The Force Is Strong In This Michigan/Star Wars Mash-up

This is an attempt to see what parallels there might be between the mitten and that galaxy far, far away. So we used the force, and some Jedi mind tricks, to mash-up areas of Michigan with the world of Star Wars.

Sault Ste. Marie - Yoda

Founded in 1668, this is the oldest city in Michigan and Yoda is the oldest known character in Star Wars. The Jedi Master was much older than Sault Ste. Marie, at least 900-years-old, before he passed away and became a 'force ghost' in The Empire Strikes Back.

Lansing - Darth Vader & Emperor Palpatine

Because government. Sorry, being Sith Lords is what you get for being Michigan's capital city. We still believe there is good in you, though.

Battle Creek - Jar Jar Binks

Before you get angry Battle Creek, this isn't a slight like you think it is. Because think about it... Jar Jar really looks like he could be a cereal mascot, doesn't he?

Grand Rapids - Princess Leia

One thing these two have in common: they're both very pretty. Princess Leia is smart, feisty & brave, which sort of fits the Grand Rapids community, one of the most economically diverse in the state. It is also the only city in Michigan that is the childhood home of a U.S. President, Gerald R. Ford, so Leia's connection to government also makes it a fit.

Kalamazoo - Luke Skywalker

Endearing to those who get to know him, Luke constantly grows stronger and learns  amidst any challenges. Called to adventure, he goes out facing trials and ordeals, and comes back after his victory with a boon for the community. This resembles Kalamazoo's story of big growth and development in recent decades.

Detroit - Millennium Falcon

This thing gets bumped, banged around and beaten down, but just keeps bouncing back and chugging along. Anyone associated with this ship has a lot of pride in it, no matter what others say about it. Besides, if there is one place in Michigan where the Millennium Falcon would have been made, we know it's the Motor City.

Flint - Han Solo

Overcoming danger and challenges, a little rough around the edges, and often in financial debt, Han Solo fights hard to stay ahead of certain doom and survive his complicated life. Flint has too, as Michigan's "scruffy looking nerf herder", but it doesn't give up.

Ann Arbor- Obi-Wan Kenobi

Old and wise. Also known as "Ben", Obi-Wan is a mentor in the Star Wars films. Ann Arbor, of course, is home to the sprawling University of Michigan, known for its many research and training programs.

Upper Peninsula - Hoth

When you think Michigan winters, the Upper Peninsula always comes to mind with some of the epic cold and snowfall that comes with the season there every year. It also brings to mind when the good guys are on the icy planet of Hoth and Luke Skywalker gets stranded in the freezing cold and snow. Brrr!

WATCH: Original Movie Trailers for all the Star Wars movies