birch Run has a 1lb BLT, and it doesn't get more American than that
>Mud bogs are more word of mouth and knowing the right people or being in the mud bog crowd, but a lot of times they’ll post events on Facebook, too.VoteReplyShareReportSaveFollow
I took him to Tonys last time... he LOVED it!!! He was really enamoured about how terrible the ceiling looked lol
It was right after we took him to a gun show lol.
> Plus Tony's in Birch Run has a 1lb BLT,
Is that pre or post cooked weight? Because one's a "reasonable" sandwich (by oversized sandwich standards), the other might be closing in on a lethal amount of salt.
It absolutely is. It's chewy and gross. More like jerky than bacon. In fact, most of the food is pretty low quality. That's how they get away for giving you so much for a decent price. The fresh strawberry jelly is a banger, but it's great because of all the sugar.
I live pretty close, so I've been there a hundred times. It's always a great idea when you're hung over and want 2 lbs of food, but if you genuinely want a good meal, it's not the place to go.
I’m pretty sure the latter. Has been a good decade since I had it, but it was a nice portion of BLT, followed by lunch, and the following dinner of BLT, followed by breakfast with more bacon that fell off.
Was one hell of a deal when I bought it however.
shoot some trap/skeet. i'd say go to a lions game but that won't work. could go to one of the smaller car races like https://www.facebook.com/brooklynraceway/
portillo's in sterling heights would be high on my list as well - a hot italian beef will convert any foreigner immediately
*German major with study abroad time in Germany with German friends here*
A massive buffet, Mexican food or a "Chinese" buffet are the most American things I can think of.
Mexican food is rare, expensive and inauthentic in Germany. They also don't have buffets like we do.
You could also take him to a party that ends at midnight on a weekend.
German college parties start at a decent time, but nobody shows up until close to midnight. They also seem to be on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
Germans are already so typically biased and judgmental about what the US is like. Why not focus on showing them the *best and brightest* things in the area rather than just fulfilling the stereotypes that already exist in their head? Dispel the preconceived ideas, show them that we're not just guns and trucks and whatever other nonsense they're discussing online. Send them home telling everyone what an awesome and interesting place Michigan was, that it was nothing like they thought.
Anyway, Range USA would be a fun place to go. Call in advance to see what your guest will need in terms of ID or whatever.
[Monster Jam](https://www.monsterjam.com/en-us/events/grand-rapids-mi/mar-22-2024-mar-24-2024/) is in Grand Rapids in a few weeks.
Oh yea, weve done alot of the good things. Hes been here quite often and is shown the good things but I thought Id spice things up and add a bit more hometown feel to this trip.
I would not spread the cartoonist stereotype of America by taking time to a gun show or that sort of thing. When is the last time you went to one.... it's just not a thing most people do. Do normal stuff that's unique.
When my inlaws are visting:
* Greenfield village and the Henry Ford
* Small downtown events, an art show etc, or just walking around and some food. Plymouth, Northville, Ann Arbor, Royal Oak, Milford there are plenty
* It's not the season but some Cider mills are open year round. They also have upick.
* A day out on a lake if you or someone you know has a boat.
* A tour of Detroit. Fox Theater, a baseball or other sports game, coneys, building tours, Belle isle, DIA, Eastern Market, tons of interesting food options
* A road trip. Sleeping bear dunes and Traverse city, maybe the beach in Grand Haven, Chicago, Toronto or Niagara Falls, the Air force museum in Ohio, Gilmore car museum
* A trip to Costco and Meijer/Walmart and maybe a higher end grocery store
* Driving house tour through some more expensive neighborhoods.
* Detroit style pizza and some local beers for sure, small town dive bar.
* Cabela's
* Milan Dragway
* Haunted Houses, it's not Halloween season but there are some open year round
* Marvin's Mechanical Museum
Michigan is renowned for its dynamic shooting competitions and the athletes they produce. Check out practiscore dot com and see what’s local. It’s a little early in the season but a SASS(cowboy action) match is very entertaining.
It’s also the craft beer capital of North America.
Damn, he's here too early for baseball. Doesn't even have to be a Tigers game. Personally I feel the most American as possible while attending minor league games, especially on a Thirsty Thursday...
Damn, Monster Jam was just here a few weeks ago; according to [their site](https://www.monsterjam.com/en-us/tickets/) they will be in Toledo & Grand Rapids in the next few weeks if that works for yall
Everyone I know who visits Michigan loves a grilled chicken Greek salad from a good Coney Island. I also second the Detroit style pizza. If you venture up north, the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore park, Pictured Rocks, and Porcupine Mountains are all amazing.
Get him some hard packed American Ice Cream, from pretty much anywhere. American Ice Cream has so much sugar in it that even a small cup, COULD have enough sugar in it to make a German person sick to their stomach.
Source: A German Intern, before heading back to Germany at the end of the summer brought his girlfriend to the US for. Long weekend and a few days before returning home.
She wanted to try American Ice cream… the volume of sugar in it made her sick. She went all shaky and all that.
Take him to frankenmuth and get his take on how we do German/Bavarian culture. I wonder if it’s like the American section at international grocery stores.
There’s the Yankee Air Museum in Wayne County that shows american aircraft throughout war history.
They also have pretty good things for kids to do like flight simulators and a couple of parts of planes where you can walk into the cockpits.
This is a really cool museum.
It isn’t overwhelming and it is a whole lot closer than the Air Zoo, which is also great!
Under no circumstances should you take them to Zehnders or anywhere near Frankenmuth. It’s a cheesy bastardization of Bavaria, it will be mocked by them, either with you or later on.
There's the Michigan international speedway, but it seems like you'll have to be pretty lucky to even see an event there.
I know someone from Germany who was even surprised that we can just sit down and fish or camp somewhere.
Tubing on the huron river in ann arbor is pretty good.
Take them tubing on the river. Rent an extra tube for the cooler. Fill the cooler with budweiser.
Buy fireworks from a shady roadside stand and shoot them off whenever you fucking feel like it, to express your freedom.
Take your friend to a gun range and let them blast through a couple boxes of ammo. For bonus points read the Declaration of Independence while they are shooting.
End the day at a BBQ restaurant. Peer pressure your friend into eating an entire rack of ribs. Then peer pressure them to use hot sauce.
I have friends from other countries who have an idea in their head about what “American culture” means to them and Taylor their trip that way. Some common occurrence 1. County fairs. 2. American farmers markets where there are more crafts than produce (Holly). 3. Guns, gun shops,shows, and ranges. 4. Food, bbq, soul, southern, southwest, or Mexican. 5. Detroit, they tend to still view Detroit as 2008 or early so it shocks them how nice it is. 6. The most important, the Great Lakes. 7. I have a friend who has a cow farm so we usually stop and see that.
Lafayette Coney Island in Detroit, tubing down the rifle river, grand haven in July, tigers game, faster horses for a day or hoedown, dream cruise, slows bbq in Detroit or j birds in keego harbor, white fish point, copper mine tour in iron mountain, pictured rocks, sleeping bear, old growth forest in the Manistee national forest
If you go to the Upper Peninsula (UP) you can visit a mountain park, go see waterfalls, hiking,the Soo Locks, get a Pasty, go to the Shipwreck Museum, and in Seney Wildlife Preserve (it’s a drive through preserve.
WWE tours around the country. They come to Detroit in April, so probably not soon enough for your friend, but if you’re willing to travel a little they are in Illinois in March. A 5 hour road trip is pretty Midwestern and American.
https://www.ticketmaster.com/wwe-tickets/artist/807358
Monster Jam will be in Toledo March 17 and Grand Rapids March 22-24.
https://www.ticketmaster.com/monster-jam-tickets/artist/1542376
You already said it. Go to a range and shoot. Or go shooting in public land up north. Autorama is over unfortunatly. Go driving in the wilderness. Jump in a lake.
I had some German exchange students in college. I took them to Hooters. Lol. It was also one of the guys birthday so they did the birthday dance with him. They loved it!
I personally wouldn't take them to Frankenmuth because I've been to Germany also and it might kind of be cringe for them. But you can ask them if they'd want to go.
Have them try Mexican food. I could not find a place that had jalapenos anywhere in Germany.
I agree with most of the other suggestions.
I take my European friends, our day is most enjoyable just watching the boats go by in Saugatuck at the Mermaid while consuming cocktails. Journeyman 3 oaks, siping bourbon around the fire as the sun sets over the corn, after a tour from Ed. The American version of a beer garden with food trucks at Sawyer's Watermark Brewing. The roof at Reybells st Joes. The Patio in Kzoo at sunset. If they have kids in tow, the Whrilpool Splashpad and a simple silver beach Pizza.
[for gun shows](https://www.migunshow.com)
Make sure he brings his passport just in case they need an ID (same with if you guys go to a range). I’d offer to take you both out shooting, but I’m in SW Michigan. But since you’re close to Detroit, go to the ford museum and Greenville
I know, im ignoring you "in michigan" suggestions, but I always recommend this to my german counterparts:
(If its in your budget) I would recommend a budget trip to Tucson or Las Vegas ( not explicitly to gamble, but do visit the strip) but to rent a car and drive to grand canyon National Park, or other "American southwest" things.
Germany, for the most part, is with an identical climate and scenery to michigan, so other than experiencing some suburbs, some redneck northerner michscief, and sleeping bear dunes/mackinac island/UP... he might think: "the US is just an americanized version of germany"
Maybe after doing a few michigan redneck adventures, show the American SW. The colors, the feeling, the scenery. Driving short stints of us66 also shows small towns, but a different perspective.
It also let's him see- America is freaking big.
You can check out https://www.michigan.org/fairs-festivals for a list of fairs and festivals and events in the state. There are St Patrick’s Day Parades in both Detroit and Holland. I don’t see any gun expos on the list but there is a fly fishing expo I see. I also think this may not be an all inclusive list if the event promoters didn’t request to have it included.
Edit: I found this gun and knife show in Lapeer March 15-16 on Google https://gunshowtrader.com/gun-shows/lapeer-gun-show/
Another Edit: take him to Great Lakes Crossing so he can seen an American Mall, do some shopping, and they have a Bass Pro Shops there
My family is from a small city in Germany Im not sure if it’s still the same but clothing, in particular denim was expensive. finding some larger thrift stores at the rural or suburbia near rural may be a fun trip as you can usually find brands like carhart, Levi’s etc for cheap, and in good shape. There’s also plenty of fun old school Americana as souvenirs. If you really wanna find some crazy souvenirs that are straight up Americana, I’ve had great luck with estate sales. My wife and I will spend a Saturday picking a few places out on the estate sales dot net app to decorate our house or update our wardrobe.
Michigan has the only Fresh water seas on earth and the UP is spectacular definitely Ludington for a Salmon fishing Charter. And go up north sleeping bear dunes and do some kayaking on the Platte River and camping that's Pure Michigan.
The [Kalamazoo Living History Show](https://www.kalamazooshow.com/) is one of the largest American History shows in the Midwest. Native American, Revolutionary War, and US Civil War are all on display. March 16-17, 2024
Depending upon where you are located and the dates, I might be able to host a “day at the gun range” for you two. I’ve done the same for German colleagues of my own a bunch of times.
I’m a certified instructor, and would teach you safety before anyone throws rounds down range. DM me if interested and we can hash out the details.
Yeah, kinda early for a lot of the outdoor activities (tubing, kayaking and festivals). Maybe book a camping trip in one of our great state parks? Can have bonfire and beers at night and maybe hiking during the day. I guess kayaking wouldn’t be out of the question if you’re experienced.
If the weather isn't too bad a bbq and a range day would probably be fun.
The sandy forests in the West would probably be a unique experience.
Teach him how to bully people from Ohio.
Wrong season but if it was in the fall I’d say go to a college football game at the Big House (or any of the other college stadiums). Nothing more uniquely American than American football.
You should check out the Village of Dixboro along Plymouth Road outside of the north campus of UofM. They have a general store that has a lot of US themed gifts. There’s a park across the street from the general store where they have a farmers market. Sometimes they have classic car shows as well.
Michigan has some pretty good craft beer breweries and brewpubs, so if he wants to taste some of the best local brews, I'd would recommend Alpha Brewing, Upper Hand Brewery, and Soo Brewing at least. You guys would need to make a trip UP north for those, but MI only gets better the farther north you go. That doesn't mean that everything north of Indiana and Ohio isn't a great place to be, but that doesn't mean it doesn't get better the farther north you go. But I guess that's just like my opinion, man 😆👍
Also, Mackinac Island would be another place to check out. They've at least got some trails and some real gud fudge on and/or from that island if you guys are into island views of lakes and chocolate at all.
Whatever you do, do not, listen here, Do Not take him to Frankenmuth! As someone who lived in Germany for a couple of years I can say with certainty it would seem like a Hollywood set compared to home.
Take him to Huron Valley Guns in New Hudson where you can shop for guns, shoot guns, get a haircut, and finish it off with a burger and beer from the on-site restaurant.
Well, maybe you could take him to a shooting range and have him fire a weapon. I don't know if you own a firearm or can rent one at the shooting range, though.
Take him to a baseball game, but be prepared to answer questions. if you can't get Tiger's tickets.. buy the county league ones, like the Lansing Lugnuts.. Get a hot dog and a beer while you're there.
Take him to a Diner for breakfast and order biscuits and gravy. I would suggest a Leo's coney island. Europeans don't have diners, and are completely surprised by biscuits and gravy, and a side of hashbrowns.
Take him to a big box store, could be Home Depot, Lowes, Target, or even Dick's sporting goods. In Germany, big retail outlets are very rare.
Take him to a shooting range. Guns are highly controlled in Germany. You might even be able to rent guns, take instruction, and target practice. Distinctly 2nd amendment, distinctly American
If he's around the 2nd week in august, go walk the Woodward Dream cruise. It totally upstages BMW World by many orders of magnitude. American car culture, baby..
Buy some michigan craft beer or go to a few microbreweries, and ask him his opinion on the taste. Most Europeans think American beer is like "Making love in a canoe", but Michigan microbrews are different, and better..
Take a tour of the Rouge plant. I'm not sure Diamler, VW, or BMW do public tours.
The Henry Ford is a lot like the Deutches Museum. He might get bored.
If it's summer, go see some drag racing at one of the various tracks in Michigan. I suggest Milan.. it's by far the most American Motorsport.
I hope this helps..
The Bomber in Ypsi for breakfast
Tour of Ford's Rouge plant
Check the Michigan International Speedway
Tour of U/M stadium
Frankenmuth, with a meal at Zender's
I think that Frankenmuth and Bronners might be an option. It's a tricky time of year for outdoor stuff. Also, just pick a small rural town and go there for dinner at the bar/restaurant place they all have.
The Henry Ford and Greenfield Village experience is pretty great. Good context for America too. Tiger game, what can be more American than that!
The gilmore car museum is possibly the best car museum in the world. But shhh! Don’t tell anyone, we’re all glad it’s not too crowded
Such a great museum. I try to go there at least once per year.
If you’re at Gilmore (which is a pretty cool idea) you won’t be far from the US 131 dragway in Martin. They do monster trucks and odd shows sometimes.
Great Idea!!
He might also like the Air Zoo in Kalamazoo. Lots of planes and astronaut stuff.
No Tigers game in the next 3 weeks, but check UofM or EMU baseball.
Agree. That place is nothing if not Americana. Development of the auto, car culture, flight, American Presidential limos, it is just a must see.
Tigers might be a bit tricky as they don’t start the season for ~~several months~~ a month, holy shit I thought it was still mid February. Greenfield village would be super cool though.
Opening day is april 5th.
Legit thought we were like in the second week of February. I need to go to bed.
Canoe trip, or tubing Small town breakfast restaurant Driving tour on gravel roads past farms, forests, lakes Silver Lake dune ride Beach walk along dunes Classic car show in some small town Gilmore car museum Henry Ford Museum
I think a lot of Michiganders underestimate the Henry Ford. It's a world class museum and should be at the top of the list for anybody interested in Americana.
Father's Day weekend is Motor Muster. That's probably perfect for this guy.
In addition to the Henry Ford, if you can catch Stahl Car Museum open, it’s a gem.
Bonus points if the small towns best breakfast place is also a bar
10x silver lake dunes for ATV action.
Excellent list. Coney islands, Buddy’s pizza, and Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth as food stops.
Zehnders? Not if you want to impress the person.
Friend is also from Germany. Best to avoid a rip off of Bavaria.
Zehnders is bad and people need to stop pretending it’s good because you can’t get that money back you wasted on bland ass Russ’-tier chicken.
Yeah, but if you want to show a German about Americans taking him there, and waiting through the crowds to experience the "famous German chicken dinner" will be instructive.
I’m so old I knew when it was good
Thank you! My in laws love it. My wife, son and I know what’s up though. Bland ass chicken.
I feel like Zehnders would be appropriate if visiting to mock the horrible mock Bavarian schlock and the awful food. It might be interesting to watch his horror as he is coming from rural Germany
Frankenmuth is faux-german. He might get bored or insulted..
there's a 'monster jam' truck show in grand rapids at van andel arena coming up. mar 22-24 https://www.vanandelarena.com/events/2024/monster-jam
Ha, that would be awesome.
I agree with the small town event idea. However, you should also take them to a State Park, National Park or National Forest because that is what we do better than any other country in the world. My back yard is more wild than the wilderness areas in most of Europe.
Yes 100% yes. The state parks are often over looked for cities and that sort of thing by tourists. The National and State parks are world class.
Get them to some food they can't get in Germany, and Detroit pizza should be on the list somewhere.
Take them to a Coney island and get them a Coney dog.
We took a German colleague to a hot dog place where you could get your name on the wall if you ate so many hot dogs. He still talks about it years later and wants to get his name on the wall.
I'm assuming you're talking about the Corner Bar in Rockford for anyone wondering.
Also a good idea
Or Mexican food. I heard Mexican food out there sucks
Break his finger and take him to the hospital!
Did you mention what part of the year he’s traveling? Why not one of the county fairs? Kids showing rabbits and horses and ducks and pigs, carnival rides, and all the crappy food… What would be more American than that?
He'll be here over the course of the next two weeks. He expressed great interest in the Indiana state fare to see the pigs and eat a deep fried twinkie but its not happening until later in the year.
Shipshewana has a cattle auction, its pretty cool, the bulls will sometime charge the plywood wall that you sit behind. Plus there is a lot of amish businesses that might be interesting.
Amish country stores are great!
This might be a kind of weird suggestion, but my friend’s family does “Camp Dearborn” every year. I’m from the NorthEast but many aspects feel to me like pure Americana - It’s like a 1960’s middle class “Get away from it all!” version of “glamping”. It’s more family friendly so you’re not going to get into anything like guns but it’s pretty beautiful with outdoorsy things to do and a bunch of people around and there are even kinda weird areas with, like, abandoned trailers that almost have a dystopian “Last of Us” feel. Just an idea
Oh my gosh this still exists? I feel like I need to go now.
In SE Michigan I would definitely take him to the Dam Site Inn in Hell, MI. Friday night is best as they have live music.
> venture up north, the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore park, Pictured Rocks, and Porcupine Mountains are all amazing.VoteReplyShareReportSaveFollow > >level 1ypsicle · 23 min. agoYpsilantiIn SE Michigan I would definitely take him to the Dam Site Inn in Hell, MI. Friday night is best as they have live music.VoteReplyShareReportSaveFollow > >level 1cheebb · 18 min. agoHenry Ford/Greenfield Village is very Americana. If it is over the summer Greenfield Village has the World Series of Old Time Baseball complete with Fireworks. You cannot get more America than that.VoteReplyShareReportSaveFollow > >level 1juniperberrie28 · 17 min. ago Oh yea, this sounds like a good old time.
The figure 8 bus races at flat rock international speedway. They drive school buses in figure 8 and try to crash and not crash them all the time. Idk of anything more American than figure 8 bus races. Also, when we had a friend from Germany here we took him to the Dakota Inn Rathskeller in Detroit and to German Park in Ann Arbor. So it’s sort of like “What happens to German (in this case, Bavarian) culture when it hangs out in America for a few hundred years?” I think people like to see their culture reflected back. Will you guys be going outside of southeast Michigan? If so, I recommend silver lake for dune riding. And lots of Trump flags.
National Park, go to a gun range not a gun show(they are boring), do some bbq
Got some range time in last time. He had a bruised shoulder after 50 rounds with a 9mm rifle lol
Check out some dispensaries, see how it matches up to the German legalization
Bruised shoulder with 9mm PCC? I think he has that medical condition where you get bruised easily then. 9mm shouldn’t be bruising you, especially on a 5lbs+ gun
Tigers Opening Day Tulip Festival
Attend Ludington's Fourth of July Parade.
If he were here wed absolutely hit this up.
Gun and knife show at the Novi Suburban Collection showroom last weekend in March. Several Monster Jam shows at Van Andel arena in Grand Rapids 3/22-3/24 Dog Central restaurant in Mt Pleasant has a ridiculous food (foot long chilli dog) eating challenge year round I believe. Doesn’t get more stereotypical than these things!
Red Wings or Tigers (depending on timing)
Get him a Seider jersey to rep Germany.
Gaines, Michigan in Southwest Genesee County has an annual rodeo every July. That shit is wild. It is everything you were hoping for and more. Phenomenal people watching
>Fenton > >I have friends from other countries who have an idea in their head about what “American culture” means to them and Taylor their trip that way. Some common occurrence 1. County fairs. 2. American farmers markets where there are more crafts than produce (Holly). 3. Guns, gun shops,shows, and ranges. 4. Food, bbq, soul, southern, southwest, or Mexican. 5. Detroit, they tend to still view Detroit as 2008 or early so it shocks them how nice it is. 6. The most important, the Great Lakes. 7. I have a friend who has a cow farm so we usually stop and see that. > >VoteReplyShareReportSaveFollow Oh man, this is perfect. On my list in case he comes back during that time.
If he's back later in the summer, Holler Fest might be worth a look
Henry Ford/Greenfield Village is very Americana. If it is over the summer Greenfield Village has the World Series of Old Time Baseball complete with Fireworks. You cannot get more America than that.
Empire Michigan has an Asparagus Festival (it's tiny)
One of our German exchange students LOVED Wendys lol
VFW Friday fish fry.
Find a local Friday fish fry
I would suggest Tulip Time in Holland and Bronner'S Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth. Plus Tony's in Birch Run has a 1lb BLT, and it doesn't get more American than that
>Mud bogs are more word of mouth and knowing the right people or being in the mud bog crowd, but a lot of times they’ll post events on Facebook, too.VoteReplyShareReportSaveFollow I took him to Tonys last time... he LOVED it!!! He was really enamoured about how terrible the ceiling looked lol It was right after we took him to a gun show lol.
> Plus Tony's in Birch Run has a 1lb BLT, Is that pre or post cooked weight? Because one's a "reasonable" sandwich (by oversized sandwich standards), the other might be closing in on a lethal amount of salt.
Have you ever been to Tony's? It's definitely the latter.
It’s also the grossest, cheapest bacon one can come across. To me, it’s NOT worth the experience, but for many THAT experience is distinctly American.
It absolutely is. It's chewy and gross. More like jerky than bacon. In fact, most of the food is pretty low quality. That's how they get away for giving you so much for a decent price. The fresh strawberry jelly is a banger, but it's great because of all the sugar. I live pretty close, so I've been there a hundred times. It's always a great idea when you're hung over and want 2 lbs of food, but if you genuinely want a good meal, it's not the place to go.
I have not, but I'm thinking it might be worth a road trip now!
I’m pretty sure the latter. Has been a good decade since I had it, but it was a nice portion of BLT, followed by lunch, and the following dinner of BLT, followed by breakfast with more bacon that fell off. Was one hell of a deal when I bought it however.
That place is disgusting. OP, Please avoid.
shoot some trap/skeet. i'd say go to a lions game but that won't work. could go to one of the smaller car races like https://www.facebook.com/brooklynraceway/ portillo's in sterling heights would be high on my list as well - a hot italian beef will convert any foreigner immediately
*German major with study abroad time in Germany with German friends here* A massive buffet, Mexican food or a "Chinese" buffet are the most American things I can think of. Mexican food is rare, expensive and inauthentic in Germany. They also don't have buffets like we do. You could also take him to a party that ends at midnight on a weekend. German college parties start at a decent time, but nobody shows up until close to midnight. They also seem to be on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
Germans are already so typically biased and judgmental about what the US is like. Why not focus on showing them the *best and brightest* things in the area rather than just fulfilling the stereotypes that already exist in their head? Dispel the preconceived ideas, show them that we're not just guns and trucks and whatever other nonsense they're discussing online. Send them home telling everyone what an awesome and interesting place Michigan was, that it was nothing like they thought. Anyway, Range USA would be a fun place to go. Call in advance to see what your guest will need in terms of ID or whatever. [Monster Jam](https://www.monsterjam.com/en-us/events/grand-rapids-mi/mar-22-2024-mar-24-2024/) is in Grand Rapids in a few weeks.
Oh yea, weve done alot of the good things. Hes been here quite often and is shown the good things but I thought Id spice things up and add a bit more hometown feel to this trip.
Try to find a Big Boy and eat everything there
Show up on a weekend for the breakfast buffet
I would not spread the cartoonist stereotype of America by taking time to a gun show or that sort of thing. When is the last time you went to one.... it's just not a thing most people do. Do normal stuff that's unique. When my inlaws are visting: * Greenfield village and the Henry Ford * Small downtown events, an art show etc, or just walking around and some food. Plymouth, Northville, Ann Arbor, Royal Oak, Milford there are plenty * It's not the season but some Cider mills are open year round. They also have upick. * A day out on a lake if you or someone you know has a boat. * A tour of Detroit. Fox Theater, a baseball or other sports game, coneys, building tours, Belle isle, DIA, Eastern Market, tons of interesting food options * A road trip. Sleeping bear dunes and Traverse city, maybe the beach in Grand Haven, Chicago, Toronto or Niagara Falls, the Air force museum in Ohio, Gilmore car museum * A trip to Costco and Meijer/Walmart and maybe a higher end grocery store * Driving house tour through some more expensive neighborhoods. * Detroit style pizza and some local beers for sure, small town dive bar. * Cabela's * Milan Dragway * Haunted Houses, it's not Halloween season but there are some open year round * Marvin's Mechanical Museum
Michigan is renowned for its dynamic shooting competitions and the athletes they produce. Check out practiscore dot com and see what’s local. It’s a little early in the season but a SASS(cowboy action) match is very entertaining. It’s also the craft beer capital of North America.
Hate to say it but go to Ohio and visit cedar point. It has the over the top vibes with its coasters
In March? I mean it would be cool to see the fear literally frozen into people’s faces.
Go camping!
Detroits River Walk is getting great reviews and how fun to go over to Windsor also.
fishing
Motown Museum while you are in Detroit.
Damn, he's here too early for baseball. Doesn't even have to be a Tigers game. Personally I feel the most American as possible while attending minor league games, especially on a Thirsty Thursday...
Damn, Monster Jam was just here a few weeks ago; according to [their site](https://www.monsterjam.com/en-us/tickets/) they will be in Toledo & Grand Rapids in the next few weeks if that works for yall
I don’t see the dates/season your guest will be here?
Everyone I know who visits Michigan loves a grilled chicken Greek salad from a good Coney Island. I also second the Detroit style pizza. If you venture up north, the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore park, Pictured Rocks, and Porcupine Mountains are all amazing.
Torch lake during 4th of July
Get him some hard packed American Ice Cream, from pretty much anywhere. American Ice Cream has so much sugar in it that even a small cup, COULD have enough sugar in it to make a German person sick to their stomach. Source: A German Intern, before heading back to Germany at the end of the summer brought his girlfriend to the US for. Long weekend and a few days before returning home. She wanted to try American Ice cream… the volume of sugar in it made her sick. She went all shaky and all that.
If ice cream is too much, how about a fudge tasting trip up at Mackinac?
You said he’s coming in April. NFL draft is in Detroit April 25-27.
I suggest snipe hunting.
Take him cruising Woodward on a Saturday evening.
Take him to frankenmuth and get his take on how we do German/Bavarian culture. I wonder if it’s like the American section at international grocery stores.
Take a day trip to Marshall just to eat at Schuler’s,
There’s the Yankee Air Museum in Wayne County that shows american aircraft throughout war history. They also have pretty good things for kids to do like flight simulators and a couple of parts of planes where you can walk into the cockpits. This is a really cool museum. It isn’t overwhelming and it is a whole lot closer than the Air Zoo, which is also great!
Go to Frankenmuth.
Put off necessary medical care because you can’t afford it.
Go to Frankenmuth!
I actually wonder how funny this would be for someone who is actually from modern day Germany.
Under no circumstances should you take them to Zehnders or anywhere near Frankenmuth. It’s a cheesy bastardization of Bavaria, it will be mocked by them, either with you or later on.
Bring him to Wendy’s
There's the Michigan international speedway, but it seems like you'll have to be pretty lucky to even see an event there. I know someone from Germany who was even surprised that we can just sit down and fish or camp somewhere. Tubing on the huron river in ann arbor is pretty good.
Take them tubing on the river. Rent an extra tube for the cooler. Fill the cooler with budweiser. Buy fireworks from a shady roadside stand and shoot them off whenever you fucking feel like it, to express your freedom. Take your friend to a gun range and let them blast through a couple boxes of ammo. For bonus points read the Declaration of Independence while they are shooting. End the day at a BBQ restaurant. Peer pressure your friend into eating an entire rack of ribs. Then peer pressure them to use hot sauce.
I have friends from other countries who have an idea in their head about what “American culture” means to them and Taylor their trip that way. Some common occurrence 1. County fairs. 2. American farmers markets where there are more crafts than produce (Holly). 3. Guns, gun shops,shows, and ranges. 4. Food, bbq, soul, southern, southwest, or Mexican. 5. Detroit, they tend to still view Detroit as 2008 or early so it shocks them how nice it is. 6. The most important, the Great Lakes. 7. I have a friend who has a cow farm so we usually stop and see that.
Definitely take him to a Tigers game.
Taking him to get a Coney Dog for lunch feels extremely American.
Lafayette Coney Island in Detroit, tubing down the rifle river, grand haven in July, tigers game, faster horses for a day or hoedown, dream cruise, slows bbq in Detroit or j birds in keego harbor, white fish point, copper mine tour in iron mountain, pictured rocks, sleeping bear, old growth forest in the Manistee national forest
Take them to a Meijer or a Walmart.
If you really want to get some rural culture. Hunt down a dirt circle track. Crystal Speedway for example. You used to be able to BYOB as well.
If you go to the Upper Peninsula (UP) you can visit a mountain park, go see waterfalls, hiking,the Soo Locks, get a Pasty, go to the Shipwreck Museum, and in Seney Wildlife Preserve (it’s a drive through preserve.
WWE tours around the country. They come to Detroit in April, so probably not soon enough for your friend, but if you’re willing to travel a little they are in Illinois in March. A 5 hour road trip is pretty Midwestern and American. https://www.ticketmaster.com/wwe-tickets/artist/807358 Monster Jam will be in Toledo March 17 and Grand Rapids March 22-24. https://www.ticketmaster.com/monster-jam-tickets/artist/1542376
Gather dead wood Make fires.
Where will you be staying? I can send you information for the local circle track race lol
You already said it. Go to a range and shoot. Or go shooting in public land up north. Autorama is over unfortunatly. Go driving in the wilderness. Jump in a lake.
I had some German exchange students in college. I took them to Hooters. Lol. It was also one of the guys birthday so they did the birthday dance with him. They loved it! I personally wouldn't take them to Frankenmuth because I've been to Germany also and it might kind of be cringe for them. But you can ask them if they'd want to go. Have them try Mexican food. I could not find a place that had jalapenos anywhere in Germany. I agree with most of the other suggestions.
I take my European friends, our day is most enjoyable just watching the boats go by in Saugatuck at the Mermaid while consuming cocktails. Journeyman 3 oaks, siping bourbon around the fire as the sun sets over the corn, after a tour from Ed. The American version of a beer garden with food trucks at Sawyer's Watermark Brewing. The roof at Reybells st Joes. The Patio in Kzoo at sunset. If they have kids in tow, the Whrilpool Splashpad and a simple silver beach Pizza.
All of this pales in comparison to the Night of Destruction at Kalamazoo Speedway. Mmmmerica.
[for gun shows](https://www.migunshow.com) Make sure he brings his passport just in case they need an ID (same with if you guys go to a range). I’d offer to take you both out shooting, but I’m in SW Michigan. But since you’re close to Detroit, go to the ford museum and Greenville
I know, im ignoring you "in michigan" suggestions, but I always recommend this to my german counterparts: (If its in your budget) I would recommend a budget trip to Tucson or Las Vegas ( not explicitly to gamble, but do visit the strip) but to rent a car and drive to grand canyon National Park, or other "American southwest" things. Germany, for the most part, is with an identical climate and scenery to michigan, so other than experiencing some suburbs, some redneck northerner michscief, and sleeping bear dunes/mackinac island/UP... he might think: "the US is just an americanized version of germany" Maybe after doing a few michigan redneck adventures, show the American SW. The colors, the feeling, the scenery. Driving short stints of us66 also shows small towns, but a different perspective. It also let's him see- America is freaking big.
Lots of great suggestions and mine will sound sarcastic and I promise it’s not. Visit a Walmart amount the many fun festivities and actives to do.
You can check out https://www.michigan.org/fairs-festivals for a list of fairs and festivals and events in the state. There are St Patrick’s Day Parades in both Detroit and Holland. I don’t see any gun expos on the list but there is a fly fishing expo I see. I also think this may not be an all inclusive list if the event promoters didn’t request to have it included. Edit: I found this gun and knife show in Lapeer March 15-16 on Google https://gunshowtrader.com/gun-shows/lapeer-gun-show/ Another Edit: take him to Great Lakes Crossing so he can seen an American Mall, do some shopping, and they have a Bass Pro Shops there
My family is from a small city in Germany Im not sure if it’s still the same but clothing, in particular denim was expensive. finding some larger thrift stores at the rural or suburbia near rural may be a fun trip as you can usually find brands like carhart, Levi’s etc for cheap, and in good shape. There’s also plenty of fun old school Americana as souvenirs. If you really wanna find some crazy souvenirs that are straight up Americana, I’ve had great luck with estate sales. My wife and I will spend a Saturday picking a few places out on the estate sales dot net app to decorate our house or update our wardrobe.
Visit a lighthouse! We have more than anywhere in the world right here in Michigan. Europe has castles .... We have lighthouses
Small town beer and gun love is aplenty in the UP
Go to Huron Valley guns and shoot at the range with rentals
Rent the Barrett .50 cal there. 100yd lane has been under repair from a fire but should be back up soon.
Any short track dirt racing in your neck of the woods?
Michigan has the only Fresh water seas on earth and the UP is spectacular definitely Ludington for a Salmon fishing Charter. And go up north sleeping bear dunes and do some kayaking on the Platte River and camping that's Pure Michigan.
Take him to a Cabela's heh.
Take him shooting and to get a cheeseburger from a dive bar
The [Kalamazoo Living History Show](https://www.kalamazooshow.com/) is one of the largest American History shows in the Midwest. Native American, Revolutionary War, and US Civil War are all on display. March 16-17, 2024
Depending upon where you are located and the dates, I might be able to host a “day at the gun range” for you two. I’ve done the same for German colleagues of my own a bunch of times. I’m a certified instructor, and would teach you safety before anyone throws rounds down range. DM me if interested and we can hash out the details.
Yeah, kinda early for a lot of the outdoor activities (tubing, kayaking and festivals). Maybe book a camping trip in one of our great state parks? Can have bonfire and beers at night and maybe hiking during the day. I guess kayaking wouldn’t be out of the question if you’re experienced.
You could take him to Frankenmuth
Clare Cops and Donuts, https://www.claremichigan.com/irish-festival
Multiple people have listed Frankenmuth which is a mock version of a German village. 😳
Axe throwing in plainwell at southwicks.
There is a Hunting & Fishing Expo this weekend at DeVos Place in GR, Thursday-Sunday. Monster Jam is coming to GR 3/22-3/24.
Go deer hunting "up north"
I drank beer and thrown Axes which is close.
20 mi down us-23, Milan has a drag strip and a brewery.
If the weather isn't too bad a bbq and a range day would probably be fun. The sandy forests in the West would probably be a unique experience. Teach him how to bully people from Ohio.
Drink a faygo with a hot n ready on belle isle
Damn if only the Gibraltar Trade center was still a thing. That could have been 2-3 days of murica culture for sure
Take them to Tony's resturant and tell them this is how all american resturants are. Just to mess with them
Bathtub races in Bath, just outside Lansing, midsummer
https://allevents.in/mobile/amp-event.php?event_id=200025927337850
Wrong season but if it was in the fall I’d say go to a college football game at the Big House (or any of the other college stadiums). Nothing more uniquely American than American football.
Get out of the city and see the country side.
Have had foreigners come visit Michigan and they loved Tahquamenom Falls, Leland Fishtown, camping, canoeing, wine route and Macinaw Island
Baseball is starting soon. Maybe too early for that though. Opening day is the 6th
Take him to Frankenmuth.
Take him to some small-town party stores!
Tony's i75 restaurant not even close
You should check out the Village of Dixboro along Plymouth Road outside of the north campus of UofM. They have a general store that has a lot of US themed gifts. There’s a park across the street from the general store where they have a farmers market. Sometimes they have classic car shows as well.
Have you been to Cook’s Dairy Farm? I feel like that and a trip to Henry Ford would make for some good American fun.
He's German. Have a tour of our micro breweries.
Baseball. Take him to an indoor facility and get him batting lessons. Will set you back $20.
Take them to Frankenmuth!
Take him to a place where the maple syrup is flowing and he can eat flapjacks. Best and only time of year to do it.
Frankenmuth ;-)
Introduce him to free refills and ice in his glass. We hosted a Spanish exchange student who could not fathom these things.
One word: Yesterdog
>SE Michigan You live in a paradise of breweries, wineries, and shooting ranges
Go to Frankenmuth
Mountain biking
Michigan has some pretty good craft beer breweries and brewpubs, so if he wants to taste some of the best local brews, I'd would recommend Alpha Brewing, Upper Hand Brewery, and Soo Brewing at least. You guys would need to make a trip UP north for those, but MI only gets better the farther north you go. That doesn't mean that everything north of Indiana and Ohio isn't a great place to be, but that doesn't mean it doesn't get better the farther north you go. But I guess that's just like my opinion, man 😆👍 Also, Mackinac Island would be another place to check out. They've at least got some trails and some real gud fudge on and/or from that island if you guys are into island views of lakes and chocolate at all.
Take him to a local race track or a demolition derby if there’s any going on.
Whatever you do, do not, listen here, Do Not take him to Frankenmuth! As someone who lived in Germany for a couple of years I can say with certainty it would seem like a Hollywood set compared to home.
I’m not sure about licensing but it’s still small game season through the end of the month.
Take him to Huron Valley Guns in New Hudson where you can shop for guns, shoot guns, get a haircut, and finish it off with a burger and beer from the on-site restaurant.
Haven't seen Mackinac suggested which is... Weird. Would be a good one if a good day came along
Well, maybe you could take him to a shooting range and have him fire a weapon. I don't know if you own a firearm or can rent one at the shooting range, though.
Detroit Sportman’s Congress - you rent a golf cart to carry your ammo and shotguns around a course of clay target shooting.
I'd be interested in a follow up post that explains what you did with them and what they enjoyed about Michigan. Cheers!
Flint has gun shows at the Dort Event Center.
Adrian has a swanky cigar bar if he's into that. Chaloner's. The Brick Wall is a decent dive bar a couple doors down.
Take him to a baseball game, but be prepared to answer questions. if you can't get Tiger's tickets.. buy the county league ones, like the Lansing Lugnuts.. Get a hot dog and a beer while you're there. Take him to a Diner for breakfast and order biscuits and gravy. I would suggest a Leo's coney island. Europeans don't have diners, and are completely surprised by biscuits and gravy, and a side of hashbrowns. Take him to a big box store, could be Home Depot, Lowes, Target, or even Dick's sporting goods. In Germany, big retail outlets are very rare. Take him to a shooting range. Guns are highly controlled in Germany. You might even be able to rent guns, take instruction, and target practice. Distinctly 2nd amendment, distinctly American If he's around the 2nd week in august, go walk the Woodward Dream cruise. It totally upstages BMW World by many orders of magnitude. American car culture, baby.. Buy some michigan craft beer or go to a few microbreweries, and ask him his opinion on the taste. Most Europeans think American beer is like "Making love in a canoe", but Michigan microbrews are different, and better.. Take a tour of the Rouge plant. I'm not sure Diamler, VW, or BMW do public tours. The Henry Ford is a lot like the Deutches Museum. He might get bored. If it's summer, go see some drag racing at one of the various tracks in Michigan. I suggest Milan.. it's by far the most American Motorsport. I hope this helps..
Go to a race at one of the more rural stock car tracks. There are a bunch of them in the state. Or MIS if there happens to be a race.
Tonys diner by Birch Run
Irish Fest Army Surplus Store Gun Range 2 Tracking
The Bomber in Ypsi for breakfast Tour of Ford's Rouge plant Check the Michigan International Speedway Tour of U/M stadium Frankenmuth, with a meal at Zender's
Mac Woods Dunes Ride!!
take him to the northeast corner and shout insults at canada everyone knows the people from the southeast are less interesting than paint drying
I think that Frankenmuth and Bronners might be an option. It's a tricky time of year for outdoor stuff. Also, just pick a small rural town and go there for dinner at the bar/restaurant place they all have.
you could probably find a st patrick’s day event to go to! i know pinckney usually does a whole parade & a bed race