Surprising Facts and Hidden Gems in Flint, Michigan

When you think of Flint, Michigan, chances are the automotive industry comes to mind pretty quickly. After all, this is Vehicle City. But there's a whole lot more to Flint than cars, and some of these stories might surprise you.

Flint's History is Loaded with Innovation, Even Before GM

Did you know the flexible rubber ice cube tray was invented right here in Flint? Or that our area has produced major names in music, movies, and television? Let's take a look at some surprising facts and hidden gems in our hometown.

Aside from being known as America's 'Vehicle City', Flint has a rich history, is home to some amazing actors and musicians, and incredible war heroes who changed everything. We separated it into 3 categories: Actors, Musicians and Everything Else. (Scroll to the bottom to see everything laid out.)

How Flint Helped Change American History

The Flint Sit-Down Strike of 1936 and 1937 was much more than a local labor dispute. General Motors workers occupied factories for 44 days, eventually winning union recognition and helping turn the United Auto Workers into a major national force.

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That victory changed the relationship between workers and major corporations, helping shape the future of organized labor across America. In a community where GM has employed generations of local families, it's a legacy worth remembering. Flint didn't just help build America's cars. Its workers helped change the way America worked.

From Ice Cube Trays to Cars, A Lot of Great Innovation Comes From Michiganders

Inventor Lloyd Copeman developed the flexible rubber ice cube tray in Flint, along with other inventions involving electric cooking appliances. Before cars dominated the local economy, Flint was also known for manufacturing cigars, soap, stoves, and refrigerators.

You'd be Surprised to See How Many Amazing

Flint has made its mark in entertainment, too. Grand Funk Railroad formed here before becoming one of the biggest rock bands of the 1970s. Ready for the World scored a massive hit with "Oh Sheila," while rapper MC Breed helped bring Midwest hip-hop to a national audience.

Actor Terry Crews grew up in Flint, and Tony Burton, who played Duke in the Rocky movies, was a Flint Golden Gloves boxing champion. Even legendary radio personality Casey Kasem got his professional broadcasting start here.

From 30-Foot Treehouses to the Stars, and Beyond

Looking for something different to do? For-Mar Nature Preserve has a remarkable 30-foot treehouse featured on Animal Planet's Treehouse Masters. The Flint Institute of Arts offers an impressive collection and glassblowing demonstrations, while Longway Planetarium is Michigan's largest planetarium.

You can also step back in time at Crossroads Village and ride the historic Huckleberry Railroad, or visit Stepping Stone Falls for a scenic escape along the Flint River.

And don't forget the Flint-style coney dog, with its distinctive dry beef-heart topping served over a Koegel's hot dog.

There's More to Flint Than You Think

From Jim Abbott's local roots to the remarkable Civil War story of Sarah Emma Edmonds, who lived in Flint after serving in the Union Army disguised as Franklin Thompson, our area's history is full of unexpected discoveries.

I'm proud to be from Flint. Sure, we have our challenges, but who doesn't? Just look at all the good people, products, innovation and manufacturing Vehicle City brings to the world. Flint has so much to be proud of, and an incredible history of innovation, determination, and creativity.

How much do you know about Flint? Scroll down and count how many of these little factoids you did and didn't know.

Thanks to Movoto, MLive, and Flint & Genesee Group for contributing to this article.