Midwest
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Illinois
Two charged after severed arm with Packers tattoo found in Illinois lake, police say
ILLINOIS – A severed arm with a distinctive Green Bay Packers tattoo led investigators to identify a Plainfield man whose remains were recovered from Lake Mattoon, and two people have now been charged in the case, including the man’s mother, Illinois State Police said.
James Adams, 26, and Robin Turner, 62, are each charged with concealment of a homicidal death, a Class 3 felony, and dismembering a human body, a Class X felony.
Two charged after severed arm with Packers tattoo found in Illinois lake, police say
The backstory:
Boaters found part of a human arm floating in Lake Mattoon on the evening of June 28, according to Illinois State Police. The arm had several distinctive tattoos, including a skeleton holding a Green Bay Packers helmet and an unidentified letter or number.
Severed arm found in Illinois lake belonged to Plainfield man, police say (Illinois State Police)
Authorities searched the lake and recovered additional human remains. The victim was later identified as 38-year-old Dalewayne Turner of Plainfield.
Investigators executed a search warrant Wednesday at a home in the 2400 block of Ruth Fitzgerald Drive in Plainfield, where Adams and Robin Turner were taken into custody, state police said. Robin is reportedly Dalewayne’s mother.
Police said investigators also recovered additional evidence from the home but have not disclosed what was found.
What’s next:
Illinois State Police presented the case Thursday to the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office, which approved the charges.
Adams and Turner remain in custody as the investigation continues. State police said additional charges are expected.
The Source: The information in this article was provided by Illinois State Police and previous FOX Chicago reporting.
Indiana
Warden resigns from Indiana prison housing hundreds of ICE detainees
What to know about the ‘Speedway Slammer’ ICE detainee facility in Indiana
Miami Correctional Facility can house up to 1,000 ICE detainees.
The warden of an Indiana prison that serves as one of the Midwest’s largest Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers has departed his role as head of the maximum security facility.
Brian English, who ran Miami Correctional Facility in Bunker Hill, announced his exit on LinkedIn.
“After much reflection, I’ve decided to take the next step in my career and will be transitioning out of my role at the Miami Correctional Facility,” he wrote. “Closing this chapter has reminded me just how much can change when a team decides to move forward together.”
English’s announcement described the prison as a “difficult place” recovering from lockdowns, strained community relations and severe staffing shortages when he first took over in October 2022.
“Over the past three years and nine months, we’ve strengthened operations of a maximum-security prison, with a minimum-security unit, infirmary unit and a newly opened 1,000‑bed ICE detention facility,” he wrote. “We rebuilt community relations, expanded partnerships with law enforcement and Grissom Air Force Base, doubled volunteer engagement, grew programming, and improved staffing and retention in meaningful ways.”
English confirmed in a telephone call to IndyStar that Friday, June 26, was his last day on the job.
“I no longer work there,” he said via phone. “I don’t really have any comment about it. I’m just taking some time off, and I’ll be pursuing other opportunities.”
When asked if he was leaving on his own or had forced out, English told IndyStar the decision was “totally his decision.”
“That’s all I’m going to really comment about,” he said. “It was my decision to go.”
The prison, which Trump administration officials nicknamed the “Speedway Slammer” despite local protestations, has continued to suffer from serious problems during English’s tenure. An IndyStar investigation found that violence and drug use were rampant at the facility before it began accepting ICE detainees in October.
Last summer, Indiana Gov. Mike Braun and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that the prison would become an ICE detention site, housing up to 1,000 detainees, as part of President Donald Trump’s crackdown on immigration. Two detainees have since died at the facility, which as of last month housed more than 600 immigration detainees in addition to about 1,800 state prisoners.
Concerns about conditions at the prison have prompted calls to shut down ICE detention at the facility from U.S. Rep. André Carson, faith leaders and civil liberty advocates. They say detainees have complained of inadequate medical care, inconsistent food service and difficulties maintaining their hygiene.
Although state officials have said the arrangement with ICE will be profitable, delayed payments from the federal government have resulted in expenditures exceeding revenue. Prison officials have said they expect that to change as the arrangement continues.
It’s unclear who will run the prison in the interim or if a new warden has been identified. The Indiana Department of Correction did not immediately respond to an IndyStar inquiry about English’s departure. Neither did ICE.
Contact IndyStar investigative reporter Alexandria Burris at aburris@indystar.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, at @allyburris and on Bluesky at@allymburris.bsky.social.
Iowa
One Year In, the Largest Tax Cuts in American History Are Delivering for Iowa
IOWA – Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) today marked the one-year anniversary of the Working Families Tax Cuts becoming law, highlighting the real savings and tax relief the legislation has delivered for Iowa families, workers, farmers, seniors, and small businesses.
Signed into law one year ago, the Working Families Tax Cuts have lowered taxes, increased take-home pay, and helped hardworking Americans keep more of what they earn.
“One year later, the Working Families Tax Cuts are delivering exactly what they promised: lower taxes, bigger paychecks, stronger family budgets, and real savings for hardworking Americans,” said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. “Whether it is tax relief for seniors, workers earning overtime, families raising children, or farmers passing their operations on to the next generation, these policies are making a real difference. I will continue fighting for policies that put Iowans first.”
Background
One year after becoming law, the Working Families Tax Cuts continue to provide meaningful relief for millions of Americans through provisions including No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, tax relief for seniors, permanent protections for family farms, incentives to strengthen American manufacturing, and new $1,000 Baby Investment Accounts for eligible newborns.
Since enactment, the Working Families Tax Cuts have delivered:
- Tax refunds increased by 11%, putting more money back into the pockets of hardworking Americans.
- No Tax on Tips: More than 7.5 million Americans have claimed the deduction, with an average tax benefit of over $7,000. By allowing workers to deduct up to $25,000 in qualified tip income, servers, bartenders, hospitality workers, and others who rely on tips are keeping more of what they earn.
- No Tax on Overtime: More than 29 million Americans have claimed the deduction, saving an average of over $3,100. This provision helps police officers, firefighters, nurses, EMTs, corrections officers, and countless other workers keep more of their overtime pay.
- Social Security Tax Deduction: More than 35 million seniors have claimed the new deduction, receiving an average tax benefit of over $7,500. Eligible seniors can claim a $6,000 deduction, while married couples can receive up to $12,000, helping them afford everyday necessities and enjoy greater peace of mind after a lifetime of hard work.
- Enhanced Child Tax Credit: Nearly 40 million families have claimed the expanded $2,200 Child Tax Credit, helping parents cover the costs of raising children and providing additional financial stability.
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Doubled Standard Deduction: The law preserves the doubled standard deduction, benefiting over 90% of taxpayers and allowing families to keep more of their hard-earned income.
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Protection for Family Farms: Delivered permanent relief from the ‘Death Tax’ and helps protect family farms ensuring there farms are passed down to kids and grandkids not sold to pay the IRS.
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No Tax on Car Loan Interest: Allows eligible Americans to deduct interest on qualifying loans for new American-made vehicles.
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Small Business Tax Deduction: Makes the 20% small business deduction permanent, giving Main Street businesses the certainty they need to invest, hire, and grow.
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$1,000 Baby Investment Accounts: Provides eligible newborns with a $1,000 investment account, helping families begin building long-term financial security from the start of their child’s life.
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