Research News Trivia

June 10, 2026

Q: What is the name of the famous American composer who wrote “The Stars and Stripes Forever?”

A: John Philip Sousa composed “The Stars and Stripes Forever” in 1896, on an ocean liner returning home from Europe. Sousa wrote 135 marches, and his early performances with the U.S. Marine Band were originally recorded on wax cylinders. 

May 27, 2026

Q: When is peak strawberry season in Michigan?

A: Michigan’s peak strawberry season is typically mid-June through early July. 

May 13, 2026

Q: What year was the recently demolished Wolverine Tower constructed?

A: The 11-story, 225,000-square-foot office building was built in 1973 and was recently demolished, with occupants relocating to 1000 Victors Way. 

April 29, 2026

Q: How many video rental stores were open in the United States in the year 2000?

A: In 2000, when The Sixth Sense was the top rental, there were 27,882 stores renting videos open in the US. By late 2015, the number was down to 4,445. 

April 15, 2026

Q: What migratory shorebird passes through Washtenaw County at this time of year, offering the opportunity to see their “sky dance?”

A: The woodcock, often called a timberdoodle, perform an unusual mating “sky dance” and can sometimes be seen in local natural areas like Barton and Furstenberg.

April 1, 2026

Q: How many times has the U-M Men’s Basketball team been to the Final Four?

A: The U-M Men’s Basketball team has been to the Final Four nine times.

March 18, 2026

Q: What two types of produce are green, tubular, and often mistakenly called vegetables?

A: Cucumbers and zucchini are technically fruit because they develop from the flower of a plant and produce seeds. 

March 4, 2026

Q: What day does Daylight Saving Time begin?

A: Daylight Saving Time begins at 2:00am on Sunday, March 8. This means that in the United States, clocks will “spring forward” one hour.

February 18, 2026

Q: How many athletes competing in the Winter Olympics are from Michigan?

A: 15 athletes from Michigan are competing in Milan Cortina, the 5th-most number among the United States. 

February 4, 2026

Q: What NFL teams have never played in a Super Bowl?

A: Sadly, the Detroit Lions are one of four teams that have never played in a Super Bowl. The others are the Cleveland Browns, the Houston Texans, and the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

January 21, 2026

Q: In late November 2025, the house once occupied by what heroic U-M alumnus was lifted off its foundation and moved?

A: On November 22, 2025, the house where Raoul Wallenberg lived in the 1930s was relocated intact to the corner of Division and Jefferson Streets. Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat, is credited with saving over 70,000 people during World War II.

January 7, 2026

Q: “Sleetwood Mac” is one of the nicknames assigned to what vehicles commonly seen on the winter roads of Michigan?

A: The staff members of the Michigan Department of Transportation assign humorous nicknames like “Sleetwood Mac” and “Plowasaurus Rex” to the 300+ snowplows that work to keep Michigan roads safe throughout the winter. 

December 9, 2025

Q: 1.76 billion of what sweet holiday treat are produced annually in the United States?

A: Over a billion and a half candy canes are produced in the U.S. each year. The traditional holiday treat first appeared on the scene in 1847, but its wide availability began in the 1950s with the introduction of factory production. 

November 25, 2025

Q: What Thanksgiving Day event has occurred annually in Detroit for over 75 years?

A: America’s Thanksgiving Parade was founded in Detroit in 1924. Supported by over 1,500 volunteers, the nationally-televised parade has grown to include more than 75 parade units, including floats, balloons, and marching bands. 

November 12, 2025

Q: What’s the coldest it has ever gotten in Ann Arbor in November?

A: The coldest November temperature in Ann Arbor history was -3°F on November 13, 2019. 

October 29, 2025

Q: What ancient Celtic festival was the precursor to our modern Halloween?

A: Samhain, pronounced “SAH-win,” is a Gaelic festival falling on November 1 that marks the end of the harvest season and beginning of winter.

October 15, 2025

Q: What causes leaves to turn color in the fall?

A: Leaves change color in the fall because the trees stop producing chlorophyll, the dominant green pigment, in response to shorter days and colder temperatures. As the green chlorophyll fades, other pigments that were always present in the leaves become visible, and some trees produce new ones.

October 1, 2025

Q: How long was Saturday’s history-making concert featuring Zach Bryan at the Big House?

A: Bryan, along with John Mayer and other bands, performed seven hours until just before midnight. 

September 17, 2025

Q: In what year did U-M’s first hospital open?

A: In 1869, a professor’s house on North University was turned into a hospital with beds for 20 patients. It is the nation's first university-owned hospital. 

September 3, 2025

Q: Where is the tallest Giant Sequoia tree east of the Rockies?

A: The “Michigan Champion” Giant Sequoia grows at Lake Bluff Farms in Manistee, Michigan. Even at 116 feet tall, it is about half the size of the biggest known sequoias in the world. 

August 13, 2025

Q: What astronomical event occurs this week, and is a result of the Earth making its way through the debris field of a comet?

A: The Perseid meteor shower is at its peak on Wednesday, August 13, though the light of the waning “Sturgeon Moon” may hamper attempts to view the annual shooting star display. 

July 16, 2025

Q: How many state parks are there in Michigan?

A: There are 103 state parks in Michigan.

June 18, 2025

Q: In what year did WUOM, U-M’s public radio station, first broadcast?

A: WUOM first signed on the air on July 5, 1948. It was one of only about 50 FM stations across the United States. 
 
June 4, 2025

Q: French mime Marcel Marceau was an early fixture at what annual festival that has occurred in Ann Arbor since 1984?

A: The Ann Arbor Summer Festival has been occurring since 1984. A partnership between the City of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan, it features music, dance, and the popular outdoor movies at Top of the Park. 

May 21, 2025

Q: How many students are enrolled in Ann Arbor Public Schools?

A: The last day of class is June 11 for Ann Arbor Public Schools, where 16,872 students were enrolled for the 2024-25 school year. 

May 7, 2025

Q: What famous downtown Detroit venue first opened in April 2000?

A: Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers, hosted its first game 25 years ago on April 11. They defeated the Seattle Mariners, 5-2.

April 24, 2025

Q: What Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame musician used a Coricidin D cold medicine bottle to achieve his signature guitar sound?

A: Duane Allman of the Allman Brothers Band played electric slide guitar using a glass Coricidin D medicine bottle. 

April 9, 2025

Q: On what date was the latest measurable snowfall in southeastern Michigan?

A: 2.7” of snow fell on May 22, 1883 in the Detroit area. 

March 26, 2025

Q: How many teams played in the first round of March Madness?

A: 68 teams launched March Madness on March 18.

March 13, 2025

Q: Who is Ireland’s only female patron saint?

A: Saint Brigid, born around A.D. 450, is the patron saint of nuns, newborns, midwives, diary maids, and cattle.

February 25, 2025

Q: On what upcoming date will most of the United States switch to daylight savings time?

A: Daylight savings time begins on Sunday, March 9. By the end of the month, Michigan will have gained 80-90 minutes of daylight. 

February 12, 2025

Q: How many cocoa beans does it take to make a pound of chocolate?

A: According to the National Confectioners Association, it takes 400 cocoa beans to make a pound of chocolate. 

January 29, 2025

Q: What Roman god is the month of January named after, and what were their attributes?

A: January is named after “Janus,” the Roman god of beginning and doors. He had two faces so he could see the future and the past. 

January 15, 2025

Q: The Detroit Lions will face the Washington Commanders on Saturday night in their first game of the NFC playoffs. When was the last time the Lions played the Commanders?

A: The Lions beat Washington, 36-27, on September 18, 2022. 

December 18, 2024

Q: What holiday tradition was popularized on an episode of Seinfeld and celebrated annually on December 23?

A: Festivus! The non-commercial holiday's celebration includes a Festivus dinner, an unadorned aluminum Festivus pole, practices such as the "airing of grievances" and "feats of strength", and the labeling of easily explainable events as "Festivus miracles". The episode refers to it as, "A Festivus for the Rest of Us."

December 4, 2024

Q: What December holiday first began in 1966 and is celebrated across seven days?

A: Kwanzaa was created in 1966, and over the course of seven days observes the principles of Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith).

November 20, 2024

Q: Green Bean Casserole, a classic side dish served at many Thanksgiving dinners, was created in what company’s kitchens?

A: Green Bean Casserole was created in 1955 by an employee in the test kitchen at the Campbell's Soup Company. 

November 6, 2024

Q: Displaying pieces of renowned artists from around the world, how many works does the collection of the U-M Museum of Art currently hold?

A: The U-M Museum of Art collection currently holds over 20,000 works of art. 

October 23, 2024

Q: The ghost of a fire chief who died in 1922 reportedly haunts what Ypsilanti landmark?

A: Chief Alonzo Miller died in a fire at the station in the building that now houses the Michigan Firehouse Museum. 

October 9, 2024

Q: Solar flares may result in what phenoma in our skies this week?

A: Thanks to increased solar flares interacting with the Earth’s magnetic fields, the Northern Lights may be visible in southern lower Michigan this week. 

September 25, 2024

Q: What walking/biking trail spans 35 miles across Washtenaw County? 

A: The Border to Border Trail stretches from Chelsea to Ypsilanti, featuring six different “corridors” in our local communities. 

September 4, 2024

Q: How many free frozen treats were given away at Researchpalooza last year?

A: 850 ice cream sandwiches, fudge bars, bomb pops, and raspberry popcicles were distributed at Researchpalooza in 2023. 

August 7, 2024

Q: What American city will host the next Summer Olympics in 2028?

A: Los Angeles will be the host in 2028. The California city also hosted the games in 1932 and 1984. 

July 11, 2024

Q: What annual event in Ann Arbor is celebrating its 65th year this July?

A: The Ann Arbor Street Fair (“The Original”) is one of the three fairs that make up the Ann Arbor Art Fair, and is marking its 65th year, July 18-20. 

June 12, 2024

Q: “CSA” is the acronym for what source for fresh produce that is popular in Washtenaw County.

A: “Community Supported Agriculture” offer subscriptions to the fresh vegetables and other staples produced by local farms. 

May 29, 2024

Q: How much money did the U-M Regents allocate in 1922 to establish the Peony Garden at the Nichols Arboretum?

A: $2,000, along with a large collection of peonies donated by Dr. W.E. Upjohn, provided the original groundwork for the famous Peony Garden. 

May 15, 2024

Q: While many know that the state stone for Michigan is the Petoskey stone, what is our state gem?

A: In 1972, Chlorastrolite (literally “green star stone”) was adopted as the state gem for Michigan. It is also known as the Isle Royale greenstone, and is primarily found in the Upper Peninsula.

May 1, 2024

Q: What is the number of currently living alumni of the University of Michigan? 

A: There are 668,000 living alumni in 180 countries around the world. 

April 17, 2024

Q: What is the average date of the last spring frost in Ann Arbor?

A: May 11 is the average date of the last light freeze in Ann Arbor. 

April 3, 2024

Q: What “foolish” activities are returning to Ann Arbor the weekend of April 5?

A: After a break in 2023, FoolMoon and FestiFools are returning to the streets of downtown Ann Arbor for 2024. FoolMoon will get started the night of Friday, April 5 at 8:00pm, and the FestiFools parade will kickoff at 4:00pm on Sunday, April 7.

March 20, 2024

Q: This year, why does spring equinox occur on Tuesday for residents of Ann Arbor, but on Wednesday for residents of Dublin, Ireland?

A: Spring equinox occurred at 3:06 Universal Coordinated Time on Wednesday, March 20. In Ann Arbor, that meant 11:06pm Tuesday, and in Dublin it was 3:06am on Wednesday.

March 7, 2024

Q: When was the last time the building now housing the Gandy Dancer restaurant was actually used as a train station?

A: The Michigan Central Railroad Depot, built in 1887, was sold to Muer Restaurants in 1969. 

February 21, 2024

Q: What is the name of the stadium in Lakeland, Florida, where the Detroit Tigers host spring training?

A: Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland was named after former Lakeland Parks and Recreation Director Marcus "Joker" Marchant. The 50-year-old stadium underwent a $37 million renovation in 2014, and has a capacity of 8,500 fans.

January 24, 2024

Q: Why is the color of the Detroit Lions’ uniform called “Honolulu Blue?”

A: George Richards, the franchise owner who brought the team to Detroit in 1934, dubbed the color “Honolulu Blue” because it reminded him of the water in Hawaii.  

January 10, 2024

Q: After Monday night's big game, how many teams have gone 15-0 in the history of the FBS Championship?

A: The University of Michigan football team joins Clemson, LSU, and Georgia as one of only four teams who have gone undefeated all the way to the national title.  

December 20, 2023 

Q: Why will there be more opportunity to see the northern lights in the coming months?

A: Sunspot observations, a key indicator of the likelihood of northern lights, have increased dramatically since the end of 2022, surpassing recent forecasts and in some cases increasing the phenomenon. If the trend continues, the next 18 months will bring the strongest northern lights activity of both the coming decade and the past 20 years.

December 1, 2023

Q: What U-M medical student fundraising event has occurred the first weekend of December since 1927?

A: Med students take to the streets of Ann Arbor during Galens Tag Days, raising money for local children’s charities.

November 15, 2023

Q: How much cranberry sauce is consumed by Americans each year during the holidays?

A: 5,062,500 gallons of jellied cranberry sauce are consumed by Americans every holiday season.

November 1, 2023

Q: What is longest freighter in active service on the Great Lakes?

A: At 1,013 feet, the Paul R. Tregurtha is the longest freighter on the Great Lakes.

October 18, 2023

Q: In what year did “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” first air on TV?

A: The classic Halloween special first aired in 1966.

October 4, 2023

Q: Our weather this winter in Southeastern Michigan will be impacted by an “El Nino” pattern. Does that mean we can expect more or less snow?

A: Climate data shows that in Michigan, we experience less snow during El Niño winters 70%-80% of the time.

September 20, 2023

Q: In what year was the U-M Marching Band born?

A: In November 1896, the U-M Band held its first rehearsal.

August 23, 2023

Q: How many ice cream treats were given out to attendees at Researchpalooza last year?

A: 732 ice cream treats were distributed at Researchpalooza 2022, including ice cream sandwiches, cookies 'n cream bars, and watermelon popsicles.

August 23, 2023

Q: Michigan produces 132,600 tons for processing, and 60 million pounds for fresh market, of what vegetable?

A: Michigan ranks seventh in the nation in the production of fresh market tomatoes.

July 25, 2023

Q: What seemingly random area of Michigan, on Lake Erie, is a part of the state as a result of the “Toledo War”?

A: The “Lost Peninsula” of Michigan juts into Lake Erie on the north side of Ohio's Ottawa River and lacks a land connection to its home state.

June 28, 2023

Q: What unique museum in Ypsilanti is the home of the “Yankee Lady”?

A: The Yankee Air Museum at Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti is the home of the “Yankee Lady,” a B-17 Flying Fortress used during WW II.

May 31, 2023

Q: From 1916 to 1959, what U-M unit was on property that now houses Woodbury Gardens apartments off Iroquois Place in Ann Arbor?

A: Before making its home out on Dixboro Road, the U-M Botanical Gardens were on land sandwiched between Iroquois Place and South Industrial on Ann Arbor's south side.

May 16, 2023

Q: Who is the local ceramic tile artist who currently has an exhibit in the Rogel Cancer Center as part of the “Arts in Health” program?

A: Nawal Motawi, graduate if the U-M Stamps School of Art and Design, currently has several pieces on display in the elevator alcove on level 2 at the Cancer Center. She is the owner of Motawi Tileworks in Ann Arbor.

May 3, 2023

Q: "Cheaper than food" is the slogan of what Ann Arbor dining institution?

A: Along with a lounging brown bear, "cheaper than food" is featured on the signage at Krazy Jim's Blimpyburger.

April 19, 2023

Q: How many scholarly records are in Michigan Experts, the collaboration tool managed by the Medical School Office of Research?

A: There are currently 479,325 scholarly records in Michigan Experts.

April 5, 2023

Q: Last weekend, U-M Football played their annual spring intra-squad game at the Big House. Which team won, the Maize or the Blue?

A: The Maize team squeaked out a win in the final two minutes of the game, defeating the Blue 22-21.

March 22, 2023

Q: What three University of Michigan athletic programs have been making headlines in the past week?

A: Women's Gymastics won the Big 10 Championship, Men's Hockey (link is external) won their Big 10 Championship, and Mason Parris of Men's Wrestling won the NCAA Wrestling heavyweight title.

March 8, 2023

Q: Santa Ono, Ph.D., was formally inaugurated as the 15th president of the University of Michigan on March 7, 2023. How many followers does he currently have on Twitter?

A: Dr. Ono currently has 36.6K followers on Twitter.

February 22, 2023

Q: What criteria must be met for an "ice storm warning" to be issued?

A: An ice storm warning can be issued any time more than 1⁄4 inch (6.4 mm) of ice is expected to accumulate in an area.

February 8, 2023

Q: The Cleveland Browns and what other NFL team have NEVER played in a Super Bowl?

A: In addition to the Browns, the Detroit Lions have never played in a Super Bowl. However, they did play in the “NFL Championship” in 1957, where they defeated the Browns.

January 25, 2023

Q: What U-M space, made of glass, first opened in 1964 and is a warm and verdant refuge on a cold winter day?

A: The Conservatory at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens was built in 1964 and contains flowers and vegetation from three different climate zones: tropical, temperate, and arid.

January 11, 2023

Q: What was the name of the settlement on the Huron River that was the precursor to today's Ypsilanti?

A: Woodruff's Grove, founded in 1823, was the first settlement in Washtenaw County and renamed Ypsilanti in 1825. This year Ypsilanti is celebrating its bicentennial, so stay tuned for occasional trivia questions about Ann Arbor's neighboring college town.