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.)

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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

Wendy Reed, Townsquare Media/ Canva.com
Wendy Reed, Townsquare Media/ Canva.com
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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).

Skidoo crossing sign
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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.

West Indian Ocean coelacanth Latimeria chalumnae
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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.

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User Tukan brought up a theory I had never thought of before.

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Canva.com
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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.

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And another animal entered the chat with a comment from this person.

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An art teacher chimed in, and it seems that no one wants to challenge them. Because science?

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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.

Michigan's Upper Peninsula is a bit of a mystery to some. Here's a guide to things you'll find in the U.P from A to Z. 

Gallery Credit: Wendy Reed

Top Lesser-Known Attractions in Michigan's Upper Peninsula

While places like Mackinac Island and Pictured Rocks are great and definitely worth seeing, there are some other, less-popular spots in the U.P. that you should check out on your next trip up north.

Gallery Credit: Wendy Reed

10 Facts About Michigan's Upper Peninsula You Probably Didn't Know

Michigan's Upper Peninsula is the setting of a lot of tall tales, urban legends, and folklore. But there are a lot of true things about the U.P. that many don't know and probably wouldn't believe.

Gallery Credit: Wendy Reed

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