Arch Rock on Mackinac Island

Probably the most famous geological formation on Mackinac Island is Arch Rock. Made of limestone, it stands about 150 feet above water level and everyone who bikes around the island or takes a horse and buggy tour will stop to admire it's beauty. One former president, Gerald Ford, walked over it as an Eagle Scout. That is not allowed today. 

Star Dream Fountain in Royal Oak

The Star Dream Fountain in downtown Royal Oak near the library stands 40 feet tall.  The sculptor, Marshall Fredericks, had his studio close by on Woodward and Normandy for more than 50 years. This beloved artist has creations all over Michigan and his most famous one is here. Can you guess? Star Dream was completed and installed one year before Marshall passed away at age 89.

Imlay City Historical Museum

There is a restored caboose at the Imlay City Historical Museum. Although trains no longer stop at their depot, the 1927 building has been lovingly restored and serves as a museum. Today 45 minute wagon rides are offered by the museum to explain the history of the area. The Blueberry Festival is coming up where the Historical Society serves up special homemade goodies made with this wonderful local fruit.

Dodge Fountain in Detroit's Hart Plaza

The 30 foot tall Horace Dodge Fountain is a creation of Isamu Noguchi from 1978. It is the focal point of Detroit's Hart Plaza on the riverfront and scene of many festivals and events throughout the summer. The Dodge brothers are famous for their automotive endeavors.  Horace's wife donated one million for the fountain in memory of her husband and son. This open area was named for Philip A. Hart, a US senator from 1959 until his death in 1976. He was twice Lieutenant Governor of Michigan, was wounded in the D-Day landing on Normandy Beach during WWII and is buried in St Anne's cemetery on Mackinac Island.

Sherman's Ice Cream in South Haven

Don't we all have an ice cream fix once in a while?  We drove all around South Haven looking for the blue cow on top of a building and finally found him on Phoenix Street.  It was well worth the hunt!  Sherman's Ice Cream dates back to 1958 and this week it was packed, attesting to its popularity. Whatever flavor you choose from the 50 available, the portions were gigantic! We walked away fat and happy.

Captain Lou's in South Haven

The place to party in South Haven is Captain Lou's with their inviting deck overlooking the Black River and the Dykman drawbridge. We have to rave about their rum runners and live music on the weekends!

Eagle River Lighthouse

You'll miss it unless you are looking for it--the Eagle River Lighthouse on the shores of Lake Superior in the UP.  It is a private residence today, but the first operational lighthouse in Keweenaw's Eagle River was in 1857.  It was deactivated in 1908, but someone has taken the care to preserve it. This little community was born out of the copper rush in the mid 1800's and many of the homes are pre-civil war. Today about 1800 people live in Eagle River.