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Michigan's unforgettable scenic wonders: A must-see guide to the Great Lakes State

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Michigan's unforgettable scenic wonders: A must-see guide to the Great Lakes State

The state of Michigan offers attractions that excite individuals of different interests.

Nature enthusiasts, history buffs and those looking for family fun can all enjoy these must-see spots across the state. 

Although there is much more to see in the state, the following five spots are some of Michigan’s greatest natural highlights:

Before visiting, visitors will want to check the specific attraction’s opening times and any possible travel or booking requirements.

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Mackinac Island offers both residents and travelers a quintessential Michigan experience. Recognized as one of the top places to see in the state by the U.S. News & World Report, the island lies in Lake Huron and is a cherished destination for locals and visitors alike. 

The island is reachable exclusively by ferry as it upholds a vehicle-free policy.

Michigan touches four of the five Great Lakes: Huron, Michigan, Erie and Superior. (Education Images/Universal Images Group)

Historically, the island served as a significant economic and military site, with Mackinac Fort standing as an illustration of its important past. The island’s charming character shines through horse-drawn carriages and historical architecture.

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Activities for the whole family on the island include leisurely tours, shopping and dining. The island caters to all guests, whether they are considering an overnight stay or a day trip. A trip here is complete with trying the renowned fudge that Mackinac is famous for.

Sleeping Bear Dunes captivates visitors with its prominent dunes along the shores of Lake Michigan. In 2011, it earned the title of “Most Beautiful Place in America” from “Good Morning America” because of its incredible natural features. The park is considered a natural wonder because of its sand dunes, which rise 450 feet over the lake.

The lakeshore offers a variety of activities, including sandboarding, fishing, canoeing, swimming and boating in the summer and skiing in the winter, making it a versatile and exciting destination for all ages.

View of part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with the sea and shore in view

The state of Michigan is divided into two landmasses – the Upper Peninsula and the Lower Peninsula. They are connected by Mackinac Bridge, which is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. (Interim Archives)

Travelers do not even need to leave their vehicles to enjoy the destination. The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive stretches 7.4 miles with 12 designated points offering panoramic views of the dunes and the lake, making the beauty of Sleeping Bear Dunes accessible without ever stepping out of the car.

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Traverse City, recognized as the world’s cherry capital, is a popular travel destination because of its beaches with crystal-clear water, trails for hiking and plentiful water activities, all set against a backdrop of natural beauty. Despite its fame as a top destination for Midwest weekend getaways, it maintains a quaint small-town charm. This city is a beloved destination for those who enjoy local wine and beer offerings and exceptional culinary creations.

The cultural and arts scene is also a popular cause for tourism in Traverse City, with events like the Traverse City Film Festival and the National Cherry Festival attracting crowds from near and far. Located at the heart of the Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsula wine trails, the city is perfectly positioned for guests who want to taste the region’s noted Rieslings and other cool-climate varietals, with a beautiful vineyard backdrop.

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The historic downtown area offers ample boutique shops, coffee shops and farm-to-table restaurants, presenting visitors with retail and gastronomic offerings.

A view from Lake Shore Drive on Mackinac Island, Michigan with the shoreline in view

Mackinac Island, located in Lake Huron, is a unique spot where no motor vehicles are allowed. Transportation options include bicycles, horses and foot. (Michael Siluk/UCG/Universal Images Group)

Tahquamenon Falls is home to one of Mississippi’s most impressive waterfalls and ranks among the largest falls east of the Mississippi River. The park’s main attraction, the Upper Falls, features a dramatic 50-foot drop extending over 200 feet in width. Meanwhile, the Lower Falls comprises five smaller cascades.

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Visitors to the park can enjoy various activities, including exploring the hiking trails, viewing the local wildlife and camping. Overnight guests can camp within the park or stay in nearby lodging.

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The park’s paths offer the chance to encounter wildlife such as black bears, coyotes, otters, deer, foxes, porcupines, beavers and various birds, as noted by Michigan.org.

Several hiking trails are throughout the park. The four-mile stretch that links the Upper and Lower Falls is particularly popular with hikers. 

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Additionally, the park is dog-friendly, permitting visitors to bring their pets as long as they are leashed, and the leash does not exceed six feet in length.

Access to the park requires a day pass or an annual state park pass. The ideal time to visit depends on individual preferences for activities. Winter allows for snowshoeing opportunities, and autumn offers vibrant, colorful foliage.

Vibrant autumn colors at Tahquamenon Falls

Outdoor enthusiasts can find a wide range of activities in Michigan, including fishing, boating, hiking and skiing.

Isle Royale National Park, located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, is accessible by a several-hour ferry ride. The ferry ride generally begins at Houghton or Copper Harbor, Michigan, or Grand Portage, Minnesota. 

This remote island in Lake Superior, only accessible by boat or seaplane, offers a nature-immersive experience ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of life and adventure in the great outdoors. 

 

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The island is renowned for its predator-prey dynamics, most notably between the moose and wolf populations, which have been the focus of a long-term ecological study. The park is also home to other wildlife, such as foxes, beavers, otters and various bird species. 

Park visitors will encounter a scenic landscape encompassing dense forests, commanding vistas and intricate waterways. With more than 165 miles of hiking trails, the island invites guests for day hikes or extensive backpacking excursions, including the Greenstone Ridge Trail, which runs the island’s length.

Visitors must pay an entrance fee to access the park. Anyone planning to camp must secure a permit. The park operates annually from April 16 to Oct. 31.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle.

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Midwest

Milwaukee judge not immune from charges after allegedly helping illegal immigrant evade ICE, prosecutors say

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Milwaukee judge not immune from charges after allegedly helping illegal immigrant evade ICE, prosecutors say

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Federal prosecutors are pushing back against Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan’s motion to dismiss an indictment filed against her for allegedly helping an illegal immigrant evade Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in the Milwaukee County Courthouse last month.

Dugan, 65, was indicted last month on federal charges of obstruction of proceedings before a U.S. agency and unlawful concealment of an individual subject to arrest.

Her attorneys say she is entitled to judicial immunity and that the federal government overstepped its authority by arresting and charging her, violating her 10th Amendment rights and the principle of separation of powers, according to court documents filed in late May.

On Wednesday, prosecutors filed a response to her motion to dismiss, noting that “the Supreme Court has made clear that judges are not immune from criminal liability.”

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WISCONSIN JUDGE CLAIMS ‘ABSOLUTE IMMUNITY,’ CALLS DOJ INDICTMENT AN ‘UGLY INNOVATION’

Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan leaves the federal courthouse after a hearing on Thursday, May 15, 2025 in Milwaukee. (Andy Manis, File)

“In the end, Dugan asks for this Court to develop a novel doctrine of judicial immunity from criminal prosecution, and to apply it to the facts alleged in the indictment, all without reasonable basis—directly or indirectly—in the Constitution, statutes, or case law,” prosecutors wrote. 

“In her lengthy memorandum, Dugan concedes that ‘[j]udges, like legislators and executive officials, are not above the law,’” they said.

“Dugan’s desired ruling would, in essence, say that judges areabove the law,’ and uniquely entitled to interfere with federal law enforcement,” prosecutors added.

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Federal prosecutors allege that the Milwaukee Circuit Court judge personally escorted Mexican illegal immigrant and domestic battery suspect Eduardo Flores-Ruiz out of the courthouse on April 18 while ICE agents were attempting to serve a warrant.

NEW FOOTAGE SHOWS MILWAUKEE JUDGE CONFRONTING ICE BEFORE ALLEGEDLY HELPING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT EXIT

Eduardo Flores-Ruiz and Judge Hannah Dugan in split image

Eduardo Flores-Ruiz and Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan. (DHS/Milwaukee Independent via AP)

The surveillance footage recently released by Milwaukee County in response to an open records request appears to show Dugan, wearing her black robe, confronting ICE agents in the courthouse hallway.

MILWAUKEE JUDGE HANNAH DUGAN TO ENTER PLEA IN FEDERAL COURT

Federal prosecutors say members of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), along with federal partners from the FBI, DEA, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, were preparing to serve Flores-Ruiz with a warrant in a public courthouse hallway on April 18 before his scheduled court appearance with Dugan.

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WATCH THE SURVEILLANCE FOOTAGE:

After becoming aware of what federal officials described as a valid immigration arrest warrant for Flores-Ruiz, Dugan allegedly told agents that they needed a judicial warrant and told them to go to the chief judge’s office.

The agents then left their place in the hallway, at which point Dugan allegedly chose not to hold a hearing for Flores-Ruiz and “personally escorted” the suspect and his attorney through a private exit while the victims of his alleged crimes were in the courthouse at the time, the Justice Department said in a press release.

MILWAUKEE COUNTY JUDGE HANNAH DUGAN INDICTED AFTER ALLEGEDLY HELPING ILLEGAL ALIEN EVADE ICE

Supporters of Judge Hannah Dugan protest outside the United States Federal Building and Courthouse in Milwaukee, Wis.

Supporters of Judge Hannah Dugan protest outside the United States Federal Building and Courthouse in Milwaukee on Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP/Todd Richmond)

While Dugan argues that ICE agents interrupted goings-on in the courthouse on April 18, prosecutors say it was Dugan who disrupted proceedings.

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“The evidence also will show that agents were not in the courtroom when Dugan took the bench, but that—after being told by a member of her staff that ICE agents were present in the hallway—Dugan chose to pause an unrelated case, leave her courtroom, disrupt proceedings in a colleague’s courtroom to commandeer her assistance, and then confront agents in the public hallway,” the filing says. 

WISCONSIN JUDGE ACCUSED OF OBSTRUCTING ICE COULD FACE YEARS IN PRISON, DOJ HAS ‘UPPER HAND’: FORMER PROSECUTOR

Judge Hannah Dugan appears to speak with ICE agents in the Milwaukee County Courthouse

Judge Hannah Dugan allegedly told agents that they needed a judicial warrant and told them to go to the Chief Judge’s Office. (Milwaukee County)

Prosecutors say evidence also shows Dugan directing agents to the chief judge’s office even while knowing he was out, then she “quickly returned to her courtroom and, among other things, directed [Florez-Ruiz’s] attorney to ‘take your client out and come back and get a date; and then to go through the jury door and down the stairs’ before physically escorting [Flroes-Ruiz] and his attorney into a non-public hallway with access to a stairwell that led to a courthouse exit,” filings say.

Dugan “did this all just days after thanking a colleague for providing information which explained that ICE could lawfully make arrests in the courthouse hall,” prosecutors stated Wednesday.

Judge Hannah Dugan in courthouse

The surveillance footage released by Milwaukee County appears to show Judge Hannah Dugan, wearing her black robes, confronting ICE agents in the courthouse hallway. (Milwaukee County)

“Put simply, nothing in the indictment or the anticipated evidence at trial supports Dugan’s assertion that agents ‘disrupted’ the court’s docket; instead, all events arose from Dugan’s unilateral, non-judicial, and unofficial actions in obstructing a federal immigration matter over which she, as a Wisconsin state judge, had no authority,” the document reads. “At the very least, for purposes of deciding this motion, Dugan’s claims to the contrary find no support in the indictment and should be rejected.”

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One of Dugan’s defense attorneys, Dean Strang, told Fox News Digital that her counsel has a “good reply” to prosecutors’ Wednesday filing, but her team is waiting until their reply brief, due next Monday, to make it.

The Milwaukee judge has pleaded not guilty to charges filed against her, and a federal judge has set her trial date for July 21.

Judge Hannah Dugan arrested

The FBI is seen arresting Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan on April 25. (Obtained by Fox News)

A federal indictment accuses Dugan of “falsely” telling federal officials in April that they needed a warrant to come into her courtroom during a scheduled appearance by Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented Mexican national facing three misdemeanor battery charges.

Video footage appears to show Flores-Ruiz exiting the courthouse with his attorney, while an ICE agent follows him, and then running alongside the building for about a block before agents capture and arrest him.

Federal officials arrested Dugan a week after the courthouse incident.

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Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan leaves the Milwaukee Federal Courthouse on May 15, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Judge Hannah Dugan appeared in federal court to answer charges that she helped Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented immigrant, elude federal arrest while he was making an appearance in her courtroom on April 18. (Scott Olson)

Dugan could face a maximum sentence of six years. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges filed against her. Fox News Digital has reached out to her attorney, Craig Mastantuono, for comment on the footage.

In April, Dugan’s legal team also filed a motion to dismiss the federal case against her, saying the judge “is entitled to judicial immunity for her official acts.”

“Immunity is not a defense to the prosecution to be determined later by a jury or court; it is an absolute bar to the prosecution at the outset,” the motion said.

Fox News Digital’s Rachel Wolf contributed to this report.

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Detroit, MI

Two Lions Scenes Discussed Among All-Time Best ‘Hard Knocks’ Moments

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Two Lions Scenes Discussed Among All-Time Best ‘Hard Knocks’ Moments


The 2022 season of ‘Hard Knocks’ featuring the Detroit Lions continues to be talked about and reviewed quite favorably.

Head coach Dan Campbell gained national attention for his ability to galvanize a room full of players. Multiple speeches from that season continue to be replayed and shared by supporters.

Recently, NFL Films set out to determine the all-time best moments from the popular HBO football docuseries.

Two moments from the Lions’ 2022 season were discussed.

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First, Campbell’s speech discussing what he wanted the team to represent became memorable when he talked about dragging other NFL teams into the “abyss.”

“You just got to get a hold of them, though. But, if you get a hold of them, you start dragging them out to the deep dark abyss, you can drown them,” said Campbell. “And that’s what we got to be. That’s who we have to be. Because that’s our domain. Because we will tread water as long as it takes to bury you. Because we can, because we choose to.”

The other moment that stood out to Emily Leitner, an NFL Films producer, was Aidan Hutchinson performing ‘Billie Jean’ in front of his teammates.

“I’m gonna go with Aidan Hutchinson singing ‘Billie Jean,’ but mostly because the way the rest of the Lions reacted. There were shirts thrown and everyone got up,” Leitner said. “That one stands out to me as an all-timer, even though it was (2022) because I remember everyone in the field was like, ‘Wow.’”



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Milwaukee, WI

Hot Wheels Legends Tour rolls into New Berlin

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Hot Wheels Legends Tour rolls into New Berlin


The Hot Wheels Legends Tour is a celebration of the builders, visionaries, and the people in the automotive world who put in the late nights and early mornings in their drive to be legendary.

On Saturday, June 28, the Tour rolled into New Berlin. You can check it out at the Walmart on W. Greenfield Avenue from 8 a.m. to noon.

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Head to the Hot Wheels website to learn more.

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FOX 6 WakeUp NewsNew BerlinThings To Do



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