Most Michigan State Police (MSP) troopers expressed a lack of confidence in the department’s leadership in a recent internal poll of membership, prompting calls for the leadership to resign from Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, a Porter Township Republican who is running for governor.

In a one-question survey conducted by the Michigan State Police Troopers Association between June 2 and June 6, 98% (1,167 members) expressed no confidence in the leadership of Col. James Grady and Lt. Col. Aimee Brimacombe.

The union reported that approximately 75% of its more than 1,500 members responded to the survey.

“It’s time for him to go,” said Nesbitt in a one-on-one interview with Local 4 on June 9 in downtown Detroit. “It’s time for new leadership. It’s time to improve the morale of the state police. It’s time to actually get back to what they’re doing—protecting the life and property of the citizens of Michigan.”

Nesbitt went further: “When 98% of your employees say that you are doing an ineffective and poor job, something needs to change. The leadership needs to change. And if the governor’s not willing to change it, that’s why I’ve called on him to resign.”

Nesbitt also promised that, if elected governor, he would act swiftly to replace the top leadership at MSP.

“Day one,” Nesbitt said. “Somebody that can lead the police officers that actually has the backing of the blue — that professionalizes and makes sure we have the most professional state police officers in the nation.”

The MSP Command Officers Association also conducted a similar internal vote, and 90% of its members reported no confidence in the department’s current leadership.

Governor’s office, MSP push back

In response to the report, both the governor’s office and MSP defended Col. Grady’s leadership.

A spokesperson for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a statement, saying in part:

“Thanks to the work of Colonel Grady, Michigan has seen major drops in violent crime. He’s also had troopers’ backs by fighting for pay raises.”

The Michigan State Police issued a more detailed statement defending Grady’s tenure, citing investments in personnel, equipment, and training.

“It has been a priority for Colonel Grady to conduct in-person visits to MSP worksites to listen to member feedback. During these visits, he’s engaged in meaningful conversations, including seeking input from the membership about morale and opportunities for areas of improvement.

Under Colonel Grady’s leadership, the department has continued to invest in better training and professional development opportunities, updated equipment, and improved technology. Further, dozens of new troopers joined the ranks last month, and this year’s proposed budget includes pay raises for troopers and sergeants.”

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The department said Col. Grady remains committed to moving the department forward and supporting the men and women of the Michigan State Police.

• Scenic views can be found all over Michigan. We’ve put together a list of 16 of the most treasured views, spread out across the Lower and Upper Peninsula.
• This is part of a USA TODAY network project showcasing America’s most breathtaking and perhaps underappreciated views.

Scenic views can be found all over Michigan. If you’re looking for a peaceful moment, an opportunity to be awed or even the perfect Instagram photo, Michigan is packed with beautiful places to take in with your eyes — or your camera.

This is part of a new USA TODAY network project showcasing breathtaking — and perhaps, underappreciated — views throughout the United States. These are some of the most beautiful landmarks, scenic vistas and hidden gems you can truly treasure in your area.

We’ve put together a list of 16 of the most treasured views in Michigan.

The selections are a mix of nature and architecture. Some locations are prime tourist attractions, while others are a little more out of the way. They are found throughout Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas with many highlighted by Michigan’s lakes and waterways. Others shine when surrounded by Michigan’s fall colors.

Michigan’s immense beauty can’t be completely captured in a short list, but these spots are some of the locations that stand out in the state.

[ Most Treasured Views in America: National | West | South | Middle America | Northeast ]

Tahquamenon Falls

Tahquamenon Falls is literally in Paradise … Michigan. The most recognizable images usually come from the waterfalls at either the Upper Falls or Lower Falls, but the state park is nearly 50,000 acres.

The Upper Falls is one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and has a drop of nearly 50 feet. It’s more than 200 feet across and has a maximum water flow of more than 50,000 gallons per second. The Lower Falls is located 4 miles downstream and consists of a series of five smaller falls cascading around an island that can be reached by a rented rowboat.

Miners Castle at Pictured Rocks

Miners Castle is one of the most famous landmarks along the Pictured Rocks shores, according to the National Parks service.

The rock formation was named by Englishman Alexander Henry’s employee’s when they were exploring the area for minerals in 1771.

You can find it about 5 miles east of Munising on Alger County Road H-58, then 6 miles north on Miners Castle Road.

It’s the only cliff area in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore that’s accessible by vehicle.

Kitch-iti-kipi

Kitch-iti-kipi is known as one of Michigan’s more alluring attractions, according to the DNR.

Kitch-iti-kipi is that state’s largest freshwater spring and it’s name means “The Big Spring.” The spring in located in Palms Brook State Park in Manistique.

Visitors love the spring’s crystal-clear water with an emerald green bottom.

Porcupine Mountains

Among Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park’s 60,000 acres in Ontonagon is the stunning Lake of the Clouds. The mountain lake is one of the amazing views at Michigan’s largest state park.

It’s the most photographed feature in the park, according to the Porcupine Mountains Ontonagon Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

When the leaves of the lush trees surrounding the lake change colors in the fall, visitors get a fresh take on the breathtaking view.

Lighthouses along the Great Lakes

Michigan has more than 120 lighthouses, more than any other state in the country. They protect the state’s coastline, allowing the Great Lakes to create a stunning backdrop when you’re viewing them. You can almost feel history when looking at them since many have reached or are nearing 200 years old.

Some favorites in the state to visit are the Grand Haven lighthouses, Big Sable Point Lighthouse in Ludington and Whitefish Point Light Station in Paradise.

Mackinac Bridge

Michigan’s Mackinac Bridge, one of the state’s most famous and iconic architectural marvels, connects the state’s Upper and Lower peninsulas. The ivory and green suspension bridge spans the Straits of Mackinac, connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, over five miles.

Sightseers enjoy viewing the bridge from all angles. You’ll see visitor photos next to the bridge, while crossing the bridge and even traveling underneath by boat.

Arch Rock on Mackinac Island

Arch Rock is the most famous rock formation on Mackinac Island. The limestone rock forms an arch that is more than 50 feet wide. It’s believed to be about 4,000 years old and hollowed out by splashing waves when water levels were much higher, according to the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau.

Buy a photo: Purchase select prints of Arch Rock and other treasured views

While the formation is stable for now, don’t wait a lifetime to see it. It’s predicted erosion from wind and water will one day probably cause it to fall down.

Visitors can find it on the east side of the island on the shores of Lake Huron. The formation can be viewed from both the interior and perimeter of the island.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Looking down at the sand dunes and Lake Michigan at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Empire is basically a rite of passage in Michigan.

The national park features miles of sand beach and bluffs that tower 450 feet above the lake.

While the park covers more than 71,000 acres and includes other unique natural features, it’s the sand dunes that get the most attention.

Tunnel of Trees

A scenic drive on M-119 in Emmet County is perhaps best taken in the fall as the autumn colors of tree leaves enveloping the route offer a breathtaking view.

The dense woods create a canopy that’s famous in the state.

The stretch is about 20 miles long and goes from Harbor Springs to Cross Village.

Tulip Time in Holland

Be immersed by millions of tulips when they’re in bloom during Tulip Time in Holland. The flowers are planted all around the city each year and generally begin blooming in late April and last through mid-May.

During that time, visitors can be surrounded by the brightly colored tulips.

Sunset Point on Detroit’s Belle Isle

Located on the west side of Detroit’s Belle Isle, Sunset Point is a favorite spot of photographers.

Visitors can catch the sunset while taking in the Detroit skyline and Detroit River. It’s a calming spot during both the evening and day.

Torch Lake

Torch Lake in the northwest Lower Peninsula of Michigan is known for its clear water that has a deep Caribbean blue color.

The lake is Michigan’s longest at 18 miles and the second largest at 29 square miles.

Visitors especially love viewing the lake in the fall when the leaves of the trees surrounding the lake turn colors.

Turnip Rock

Turnip Rock, located in Lake Huron in Port Austin, is a favorite stop for kayakers and boaters.

Wave erosion sculpted the limestone rock formation’s base and created a “unique, gravity-defying pillar,” according to the Greater Port Austin Area Chamber of Commerce.

Turnip Rock is surrounded by shallow waters, sea caves and dramatic cliffs.

Ledges at Fitzgerald Park

Famous sandstone ledges and ancient sedimentary rock outcroppings line the banks of the Grand River at Fitzgerald Park in Grand Ledge.

The rock formations are believed to be 300 million years old. The 78-acre park includes 3 miles of nature and hiking trails.

The park is located at 100 Fitzgerald Park Drive.

SkyBridge Michigan

Opened in 2022, SkyBridge Michigan is a suspension bridge at Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls.

Visitors take a chairlift and can then walk 118 feet above the Boyne Valley on the 1,200-foot timber-towered suspension bridge, which the Boyne Mountain website says is the world’s longest.

The experience is especially popular in the fall when Michigan’s fall colors are visible below the bridge.

Dow Gardens

Dow Gardens in Midland has 54 acres of woodlands, ponds, orchard and meadow.

Inside the forest is a 1,400-foot-long canopy walk that’s 40 feet above the ground.

The canopy walk includes views of a forest pond from 25 feet up, a large cargo net 25 feet up in a grove of spruce trees and an orchard view with a viewing platform that has a glass floor and railings at 40 feet high.

The canopy walk is popular when Michigan’s leaves change colors in the fall.

Following a junior season that saw him post 105 tackles (including 14 tackles for loss), 3.5 sacks, and 5 pass breakups for Marietta High School, 4-star linebacker Brayden Rouse has seen his recruitment blow up, soaring to the No. 83 position in Rivals’ national 2026 recruiting rankings. Over the weekend, Michigan hosted the coveted Rouse for an official visit, with Brian Jean-Mary, Wink Martindale, and the staff looking to beat out nationwide competition for a commitment from the 6’3, 205-pounder.