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

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2 years ago

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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

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.

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

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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. 

 

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.

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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.

Breana Scheckwitz is an SEO Editor at Fox News Digital.

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North Dakota

Plain Talk: ‘You’re talking over 4,000 more victims every year than was the case in 2014’

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21 minutes ago

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January 7, 2026

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Plain Talk: ‘You’re talking over 4,000 more victims every year than was the case in 2014’


MINOT — “I just didn’t get it prioritized to get out the door.”

That’s what Attorney General Drew Wrigley said on this episode of Plain Talk when asked about the state’s annual crime report, which is typically released over the summer, but this year wasn’t made public until New Year’s Eve.

The delayed report comes amid an intense debate over crime in North Dakota. The most recent report, covering the year 2024, showed some declines from recent peaks in serious crime categories, but they’re still significantly up over the last decade.

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“Violent crime and robbery crimes against the person … came down 2%,” Wrigley said, “but that 2% … makes last year the 10th highest of the last 11 years. You’re talking over 4,000 more victims every year than was the case in 2014.”

Wrigley said he plans to continue his push for stricter sentencing policies in next year’s legislative session. He was unsuccessful in winning enough votes among lawmakers for his proposed reforms during the first two legislative sessions of his tenure in office.

Wrigley also addressed delays in his office in responding to open records and open meetings complaints filed by the public, and the news media — “the number of requests is quite robust,” he said — and said that he planned to address a legislative request for an opinion on Retirement and Investment Office bonuses in “weeks” not months.

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Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I react to my story about top executives at the F5 Project giving themselves personal loans out of the nonprofit’s revenues, as well as my report about Legislature’s potentially preempting, during their upcoming special session, a ballot measure for universal school meals with a proposal of their own.

If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at

701-587-3141.

It’s super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you’re from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below.

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Rob Port is a news reporter, columnist, and podcast host for the Forum News Service with an extensive background in investigations and public records. He covers politics and government in North Dakota and the upper Midwest. Reach him at rport@forumcomm.com. Click here to subscribe to his Plain Talk podcast.
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Ohio

Ohio State true freshman offensive lineman set to enter transfer portal

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27 minutes ago

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January 7, 2026

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Ohio State true freshman offensive lineman set to enter transfer portal


One of Ohio State’s true freshmen along the offensive line is set to enter the portal, as Tyler Bowen is set to enter his second season as line coach.Getty Images

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State freshman offensive lineman Jayvon McFadden is set to enter the transfer portal, per a report on Wednesday afternoon.

He was a member of the 2025 recruiting class as a four-star recruit and the No. 391 overall prospect in the 247Sports composite. McFadden appeared in one game for Ohio State this season, and played 15 snaps.

The Buckeyes now have just two members of the OL class in 2025 left — offensive tackle Carter Lowe and interior lineman Jake Cook.

Ohio State was unlikely to have McFadden enter the two-deep in the 2026 season, considering what talent the team is expected to have come back to the roster.

A wild transfer portal continues to march on for Ohio State.

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Andrew Gillis covers Ohio State football and recruiting for Cleveland.com. He provides updates on Ohio State football as a whole, its prospects and the Buckeyes each week. He previously covered the Bengals for…



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South Dakota

As South Dakota’s student population shrinks, more choose homeschools

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1 hour ago

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January 7, 2026

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As South Dakota’s student population shrinks, more choose homeschools


South Dakota’s K-12 population dropped slightly this year, along with public and private school enrollment, but enrollment in alternative instruction grew once again.

That’s according to headcount numbers taken Sept. 26, 2025, and released by the South Dakota Department of Education by Dec. 31.

All totaled, there are 163,053 K-12 students across the state, with 83% of those students attending public schools, 9% enrolled in nonpublic schools and 8% in alternative instruction.

There are 934 fewer K-12 students across the state than last year’s count of 163,987, a 0.5% decrease.

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Public school enrollment decreased by 1,736 students statewide. Across 147 public school districts, there were 135,577 K-12 students this fall, down from 137,313 in last year’s fall count, a decrease of slightly more than 1%.

2024 fall count: South Dakota’s public school enrollment shrank by more than 400 students, DOE reports

Private school enrollment decreased by 142 students statewide, totaling 15,043 students in nonpublic schools accredited by the SDDOE across the state, down from last year’s count of 15,185, a decrease of 1%.

Nonpublic school enrollment includes 9,462 students in private schools, 5,072 in tribal/BIE schools, 268 in special population schools, 175 in coop/multi-districts, 26 in community-based service providers, 21 in the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and 19 in alternative schools.

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Alternative instruction enrollment increased by 944 students statewide, totaling 12,433 students in alternative instruction or homeschooling this fall, up from 11,489 in last year’s count, an increase of 8%.

In the Sioux Falls metro area, there are 52,325 K-12 students, with 85% attending public schools, 9% enrolled in nonpublic schools and 6% in alternative instruction.

Sioux Falls area public schools

The state’s largest public school district, the Sioux Falls School District, shrunk by 171 students this fall, down from last year’s count of 24,221 K-12 students to this year’s count of 24,050.

Sioux Falls’ neighboring public K-12 school districts saw the following enrollment changes this year:

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  • Harrisburg, the state’s third-largest district, grew by 173 students, from 6,182 last year to 6,355 this year.
  • Brandon Valley, the state’s fourth-largest district, grew by 82 students, from 5,073 last year to 5,155 this year.
  • Tea Area grew by five students, from 2,509 last year to 2,514 this year.
  • West Central shrunk by 32 students, from 1,418 last year to 1,386 this year.
  • Lennox grew by 14 students, from 1,119 last year to 1,133 this year.
  • Tri-Valley grew by 41 students, from 952 last year to 993 this year.
  • Dell Rapids shrunk by 32 students, from 965 last year to 933 this year.
  • Canton shrunk by 23 students, from 888 last year to 865 this year.
  • Baltic grew by three students, from 539 last year to 542 this year.
  • Garretson shrunk by 10 students, from 468 last year to 458 this year.

All totaled, there are 44,384 K-12 students in Sioux Falls area public schools, a growth of 50 students or 0.1% from last fall’s count of 44,334.

Sioux Falls area private schools

Sioux Falls’ three largest private K-12 school systems saw the following enrollment changes this year:

  • Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools, the largest private school system in the state, shrunk by two students, from 2,224 last year to 2,222 this year.
  • Sioux Falls Christian School shrunk by nine students, from 1,447 last year to 1,438 this year.
  • Sioux Falls Lutheran School grew by 41 students, from 336 last year to 377 this year.

Other local nonpublic K-12 school enrollments include:

  • 221 students at St. Mary’s School in Dell Rapids;
  • 130 students at Children’s Home Society of South Dakota;
  • 125 at East Dakota Educational Cooperative;
  • 119 at LifeScape;
  • 49 at McCrossan Boys Ranch;
  • 45 at Good Shepherd Lutheran School,
  • 43 at Westside Christian School,
  • 23 at Bethel Lutheran School;
  • Four at Southeastern;
  • Three at Baan Dek Montessori;
  • One at 605 Prep;
  • One at DakotAbilities.

All totaled, there are 4,801 K-12 students in Sioux Falls area nonpublic schools, a growth of 24 students or 0.5% from last fall’s count of 4,777.

Sioux Falls area alternative instruction

Though it’s the second-largest public school district in the state, Rapid City Area Schools saw the largest number of students opt out of public school and into alternative instruction and homeschooling once again this year, with 1,839 students, followed by the largest district, Sioux Falls, with 1,793 students.

More: Alternative education on the rise as South Dakota Legislature eyes school choice bill

Sioux Falls-area schools had the following alternative instruction enrollment shifts this year:

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  • 1,793 in Sioux Falls, an increase of 131 from last year’s count of 1,662;
  • 379 in Harrisburg, an increase of 78 from last year’s count of 301;
  • 350 in Brandon Valley, an increase of 67 from last year’s count of 283;
  • 111 in Tea, a decrease of four from last year’s count of 115;
  • 105 in Lennox, an increase of two from last year’s count of 103;
  • 97 in West Central, an increase of six from last year’s count of 91; 
  • 87 in Dell Rapids, an increase of 11 from last year’s count of 76;
  • 79 in Canton, a decrease of two from last year’s count of 81;
  • 73 in Tri-Valley, an increase of seven from last year’s count of 66;
  • 42 in Garretson, an increase of 10 from last year’s count of 32;
  • 24 in Baltic, a decrease of one from last year’s count of 25.

All totaled, there are 3,140 students in alternative instruction in the Sioux Falls metro area, an increase of 305 students or 10.7% from last year’s count of 2,835.



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