State Abbreviation: MINickname: Great Lakes State, Wolverine State, Water Wonderland Origin of name: From Chippewa words mici gama, meaning "great water," after the lake of the same name. Capital: Lansing Motto: "Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice", which is Latin for "If you Seek a Pleasant Peninsula, Look About You." Michigan State Seal Bird: Robin Fish: Brook Trout Flower: Apple Blossom Fossil: Mastodon See mastodon fact sheets Game Mammal:White-tailed Deer Gem: Isle Royale Greenstone Reptile: Painted Turtle Soil: Kalkaska Sand Song: My Michigan Unofficial state song: Michigan, My Michigan Stone: Petoskey Stone Tree:White Pine Wildflower:Dwarf Lake Iris Michigan is the nation's number one cherry producing state. Michigan produces 70 to 75 percent of the tart cherries grown in the United States. The Great Lakes contain the largest supply of fresh water on earth; 20% of the earth's total fresh water. Only the polar ice caps contain more fresh water. There are five Great Lakes. To remember the Great Lakes names, remember the word "HOMES."