On dark blue, the state coat of arms with eagle, elk, and moose around a shield showing lake, man and rising sun. Latin mottos abound: E pluribus unum, Tuebor (“I will defend”), and Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam circumspice, “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.” A grand layering of symbols.
Blue field with full Michigan coat of arms centered.
Ratio: 2:3
Flag Statute
blue, charged with the arms of the state.
Source: 2010 Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 2, Act 209 of 1911, § 2.23 (2024)
Flag at a Glance
- Designer
- Based on state coat of arms
- Ratio
- 2:3
- Text on flag
- Yes
- Animals
- Elk, Moose, Bald eagle
- Design type
- State coat of arms on blue field
- Complexity
- 9/10
- Readability
- 3/10
- Seal-based design
- Yes
Colors used
Flag Symbolism
Elk And Moose
Supporters symbolizing Michigan’s wildlife.
Eagle
Represents the United States.
Mottoes
‘E Pluribus Unum,’ ‘Tuebor’ (I will defend), and ‘Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice.’
Design Breakdown
The Michigan flag can be described in a simple build order. This is useful for students learning how flags are constructed.
- Start with the base field described in the construction.
- Add the main shapes first (large stripe, field divisions, or background forms).
- Place the primary symbol(s) in their main position(s) (centre, canton, etc.).
- Finish with details like text, small emblems, and final color fills.
Construction note: Blue field with full Michigan coat of arms centered.
What Makes This Flag Unique
A lot of state flags share common themes. This one stands out for a few reasons:
- Only state flag with three separate mottos
- Features both an elk and a moose as supporters
- Strong emphasis on Latin classical tradition
Praised and Criticised
Common praise
- Rich symbolic storytelling
- Strong representation of wildlife
- Distinctive multi-motto heraldry
Common criticism
- Extremely detailed design
- Includes multiple Latin mottos
- Poor visibility at distance
- Difficult to reproduce accurately
Modern Discussion
Redesign debate: Yes
Common suggestions
- Remove the coat of arms
- Eliminate text and mottos
- Adopt a Great Lakes or peninsula-based symbol
For Teachers & Students
Classroom-ready prompts, printables, and citation info for studying the Michigan state flag.
Subjects
Learning objectives
- Interpret the three Latin mottos.
- Recognize the elk, moose, and eagle in the coat of arms.
Print this
Printable classroom handouts for this flag page.
Cite this page
Copy and paste a ready-made citation.
MLA
APA
Note: Citation formats can vary by school. These are common classroom defaults.
Seal Deep Dive
State Seal
The Michigan state seal centered on a dark blue field.
Attributes: Bald eagle, Shield with landscape, Elk and moose supporters, Latin mottos
Meaning: National authority, natural abundance, and Michigan’s place within the Union
Animals
An elk and a moose flanking the central shield.
Attributes: Elk, Moose
Meaning: Michigan’s wildlife, strength, and connection to the natural environment
Mottos
Three mottos displayed on ribbons: 'E Pluribus Unum', 'Tuebor', and 'Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice'.
Attributes: Latin text
Meaning: Unity, defense, and pride in Michigan’s peninsulas
Historical Timeline
Michigan admitted as 26th state.
Current coat of arms design adopted.
Vexillology Notes
Design type: State coat of arms on blue field
Complexity: 9/10
Readability: 3/10
Fascinating Facts
Michigan’s flag carries three mottos in Latin.
The coat of arms emphasizes defense, unity, and natural beauty.
The bald eagle symbolizes the United States.
An elk and a moose support the shield.
The shield depicts a man with a raised hand and a rifle.
The Latin motto 'Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice' means 'If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.'
The flag features the state coat of arms on a blue field.
The current design was officially adopted in 1911.
State Information
- Population
- 10,077,331
- Area
- 96,716
- Founded
- 26 Jan 1837
- Region
- Midwest
