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In February 1954, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) studios released a 96-minute movie called “The Long, Long Trailer” with the beloved husband-and-wife duo Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. While the film became the highest grossing comedy at the time—earning just under five million dollars across the United States and Canada—the real star of the show was the luxurious 1953 36-foot New Moon camper made by the Redman Trailer Company in Alma, Michigan.

New year-round Walloon Watershed eatery and bar becomes an instant gathering place for locals and visitors.

A Michigan brewing legend grows his distinctive beer lineup and expands his footprint to include five fun hotspots.

Fall lingered a little longer this year, but when Old Man Winter arrived over Thanksgiving weekend, he made his presence known in a big way. He hasn’t quieted down since, leaving plenty of snow in his wake — much to the pleasure of skiers, resort owners and chionophiles (those who love snow and winter).

With over 415,000-square miles of area, Ontario is Canada’s second largest province, bordering four of the five Great Lakes and boasting 2,390 miles of coastline. From the country’s capital city of Ottawa to the amethyst mines of Thunder Bay—and all points in between—this neighbor to the north offers a wealth of historic, natural, and cultural sites worth exploring.

Sitting at the heart of the Great Lakes, Sandusky serves as the seat of Erie County with 68 miles of freshwater Lake Erie shoreline. From there, it is just a hop, skip, and a jump to a handful of distinct islands. South Bass Island is home to Put-in-Bay—a Midwestern hot spot with rooftop eateries, poolside bars, and historic sites like the 352-foot-tall Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial. The former Lonz Winery on Middle Bass Island has been converted into a bed-and-breakfast, coffee shop, waterfront patio bar, and speakeasy, all within Middle Bass Island State Park.

The first European settlers arrived in what is now called St. Ignace—named for St. Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Jesuit religion order—in 1671 making this the second-oldest European settlement in the state. Situated in the heart of the Straits of Mackinac, St. Ignace blends history, culture and nature with unparalleled Great Lakes views.

It is fairly common knowledge that Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state (about 125). A lesser-known fact is that over the past two centuries, about 60 women have served as keepers of these historic beacons.

Throughout the United States, there are between 8,000 and 15,000 historic house museums according to The Pew Charitable Trusts. Varying in style, these heritage sites provide a unique look at architectural design while also introducing visitors to the families who once lived behind their treasured walls.

Each year, thousands of visitors flock to the Upper Peninsula’s wilderness expanses in search of peaceful landscapes, natural wonders, and historic charm. Many of the region’s warm-weather tourist hotspots also become cool attractions worth a winter visit.

Recognizing an opportunity to enhance its mission in a creative and immersive way, the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Alpena launched a multi-day, regional event more than a decade ago that continues to spark thoughtful conversations about protecting and preserving the Great Lakes’ aquatic resources and maritime heritage.