9 Michigan-made world records that will make you proud to call our state home
Searching for proof that Michigan is world-class? Look no further than our roundup of world records held by Michiganders and the Mitten State itself.
Michiganders don’t need official recognition to know that our state is special, but that doesn’t mean we can’t appreciate some documented evidence of our awesomeness from time to time. And when it comes to recognition, it’s tough to beat the fun and prestige of earning a bona fide world record—whether that record is for an athletic feat, a large gathering of Michiganders united around a single passion, or even something as simple as a super-long front porch on our most famous island.
So while we don’t need proof that Michigan is the best state ever, we’re happy to celebrate some of our more official world-class designations. Read on to learn about nine world records held by Michigan (or people who call Michigan home).
1. World’s largest front porch
If you’ve ever been to Mackinac Island, you’ve almost certainly admired the size and sheer beauty of the Grand Hotel. This historic lodging spot has hosted countless celebrities and politicians over the years, but did you know that it also holds a world record?
That’s right: The Grand Hotel’s sprawling front porch, which stretches for an impressive 660 feet overlooking the Straits of Mackinac, is the longest of its kind in the world. Next time you’re on the island, sit back in one of the porch’s more than 600 rocking chairs and unwind.
2. World’s largest game of telephone
Anyone who attended a sleepover in the 80s or 90s surely remembers playing telephone. You know the drill: One person whispers a word, phrase, or silly sentence into their friend’s ear. That friend turns to the person next to them, repeats what they heard, and so on, usually with hilariously misheard results.
At a Detroit Tigers game this June, a group of more than 1,800 people participated in the world’s largest game of telephone as part of a promotion with McDonald’s. The phrase? “The Snack Wrap is coming back. Pass it on.”
3. World’s largest Christmas store
It’s always Christmas at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, which bills itself as the world’s largest Christmas store. If you’ve ever stepped inside, you’ll see what makes this place so special—and why it could even make Scrooge a fan of the holiday season.
There are more than five football fields worth of space here, totalling a whopping 320,000 square feet of indoor space. From ornaments to holiday lights to Christmas garb, you’ll find it here.
4. World’s largest freshwater shoreline
Most Michiganders are pretty darn proud of the Great Lakes, and with good reason. But here’s another reason to be proud that you might not be aware of: Our waterways hold a world record! The shoreline of Michigan’s Great Lakes extends for about 3,288 miles, rendering it the longest freshwater shoreline in the world.
If you’re lucky, you’ll stroll along many of those miles during your time in the Mitten State.
5. Fastest time to climb or descend one million stairs
Here’s a world record with a deeper meaning. In 2020, Belleville resident Jim Wigginton set the world record for the fastest time to climb and descend an incredible one million stairs. The feat was designed by Jim as a way to commemorate the life of his late wife, Nancy, who died of thyroid cancer—and to raise awareness for the disease.
For his 2020 stairway record, Jim climbed one million steps in the span of 135 days. We hope he took plenty of time to rest after the record was secured!
6. World’s largest gathering of Rosie the Riveters
Rosie the Riveter is an enduring symbol of World War II and the role women played in homefront war efforts. Her iconic red bandana and flexed arm represent the many female workers in shipyards and other manufacturing efforts during the era.
In 2017, more than 3,700 people dressed up as Rosie and gathered at the Yankee Air Museum in Ypsilanti, breaking a world record for most “Rosies” in one place. What’s more impressive? A handful of real “Rosies” were present, sharing stories of their time working in factories during the war.
7. World’s longest banana car
Very few people go through life with the dream of someday creating the world’s largest banana car, but Michigander Steve Braithwaite is an exception. In 2011, he completed his goal by crafting a custom banana-shaped vehicle that stretched more than 22 feet and seated four people. The car, which can legally be driven on the street, reaches speeds of up to 85 miles per hour and consists of foam, fiberglass, rebar, and chicken wire atop a V8 engine.
8. Fastest-ever tour of every country in the world
Visiting a handful of bucket list countries is one thing, but setting foot on every single sovereign country in the world is another achievement entirely. Metro Detroit resident Michael Zervos spent 498 days traveling to almost 200 countries, breaking the previous record of 543 days.
He documented the emotional journey through videos and made a concerted effort to personally connect with locals on every leg of his trip. Talk about a vacation to remember.
9. World’s largest gathering of merpeople
Ever wanted to embrace your inner mermaid or merman? You’re not alone, as evidenced by another world record set in Michigan: the world’s largest gathering of merpeople. In August 2025, 500 people dressed in their finest merpeople garb gathered along Lake Huron in Oscoda to raise awareness about the harmful impact of PFAS contamination throughout Michigan’s beloved Great Lakes.
Participants were required to stay for at least five minutes while dressed in a full mermaid tail or costume, then they were free to explore the surrounding Oscoda Pirates and Mermaids Festival.
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