LAKE MICHIGAN

Last week’s Northern Lights extravaganza that delighted legions of Michigan skywatchers was visible from the International Space Station, NASA said. “The northern lights as seen from the International Space Station,” NASA said on Instagram. “The video begins with the green hues of the northern lights dancing across the skies of North America. (NASA)NASARELATED: Pilot gets amazing Northern Lights photos, says Michigan’s sky better than Alaska, IcelandThe Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, is generally known for its green and purple hues. The Northern Lights as seen from the International Space Station on March 23, 2023.

GRAND HAVEN, MI – Hemlock trees – those beautiful feathery evergreens – are dying in alarming numbers along West Michigan’s coast. An “Adopt-a-Hemlock” effort in Grand Haven allows supporters to pay $15 to save a tree from the ravages of the hemlock woolly adelgid. The fundraiser is aimed at preserving hemlocks and other trees in three Grand Haven locations: Duncan Woods, Lake Forest Cemetery and Mulligan’s Hollow. Lawrence Burns, founder of Adopt-a-Hemlock and a professor at Grand Valley State University, partnered with the City of Grand Haven to secure the management plan from Michigan Forestry Company. Also on MLive‘Michigan’s smallest bar’ planned for downtown Muskegon’s social districtSpring fireworks coming to Lake Michigan beach town for Tulip Time festivalOttawa County Sheriff Kempker requests human trafficking victim advocate amid rising cases

Community groups are suing the Army Corps to stop the proposed expansion of a shoreline dump that was supposed to be turned into a park.

On Saturday, April 1, High Caliber Karting & Entertainment in East Lansing will debut its mini go-karts for children 5 and up. The mini go-karts are similar to the regular ones but operate at lower speeds. For safety, the regular go-karts and mini go-karts will never be on the same track. Parents who can fit in the mini go-karts, with the seat belt fastened, can join their children on the track. Mini go-karts will be available for regular walk-in visits and as an activity for parties.

HOLLAND, MI – You don’t have to wait for summer to see fireworks in Michigan. This Lake Michigan beach town gets the party started early with its spring festival. Tulip Time is scheduled for May 6-14 in Holland, situated on Lake Macatawa near the shores of Lake Michigan. “People from all over the state, region, and world travel to Holland for this beautiful spring festival,” said Johnny Rodriguez, executive director of LAUP. READ MORE:Huge luxury suites steps from Lake Michigan will cater to multi-generational vacationers‘We didn’t find them, they found us:’ Mackinac Island is most popular Michigan cruise ship portFishing report: Anglers seeing ‘steady numbers’ of steelhead in Northern Michigan

Anglers are starting to see “steady numbers” and better catches of steelhead in Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula, officials said. Northeast Lower PeninsulaThunder Bay River: Anglers targeting steelhead in the open parts of the river did well using spinners and spawn bags. Au Sable River: Anglers were starting to catch better numbers of steelhead in the Au Sable River in the deeper holes. Northwest Lower PeninsulaManistee River: Steelhead anglers reported steady numbers of fish throughout the entirety of the river from Tippy Dam down to the mouth. Anglers fishing for perch had the most success while using minnows and other natural bait fishing still off the bottom.

MACKINAC ISLAND, MI – Mackinac Island is Michigan’s most popular cruise ship port with the most expected calls in 2023 – and tourism advocates aren’t even trying. “We got a call yesterday for two more,” said Tim Hygh, CEO of Mackinac Island Tourism. First, “we’re Mackinac Island.” Second, the island is ideally situated as many Great Lakes cruises traverse the Straits of Mackinac or pass the area on their way to the Soo Locks. RELATED: ‘We’re getting squeezed out:’ Mackinac Island businesses fight for in-demand migrant laborIn 2022, cruise ships called on the island 80 times. RELATED: Cruise ships to return to Great Lakes for record-breaking 2023 seasonMost of the ships arrange excursions for their passengers.

LUDINGTON, MI – A new vacation rental with huge luxury suites located just steps from Lake Michigan will cater to multi-generational groups. Waters Edge Suites, 809 W. Ludington Ave., is under construction in Ludington, an Up North beach town known for the S.S. Badger car ferry, Lake Michigan beaches, picturesque downtown, and lumber and maritime history. Each unit will have four to six bedrooms (sleeping 12 to 16 people) and four to five full bathrooms, plus a professional kitchen, great room, an outdoor fireplace, and decks and balconies with views of Lake Michigan. This floor plan shows the second floor of units A and B at Waters Edge Suites, 809 W. Ludington Ave. in Ludington, Mich. The vacation rental will consist of three units that will each sleep 12 to 16 people.

April’s state park events include maple syrup making, springtime discovery hikes, Easter egg hunts, fishing clinics and a special dark-sky gathering to celebrate International Dark Sky Week. Maple syrup clinic, Mitchell State Park, Cadillac. Learn to make your own maple syrup, including tools needed, how to process sap, canning, how to make maple sugar and more. Maple Syrup Day, Hartwick Pines State Park, Grayling. Easter egg hunt, Young State Park, Boyne City.

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – The Ottawa County Health Department is closing the last of its community COVID-19 testing sites. Ottawa County Health Department spokesperson Alison Clark said the remaining two testing sites, located in Holland and Hudsonville, are closing due to decreased need and widespread availability of other testing options. The two locations were among four community testing clinics arranged by the Ottawa County Health Department. The county health department doesn’t offer testing at its locations. Free at-home COVID-19 tests are available at local libraries throughout the county thanks to the state health department.

We know it was a mild winter around our part of the Great Lakes this winter. With the mild winter came not much ice cover on the Great Lakes. Here are the visuals of the lacking ice cover. Lake Michigan’s shape, depth and orientation to prevailing winds keeps the lake’s total ice cover lower than Lake Huron. Lake Superior’s peak ice cover this winter was less than half of the typical long-term average peak ice.

MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI – One woman was killed in a crash after the vehicle she was riding in was struck at an intersection, Muskegon County sheriff’s deputies said. The victim in the crash has been identified as 21-year-old Amber Prause, the sheriff’s office said Monday, March 27. Police were dispatched shortly before 1 p.m. on Friday, March 24, to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Whitehall and River roads in Laketon Township. Police said a Chevy Trailblazer was traveling south on Whitehall Road and failed to stop at the red light at the intersection of River Road. The Trailblazer was struck by a Nissan Frontier that was traveling west on River Road and had the green light at the intersection.

MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI – Dredging will start soon on a Lake Michigan channel that otherwise would be impassable to all watercraft. Water depths in the Mona Lake Channel are as low as 1 foot in some areas, said Travis Ghezzi, owner of T.R. “There’s no way someone could get through there,” Ghezzi told MLive/The Muskegon Chronicle. A barge and excavator have been staged in the channel near the mouth to Lake Michigan. Also on MLiveHemlock trees dying at alarming rate to get more treatment at Lake Michigan park near MuskegonLighthouse in Grand Haven to open museum in 2024 following work on concrete baseBeach Street along Lake Michigan reopens for the season in MuskegonMichigan’s Best Local Eats: Try El Burrito Loco’s sizzling fajitas, flavorful margaritas

“It’s putting industrial space on the market, which there is a lack of,” she said. She added it’s becoming “very hard to find” industrial space of 50,000 square feet and above. No clients have signed on to lease space at the building yet, but Grooters Development Company is “working with a few” potential tenants, Amrhein said. “Our clients have been seeking space near Middleville and nearer to operations in mid-state,” said Robert Grooters, owner of the 49-year-old company. Robert Grooters Development Company says it has built over 25 million square feet of manufacturing, warehouse and office space in West Michigan.

MUSKEGON, MI – It’s now officially spring in Muskegon with the opening of Beach Street at Lake Michigan. Snow and sand that blow across the street from the lake are too much for maintenance staff to clear regularly. Beach Street offers sweeping views of Lake Michigan and is a favorite for cruising the city’s Pere Marquette beach. Muskegon city residents can obtain two free passes per household until April 30. Areas with paid parking include Pere Marquette beach, Margaret Drake Elliott Park, Kruse Park and Harbour Towne Beach on Muskegon Lake.

LANSING, MI - Spurred by requests from some campers who want to avoid campfire smoke during their stays at Michigan parks, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is looking into the possibility of offering campfire-free camping opportunities in the future. According to the DNR, these requests for no-campfire camping are largely due to health reasons. “We haven’t decided anything to implement for sure,” DNR Parks and Recreation Chief Ron Olson told MLive. “In a continuing effort to increase accessibility to a greater number of citizens, the division is discussing the idea of ‘smoke-free’ or ‘smoke-less’ camping opportunities,” the post said. This is all important information for us to have.”RELATED:Popular Up North state park plans to double Lake Michigan beach parkingState park plans to rebuild aging boardwalk trail with views of Lake MichiganUniversally accessible playground with concrete slide coming to bluff-top state park

MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI – Hemlock trees that are dying at an alarming rate at a Lake Michigan park are to get a second year of treatment for hemlock woolly adelgid. The deadly pest has infested Lake Harbor Park in Norton Shores, where hundreds of trees on 28 acres were treated last fall. Last year’s treatment of Lake Harbor Park was focused on its southern portion near the Mona Lake channel to Lake Michigan. Keith Hogan, an arborist with Bartlett, told MLive earlier that HWA is “pretty advanced” at Lake Harbor Park. Mapping by the State of Michigan shows considerable HWA infestation along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Muskegon County, including at P.J.

Steelhead are starting to bite in parts of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, according to a report. Clinton River: Anglers reported that they were starting to catch steelhead. Southwest Lower PeninsulaGrand River: Anglers reported having success catching steelhead and smallmouth bass along the Grand River. Northeast Lower PeninsulaThunder Bay River: Anglers targeting steelhead in the open parts of the river did well using spinners and spawn bags. Northwest Lower PeninsulaCrooked Lake: Anglers reported catches of small northern pike with an occasional fish over 24 inches.

Loons need large lakes to accommodate their deep, powerful diving and lengthy takeoffs into flight, says Michigan birding expert Caleb Putnam. The species’ spring migration into Michigan is therefore prolonged, occurring over many weeks from about mid-March through April as they follow the slow thawing of the lakes northward. Birdwatchers hoping to catch their first glimpses of loons this time of year should head to the Great Lakes or larger, unfrozen inland lakes, where the birds can be seen solo or sometimes congregating with other loons. “You certainly will find a lot of them on big water, Lake Michigan and such, but they’re also spread out in the inland lakes. If you’re hoping to hear a loon’s characteristic haunting calls, head out in the early morning or evening, Putnam says.

In addition to spectacular views, each of these shoreline cruises will feature a theme, live entertainment, food and a cash bar. There are also three afternoon shoreline cruises that sail on June 17, July 22 and Aug. 12 in Manitowoc, Wis. RELATED: 800 gallons of paint make Lake Michigan car ferry look like newThe shoreline cruises sail rain or shine. The S.S. Badger car ferry offers cross-lake service between Ludington and Manitowoc, Wis., with one daily round trip from May to October. by DNR, partnersPopular Up North state park plans to double Lake Michigan beach parking

MANISTEE TOWNSHIP, MI – A universally accessible playground featuring a concrete slide is coming to a Northern Michigan state park situated on bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. The historic Orchard Beach State Park has a campground, trails, a giant limestone pavilion and breathtaking views of sunsets over Lake Michigan – but no playground. It will include a concrete slide set into a hillside, which makes it cheaper (no need to build supports), safer (no drop) and universally accessible (no steps). The Friends of Orchard Beach State Park raised about $300,000 the project, including funding from Manistee County and Manistee County Community Foundation. by DNR, partnersPopular Up North state park plans to double Lake Michigan beach parking

VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI – Returning a nuclear power plant near South Haven would only require undoing what was done for the shutdown, according to a presentation from the plant owner. Holtec International started the shutdown of the Palisades Nuclear Plant in June 2022. Related: Restart of Palisades nuclear plant would bolster power supply, support climate goalsThe decommissioning was first announced in 2017, with power production ceasing May 20, 2022. This would be the first plant to enter the decommissioning phase and then try to restart, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission said during a March 20 public meeting. Most of the work so far has been hazard reductions at the nuclear plant, Schultheis said.

MASONVILLE TOWNSHIP, MI – A new osprey nesting platform is standing tall in the Upper Peninsula near prime hunting waters and within easy view of birdwatchers, officials said. This map shows the location of the new osprey nesting platform in Delta County, Michigan. RELATED: Ospreys nesting high up in Michigan cell tower are sign of species’ comebackThis new nesting platform replaces a 30-year-old, worn out one that was situated nearby. An osprey is shown sitting in its nest on the old nesting platform near the mouth of the Rapid River in Delta County, Michigan. The platform was replaced on March 1, 2023.Photo courtesy of Carol Schiltz via Michigan Department of Natural ResoucesThe platform was built by Lubben, DNR wildlife biologist Joe Sage and USDA wildlife technician Kyle McGillviray using plans from the International Osprey Foundation.

Spring is the season of the jellybean, according to bulk online candy wholesaler CandyStore.com. Michigan’s favorite jellybean flavor is buttered popcorn, according to a survey by CandyStore.com. Buttered popcorn is the favorite in 11 states and among the top three jellybean flavors in 27 states, making it the overall No. 2 (behind buttered popcorn), and is followed by cinnamon in third, cherry in fourth and watermelon in fifth. Among Michigan’s neighbors, Ohioans are the only ones who agree that buttered popcorn jellybeans are tops.

ROMULUS, MI – Six giant African snails were recently seized from a traveler who had arrived in Michigan from Ghana with the invasive species in their suitcase, officials said. The live snails, which were intended for consumption, were discovered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agricultural specialists at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, according to a news release. The snails pose significant health risks to humans and the environment and are considered an invasive species. “The discovery of this highly invasive pest truly benefits the health and well-being of the American people.”Giant African snails can carry a parasitic nematode that can lead to meningitis in humans. Although popular for consumption and kept as pets in other countries, giant African snails are a prohibited in the United States.

HAMLIN TOWNSHIP, MI – A popular boardwalk trail at Ludington State Park will be rebuilt after nearly 45 years of offering spectacular views of Lake Michigan to visitors, officials said. However, keeping up with the maintenance of this wooden path hasn’t been easy, said Jim Gallie, park manager. RELATED: Popular Up North state park plans to double Lake Michigan beach parkingThe biggest change will be the elimination of the center staircase, Gallie said. The center staircase was installed when there was a visitors center at its base, but it’s no longer there. READ MORE:This Lake Michigan beach town is celebrating its 150th birthday all year longThis U.P.

Lake County prosecutors said Thursday that they have upgraded the charges against Nicholas Caban, 20, and Jacob Firestone, 19, both of Highland Park, in the death of Matthew Ascaridis.

ESCANABA, MI – This Upper Peninsula town will welcome cruise ships for the first time this year, showing off its unique culture and Lake Michigan coastline. Escanaba, located on Little Bay de Noc in Delta County, has been added as an “exclusive” port of call of American Queen Voyages. “We’re thrilled to partner with American Queen Voyages to bring the first cruise ship to our shores,” said Vickie Micheau, executive director of Delta County Chamber of Commerce. Here’s the schedule of calls (subject to change), according to the company website: May 14, May 18, May 25, May 29, June 1, June 12, June 16, June 30, July 3, July 4, July 17, July 18, July 21, July 22, Aug. 4, Aug. 5, Aug. 8, Aug. 9, Aug. 22, Aug. 23, Aug. 26, Aug. 27, Sept. 10, Oct. 2. READ MORE:Popular Up North state park plans to double Lake Michigan beach parkingGreat Lakes lighthouse so small it only ‘fits about 4 people’ given to nonprofitThis Lake Michigan beach town is celebrating its 150th birthday all year long‘Vibrant’ Hilton hotel opens near Traverse City154-year-old lighthouse with ‘commanding view’ of Mackinac Bridge to be restored

Gretchen Whitmer and other Michigan officials, the Air Force confirmed Wednesday that it will not bring its F-35 fighter aircraft international training center to Selfridge Air National Guard Base. According to the Detroit News, a spokesperson with the Air Force said the training center will instead be hosted at Ebbing Air National Guard Base at Fort Smith in Arkansas. Air Force officials have previously stated that Ebbing was a good choice because it has housed F-16 aircraft and would not require many upgrades or improvements to the grounds in order to host the training center. Whitmer and other Michigan officials have lobbied the Air Force on behalf of Selfridge several times in recent years. The News also reports a delegation of Michigan officials have also been lobbying the Air Force to consider replacing the A-10 squadron at Selfridge with something more long-term, however Air Force officials have not committed to that suggestion either.

DETROIT – Fourteen Michigan harbors would be dredged under President Joe Biden’s proposed budget that allocates more than $157 million for Great Lakes operations and maintenance, officials said. The funds would go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Detroit District, which operates and maintains and operates 81 navigational projects on lakes Erie, Huron, Michigan, Superior and St. Clair. RELATED: $1B contract awarded to build new Soo Locks chamber over next 7 yearsOther key Michigan projects under this allocation would be at Inland Rout ($55,000), Manistique Harbor ($308,000), Marquette Harbor ($256,000) and Sebewaing River ($68,000), according to the Army Corps of Engineers. RELATED: $159M in Great Lakes projects included in Biden’s proposed budget“These are critical projects within the Great Lakes Navigation System which provide a significant economic benefit to the Nation,” according to the the Army Corps of Engineers. READ MORE:Popular Up North state park plans to double Lake Michigan beach parkingEngineers Day at Soo Locks to allow visitors across MacArthur LockGreat Lakes lighthouse so small it only ‘fits about 4 people’ given to nonprofitThis Lake Michigan beach town is celebrating its 150th birthday all year long

Krzysztof Szubert, 21, was found unresponsive in Lake Michigan in December, days after he vanished from a party with friends at a bar in Chicago's River North neighborhood.

Our next storm system will bring rain and wind to the entire Lower Peninsula beginning late Thursday and lasting through mid-day Friday. Chance for rain is 90-100% across all of Lower Michigan Thursday night. Rainfall totals Thursday evening through Friday morning look to be closer to a half inch across southern lower Michigan and closer to 1 inch across northern Lower Michigan. Maximum wind gusts should occur Friday evening at near or perhaps greater than 40 mph. We’ll first see rain Thursday night, then wind Friday afternoon and evening, and finally scattered snow showers combined with breezy conditions on Saturday.

A line of cars waiting to park at Ludington State Park’s popular Lake Michigan beach. There are plans to nearly double the number of parking spaces from 170 to around 295-310 and extend pedestrian walkways to the beach, said Jim Gallie, park manager. Currently, there are 50 spaces in the warming shelter lot immediately north of the park entrance and 120 in the beach lot just west of that. RELATED: Improvement projects prompt temporary closures at state parks, campgrounds this summerGallie expects this project to come to fruition sometime in 2024. It involves repaving the main park road and the parking areas near Hamlin Lake; that project is funded at $1.1 million.

LANSING, MI – A Michigan zoo is celebrating the birth of a rare eastern bongo calf. The eastern bongo is “one of the most majestic and endangered members of the antelope family,” zoo staff said. “Each birth is special,” said Potter Park Zoo’s Director of Animal Health Dr. Ronan Eustace. An eastern bongo calf was born on March 5, 2023, at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, Mich. The birth of this calf is a critical milestone in eastern bongo conservation efforts, the zoo said.

In Illinois alone, the drinking water of more than 660,000 people is contaminated at levels exceeding the proposed standards.

The 2023 Great Lakes cruise ship season is poised to be record-breaking. The passenger increase will be due in part to more ships traversing the freshwater seas: 11 compared to nine in 2022. The 11 vessels are operated by eight cruise lines: Pearl Seas Cruises, American Queen Voyages, Viking Cruises, St. Lawrence Cruise Lines, Ponant, Vantage, Hapag-Lloyd and Plantours Cruises. Detroit also has more than 50 calls on the schedule, according to itineraries listed with Great Lakes Cruises. “The lifestyle that we live in our areas is supported by the tourists,” Dave Lorenz, vice president of Travel Michigan, told the TV station.

Three Michigan communities have been ranked among the top small town visits in America.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers accused of reneging on a 1982 deal to cover the 45-acre dump once it was filled with toxic sediment dredged from the Calumet River and the Cal Sag Channel.

ANN ARBOR, MI -- A semi-truck hit an overpass on I-94 Monday morning, closing the freeway. Eastbound I-94 near Jackson Avenue, Exit 172, was shut down around 9 a.m. March 13, when the truck struck the Liberty Road overpass, according to Michigan State Police. The Liberty Road overpass is also closed. “They’re going to have to inspect that bridge.”There were no reported injuries, police said. Read more from The Ann Arbor News:Lawsuit settlement means 191-unit housing development near Ann Arbor can move forwardGabrielle Giffords to join Michigan gun safety rally this weekThis Lake Michigan beach town is celebrating its 150th birthday all year long

Flurries and light snow are ongoing across a good portion of the Lower Peninsula on this Monday morning, along with some lake effect snow near Marquette. Outside of the advisory area across far southern lower Michigan, eastern Michigan, and northern Lower Michigan, snow totals of 1 inch or less are expected today. Even across the U.P., very little accumulation is forecast, although there is some light lake effect snow ongoing in and near Marquette, so an isolated 1-plus inch amount is at least possible. A north wind is unfavorable for lake effect snow across interior lower Michigan, so dry weather is expected for tonight as mostly cloudy skies gradually give way to partial clearing overnight and toward Tuesday morning. Some lake effect snow can’t be ruled out overnight in the thumb and immediately along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The Monday morning commute may get a little dicey in some parts of Michigan, with another accumulating snowfall headed our way between Sunday night and Monday mid-morning. The National Weather Service office in Grand Rapids has shared some highlights of the coming weather system. “Additional snow is expected for portions of our region tonight into Monday morning,” NWS meteorologists said. “Monday morning commute delays are looking likely. A few more inches of snow are possible in those areas then.

MUSKEGON, MI – Muskegon city officials are considering taking ownership of the iconic Lake Michigan lighthouse that has been owned by a conservancy for the past 12 years. The Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy has owned the lighthouse since 2010 and would want to remain as a partner in its restoration, Shook said. The conservancy also owns Muskegon’s south pierhead lighthouse located closer to the harbor and a lighthouse in Alpena, Shook said. Ownership of the south pierhead lighthouse remains an “open discussion,” Shook said. Former state Rep. Terry Sabo lobbied for funding for the lighthouse repairs, which was included in the state’s 2023 budget.

LUDINGTON, MI – This Lake Michigan beach town is gearing up for a months-long celebration of its 150th anniversary, including concerts, fireworks and a ball. Ludington’s Lumbering Heritage : 6:30 p.m., April 20, 6:30 p.m. at the Mason County Research Center, 130 E. Ludington Ave. The Mason County Historical Society will lead walking tours featuring actors portraying notable people from Ludington’s past. The Mason County Historical Society will lead walking tours featuring actors portraying notable people from Ludington’s past. This mock trial at the original Mason County Courthouse will feature a reenactment of a court case from Mason County’s history.

MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI – Plans to construct a nearly 3-mile paved path between two Lake Michigan parks in Norton Shores are the focus of an upcoming public hearing. Public input about the path along Lake Harbor Road is encouraged at the meeting scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at the Norton Shores Branch Library, 705 Seminole Road. The city of Norton Shores is planning an 8-foot-wide path on the west side of Lake Harbor Road, stretching from Lake Harbor Park on the north to P.J. The city has committed $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act money for the Lake Harbor Trail. The Norton Shores City Council in January selected Eng.

We should be able to sneak in some sun in between the clouds today as well, but we’ll call it mostly cloudy to possibly partly sunny on occasion. Low to mid-30s are likely across the U.P., while mid to upper 30s will be the case across northern lower Michigan. Central and southern lower Michigan should reach the upper 30s to lower 40s. When temperature and dewpoint are close to the same, the relative humidity is high, and when the temperature and dewpoint are far apart, the relative humidity is low. So, yes, there are clouds today, but it is too dry below them to allow any snow or rain to reach the ground.

More: Gold & whiskey fuels shipwreck legendThus far, no physical evidence of gold or whiskey has been found. Underwater archeologists and state of Michigan environmental regulators say it’s unlikely a salvage effort to recover the whiskey itself could obtain a state permit. “Working with wood from shipwrecks is a novel approach.”“We can have whiskey flavored by the Westmoreland shipwreck — and by making that whiskey available to the public, we think we could help fund preservation efforts,” he said. They have already made spirits from wood legally-salvaged from a different Great Lakes shipwreck in another state, Munger said. Related stories:Lake Michigan shipwreck emerges on Leelanau coastBuried schooner re-emerges near WhitehallIntact 1890s schooner found off Leelanau coastWreck linked to pirate legend emerges near EmpireWreck cluster found at remote Lake Michigan islandTC diver explores Manitou Passage wrecks

It’s easy to recycle boat shrink-wrap, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The state is encouraging boaters to “think green” when removing the winter shrink-wrap covers from their water-borne fun machines. Shrink, the Michigan Recycling Coalition; the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; Bay Area Recycling for Charities. Get out and enjoy Michigan’s world-class lakes, rivers and waterways. READ MORE:How to ride Michigan’s 4,000 miles of ORV trails for freeHistoric Princess booking Lake Michigan shoreline cruises for 2023 seasonHistoric Lake Michigan car ferry now booking 2023 crossingsIconic Northern Michigan ice cream shop Moomers opens for 26th season

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced the dates for this year’s two Free ORV Weekends: June 10-11 and Aug. 19-20. The annual events allow off-road vehicles to ride on Michigan’s 4,000 miles of motorized trails and the state’s six scramble areas without a permit or license. Michigan’s other scramble areas are Bull Gap, Black Lake Scramble Area, Silver Lake State Park, The Mounds and St. Helen’s Motorsport Area. The event on June 10-11 is part of the state’s Three Free Weekend, which combines the Summer Free Fishing Weekend with Free ORV Weekend and Recreation Passports are not required. READ MORE:Historic Princess booking Lake Michigan shoreline cruises for 2023 seasonHistoric Lake Michigan car ferry now booking 2023 crossingsIconic Northern Michigan ice cream shop Moomers opens for 26th seasonKilwins sold to Los Angeles private equity firm

MANISTEE, MI – A great way to see the sights and learn about the history of Manistee, the Princess is booking Lake Michigan shoreline cruises for the 2023 season. This is the fourth season that the 65-foot historic ship will sail Lake Michigan. The ship traverses the Manistee River out to Lake Michigan for afternoon and sunset cruises, weather permitting. Laaksonen brought the ship to Lake Michigan in 2020. READ MORE:Historic Lake Michigan car ferry now booking 2023 crossingsIconic Northern Michigan ice cream shop Moomers opens for 26th seasonKilwins sold to Los Angeles private equity firm

Great Lakes ice cover decreased by 71% between 1973 and 2010, study shows

MACKINAC COUNTY, MI - While driving along scenic U.S. 2 in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, many may not realize that when they cross over the Cut River Bridge, they are on a span towering 147 feet over the Cut River Valley. Built in 1947, the bridge is one of two cantilevered deck truss bridges in Michigan. Visitors can take a large set of stairs down to the base of the Cut River Valley where the mouth of the Cut River opens up to a beach and Lake Michigan. Trails allow people to hike along the Cut River and underneath the expansive bridge. It is one of the bestTahquamenon Falls in winter: a beautiful stop in Michigan’s Upper PeninsulaRowboats to return to Tahquamenon’s Lower Falls in 2023Snowmobilers shelter in outhouse after getting lost in Upper Peninsula

Michigan’s DNR has a few ice safety tips for those that want to go out onto the water on foot or by boat during the warmer days of winter.

U.S. Michigan Rep. Elissa Slotkin on Monday held a press conference to discuss new projects in Livingston County -- and she also answered questions about the Sunday downing of an unidentified airborne object over Lake Huron.

An airspace restriction has been lifted for air travel over Lake Michigan.

A human jawbone was found in Lake Michigan 15 years ago and police still do not know who it belongs to.

Happy 186th birthday, Michigan! You look great. Honestly, you don’t look a day over 125. What’s your secret? Pilates? Whatever it is, keep it up. It’s working.

Today is going to feel like we turned the corner back to Winter. Anticipate some rain transitioning to flurries this morning with the cooling airmass in place. However, we won’t see much accumulation on the wet and relatively warm ground before flurries taper off through the afternoon hours.

A study shows that only two of the five Great Lakes have an ecosystem that is considered “good.”

A woman found dead along the shoreline of Lake Michigan 25 years ago has been identified.

The Lake Michigan lake-effect snow machine is still cranking, and one band, in particular, has persisted between M-59 and I-69 with some accumulation during the day today.

Here is the weather forecast for Metro Detroit.

A social district is set to open in South Haven in the fall of next year.

The federal government has turned down a request for financial aid to restart a nuclear power plant in southwestern Michigan.

Sailors who lost their lives in shipwrecks on the Great Lakes and Michigan waterways will be remembered at a historic church in downtown Detroit.

The public will keep the right to use Indiana’s Lake Michigan shoreline for recreation as the U.S. Supreme Court won’t consider arguments from nearby property owners who claimed they also owned the beach.

Michigan's long history of mankind dates back to 11,000 B.C. and is most associated with the hard working innovative population that brought the world assembly line manufacturing, ginger ale, Motown and punk rock, breakfast cereal, and mass-produced penicillin and with it, modern medicine.

Are you a fan of the fall colors? Jill Halpin, founder of MyMichiganBeach.com, joined Michelle Oliver on “Live In The D” to share the best places in Michigan to embrace the fall scenery.

A canoeing competition held on Lake Michigan turned deadly this weekend when a racer died after falling off his boat multiple times.

A judge has declined to dismiss the case against a western Michigan restaurant owner who was jailed and fined $15,000 for violating state orders that banned indoor dining during the pandemic.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources said it is seeing good indicators that a modest stocking increase of Chinook salmon populations is needed in Lake Michigan.

Investigators were working to identify the person whose body was pulled from Lake Michigan after being spotted about 12 miles from shore.

We asked our WDIV Insiders to settle a debate and choose between two of the most common nicknames for the people of Michigan: “Michiganders” and “Michiganians.”

There is a new birding trail in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula that covers more than 400 miles and includes 40 birding stops.

Kory Ernster and Emily MacDonald died in Lake Michigan August 8 when they were swimming in South Haven.

Kory Ernster and Emily MacDonald died in Lake Michigan August 8 when they were swimming in South Haven.

The National Weather Service of Grand Rapids state that dangerous waves and currents are expected Sunday.

There's no dispute about some of the evidence in the trial of two men accused of wanting to kidnap Michigan’s governor.

A federal judge Thursday kept jurisdiction over a lawsuit seeking to close an oil pipeline crossing a section of the Great Lakes, rejecting Michigan’s effort to shift the case to state court.

The state of Michigan has been awarded a $25 million grant to help rebuild infrastructure around Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood, soon to be home to the Detroit Mobility and Innovation Corridor (DMIC).

Two people who drowned in Lake Michigan on Monday in South Haven have been identified as young adults from the Metro Detroit area.

Beaver Island is one of only a handful of places to have had a self-proclaimed monarchy.

It’s already August and for many families that means summer is winding down as we stare down the start of school in just four to five weeks. That may have you thinking about a last-minute vacation, but where should you go? There are plenty of places to explore in Michigan that you may have never been to. We spoke to Jill Halpin, the Founder of the My Michigan Beach website, to get her advice on where to go in Michigan.

The Michigan football program embarked on a jam-packed tour of Michigan this summer.

It took nearly 28 hours and more than 44 miles, but a Canadian man is now one step away from completing his quest to cross all five Great Lakes via paddleboard.

Mike Shoreman will depart from Union Pier, Michigan on Tuesday night, with plans to finish along Chicago’s North Avenue Beach at around noon Wednesday.

There are three beaches along Lake Saint Clair that are closed after testing for high bacteria levels this week.

Here is the weather forecast for Metro Detroit.

Milwaukee moved another step closer to hosting the 2024 Republican National Convention when a site selection committee unanimously recommended the event be held there rather than Nashville.

Authorities are searching for a man who disappeared in Lake Michigan while trying to save a child, likely the fourth drowning on the same day in western Michigan.

One girl died and another was released after treatment at a hospital after they were pulled from Lake Michigan after struggling in the water Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.

Here is the weather forecast for Metro Detroit.

A family of six from Metro Detroit was killed in their summer home 54 years ago, and many questions remain unanswered to this day.

An avid paddleboarder, Mike Shoreman was told he could never paddleboard again. But he didn’t pay attention to that edict and now is trying to make history.

Asian Carp is getting a new name in the state of Illinois. On Wednesday the Illinois DNR held a virtual event with Chopped champion Brian Jupiter of Frontier and Ina Mae Tavern.

History is repeating itself in Lake Michigan: The alewife fish is washing up on the shores in a widespread “die-off” event that used to happen frequently in the past.

The swimming area at Grand Haven State Park in western Michigan has been closed following several near drownings.

The swimming area at Grand Haven State Park in western Michigan has been closed following several near drownings.

Michigan lighthouses have been shining a light on the Great Lakes for centuries. With more than 3,200 miles of shoreline, lighthouses greatly impact the water community.

An angler from Hobart, Indiana caught a new state-record flathead catfish while fishing in Berrien County, Michigan.

Local 4 is taking a trip to Mackinac Island this Tuesday morning.