Michigan

'The Wolverine State'
The name Michigan is derived from the language of the Chippewa Indians who used the word 'Michigama' for 'Big Lake'. The states nickname comes from an animal of der weasel family, the 'wolverine', which can be compared to the skunk. The wolverines length can reach 40-45 inches, including the bushy tail. It was known for its rather destructive habits, the worst one among the weasels. Native Indians have allegedly compared the white settlers with the wolverine because of their rigorous way of taking the land.
A more modern nickname is 'Water Wonderland' - of course because of the estimated 10,000 lakes in the state.
Michigan consists basically of two peninsulas: the upper and the lower one - connected by the 'Mackinac Brücke' which is 5 mi (8 km) long.