Michigan's physical geography is dominated by water. It is bordered by Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie, giving it a freshwater coastline of roughly 3,288 miles. The state is divided into two major landmasses.
The Lower Peninsula is shaped like a mitten and features rolling hills, agricultural plains, and thousands of inland lakes. The northern half of the Lower Peninsula becomes increasingly forested.
The Upper Peninsula (U.P.) is separated from the Lower Peninsula by the Straits of Mackinac. The U.P. is characterized by dense forests, rugged terrain, and a lower population density. It holds immense natural resources, including iron and copper deposits. The state boasts massive tracts of state and national forests, including the Huron-Manistee, Hiawatha, and Ottawa National Forests.