Robert Joseph Lee.(:
Who Founded Michigan?
The first European to explore Michigan was, the French including, Cartier an Father Marquette.
Native Americans
The Europeans, who first explored the area were the French, including Cartier and Father Marquette. A quick look at the state's gazetteer confirms the extent its place names are either Indian or French, eg De Trois, the three waterways converging around what became the home of the Tigers.