0605, 2013

Big Sable Point Lighthouse

Lighthouses
1186

Big Sable Point Lighthouse is one of the tallest on the Great Lakes, and one of the most popular for its location within Michigan’s Ludington State Park, a popular summer getaway. The light stands on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan and requires a two-mile hike (or bicycle ride) across sandy terrain or through the nearby woods. The light was first lit in 1867. The original lens has since been removed, but a 300-millimeter plastic lantern continues to shine from the 112-foot tower. Kenny G is a contemporary smooth jazz saxophonist and the most commercially-successful and well-known artist in the genre. His albums have sold more than 48 million copies in the United States alone. Kenny

1110, 2012

Ambassador Bridge (Detroit, Michigan)

World Cities & Harbors
711

American truck drivers taking cargo “south of the border” would likely be on the way to Mexico. But from Detroit, Michigan, they could also head to Canada across the Ambassador Bridge, which carries more than 25 percent of all trade between the United States and its northern neighbor. Thanks to a dog leg in the Detroit River, this is the only border crossing at which Canada lies to the south of the U.S. In this sample video, a parade of trucks crosses the bridge in both directions as the sun sets in the west. Silhouetted in the foreground is the Detroit Princess riverboat, which offers dinner and pleasure cruises along the river for public and private

0110, 2012

Mackinac Island, Michigan

American Cities
594

Watch full HD version of this single song sample episode on the eScapes’ Xumo Lifestyle Channel #452 While summer resorts are common, none have the quaint historic charm of Michigan’s Mackinaw Island. Situated between the state’s two peninsulas, this relaxing island has been drawing tourists since Victorian times with its beautiful scenery and leisurely culture. The well-preserved historic buildings of the island, and its complete lack of motor vehicles, give Mackinac a “stuck in time” atmosphere that was famously captured in the 1980 film Somewhere in Time, starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. Away from the antique buildings of downtown, most of the island is undeveloped, with 80% preserved as Mackinac Island State Park. Mackinac Island’s

<i>Lee A. Tregurtha</i> on Detroit River

2308, 2012

Lee A. Tregurtha on Detroit River

Shipwatching
467

In addition to their loads, many Great Lakes freighters carry with them a small part of history, but few have as much history behind them as the ship now known as the Lee A. Tregurtha. Originally planned as the oil tanker Mobiloil, the onset on World War II prompted the U.S. Maritime Commission to take over the ship’s construction and it was soon commissioned into the U.S. Navy under the name USS Chiwawa. From 1942 through 1944, the Chiwawa served in the Atlantic Fleet, refueling vessels along the East Coast and sailing on convoys across the ocean. Eventually it joined the Pacific Fleet for the final months of the war and was decommissioned in May 1946.

0908, 2012

Copper Harbor, Michigan

Scenic Earth
620

Situated at the northernmost tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Copper Harbor is a destination for anyone seeking great scenery and outdoor recreation, year-round. Settled as a successful copper mining town in the mid-1800s, Copper Harbor is home to the oldest lighthouse on Lake Superior, Copper Harbor Light, built in 1848. The harbor itself is also significant for its ferry route to Michigan’s Isle Royale National Park, an island 50 miles away. This eScapes video features a scenic view from a vantage point atop nearby Brockway Mountain. Here, sightseers can absorb a panoramic view of the harbor, the surrounding forests, and the buildings of downtown. Brian Hughes is a contemporary jazz guitarist. He has released several albums

2906, 2012

Old Presque Isle Lighthouse

Lighthouses
594

Michigan’s Old Presque Isle Lighthouse was first lit on Lake Huron in 1840 to mark a natural harbor important to Great Lakes steamships. In the early 19th century, the harbor was a refuge for ships escaping storms and a source of wood for ship engines. Years later, the lighthouse was deemed an insufficient aid to ships and a New Presque Isle Lighthouse was built at the opposite end of the same peninsula. Additionally, a pair of range lights was added to the harbor entrance. Now a public park and museum, visitors can view a restoration of the keeper’s house, learn about the site’s history, climb the original tower, and, of course, tell ghost stories (Old Presque

1805, 2012

Detroit Institute of Arts (American Landscapes)

No visit to Detroit is complete without a trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts, a 658,000-square-foot museum with one of the top collections of artwork in the United States. Founded in 1885, the museum is home to a diverse collection of art from a broad span of eras and cultures. Some of the museum’s most famous pieces include Diego Rivera’s enormous “Detroit Industry” fresco and an 1887 self portrait of Vincent Van Gogh. This eScapes video takes you on a relaxing tour of the museum’s gallery of American landscapes. Most of these works are from the mid-19th century and the centerpiece of this gallery, Frederic Edwin Church’s 1862 painting Cotopaxi, is thought to be a

2203, 2012

Dixboro, Michigan

American Cities
492

While Dixboro, Michigan might not be a city on the list of great American tourist destinations, its small town charm, scenic beauty, and nostalgic atmosphere make it enchanting to any visitor who happens to pass through. Sprouting from the lone vision and finances of Boston ship captain John Dix, the proper Village of Dixboro consists of only a handful of acres on the outskirts of Ann Arbor. In the 1820s, Dix built the area’s first barn and established a saw and grist mill in his new settlement. When the incoming railroad bypassed Dixboro in favor of nearby Ypsilanti, however, the growth of Dixboro slowed and John Dix left for Texas. Now a quaint community known for

1901, 2012

South Haven Lighthouse

Lighthouses
559

South Haven, Michigan is known for its harbor on Lake Michigan, and its harbor is known for its South Pierhead Lighthouse. Since 1903, this lighthouse has stood on the lakeshore, but not always with its distinctive appearance. The lighthouse was originally painted white, and had a wooden walkway instead of the black metal catwalk of today. Before 1903, a completely different wooden lighthouse stood in its place. The elevated walkway allows access to the lighthouse in severe weather. As this eScapes video demonstrates, rough conditions at the light can be dangerous, but also amazingly beautiful. Strong winds off Lake Michigan create a spectacular show of waves crashing onto the pier, sometimes even riding above the 35-foot

0601, 2012

Little Sable Point Lighthouse

Lighthouses
573

Little Sable Point Lighthouse on Lake Michigan was first lit in 1874 and is one of Michigan’s most picturesque lighthouses. Not only is the lighthouse itself striking with its natural brick exterior, but the surrounding natural setting is beautiful as well, featuring sand dunes, a pristine beach, and a forest. The tower’s brick complements the landscape well, but it has only been exposed for part of the light’s career. From 1900 to 1977, the tower was painted white to make it more visible to mariners. Little Sable Point Lighthouse is now on the ground of Silver Lake State Park, and despite its secluded location, is a popular destination for beachgoers during the summer months. John Tesh