Friend in the past touring Michigan (5)
I believe the answer is:
amigo
'friend' is the definition.
('friend' in Spanish)
'past touring michigan' is the wordplay.
'past' becomes 'ago' (similar in meaning).
'touring' indicates putting letters inside (tour can mean to go around).
'michigan' becomes 'mi' (state letters).
'ago' placed around 'mi' is 'AMIGO'.
'in the' is the link.
(Other definitions for amigo that I've seen before include "Spanish word meaning friend" , "buddy abroad?" , "Friend, comrade" , "friend from Barcelona" , "Hispanic friend" .)