
What Is Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Really Shaped Like?
Michigan has long been nicknamed the Mitten State due to the shape of the Lower Peninsula. It's shaped like a mitten (and it's the only one shaped like a mitten, so sit down, Wisconsin.)

But the mitten isn't the only mass of land that makes up Michigan. The Upper Peninsula sits up there on top, completely forgotten in the state's most popular nickname.
What, Exactly, is Michigan's Upper Peninsula Shaped Like?
There's some controversy surrounding the actual shape of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. I will tell you that I, a native Yooper, tend to just turn my hand to the side and stick both my thumb and my pinky out. It's not exact, but it gets the job done.
The Yooper Hand Analogy
The topic was recently raised in the r/Michigan group, and there were a lot of differing opinions. The OP said that they have always told people that it's shaped like a rabbit or a shark. Their girlfriend (not from Michigan) says it looks like a Ski-Doo (aka snowmobile).
The OP also suggested that it looks like a coelacanth, which is something that I was completely unfamiliar with, so I had to Google it. Apparently, it's a fish.
What Do Michiganders Think the Upper Peninsula is Shaped Like?
Other Michiganders were quick to pop into the comments with their thoughts.
Several agreed that it's shaped like a rabbit or a shark. But there were other suggestions that I hadn't heard before.
READ MORE: What's the Difference Between 'Mitten Michigan' & 'Non-Mitten Michigan'?
One of the first commenters got straight to the point.
User Tukan brought up a theory I had never thought of before.
Another commenter, 4estfire74, suggested that the U.P. is actually shaped like Falcor from The Neverending Story. (I've never seen the movie, so I don't really get it, but okay...)
Similarly, this commenter thought that it looks like a mythical creature.
And another animal entered the chat with a comment from this person.
An art teacher chimed in, and it seems that no one wants to challenge them. Because science?
Curious about the U.P. and all there is to offer? Check out this A-Z guide to the Upper Peninsula.
The A to Z of Michigan's U.P.
Gallery Credit: Wendy Reed
Top Lesser-Known Attractions in Michigan's Upper Peninsula
Gallery Credit: Wendy Reed
10 Facts About Michigan's Upper Peninsula You Probably Didn't Know
Gallery Credit: Wendy Reed