ICEHOUSE
Milk and Honey
Things people pour on your head
To get you to see
True Music and
Free Beer Tomorrow
 
Jay Cooke State Park
Duluth, MN
 
Jay Cooke State Park, located near Duluth, Minnesota, sits along a river that flows over rock formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. Today, campers at Jay Cooke Campground cross the road to visit the river, walk across the suspension bridge, and admire the rugged cliffs. Sediment and tannins from the surrounding trees and soil give the water a rich amber color, resembling chocolate or root beer, while the waterfalls churn the river into a thick, frothy foam. The river attracts a variety of birds searching for food, creating a peaceful setting where visitors can listen to the rushing water and watch the birds hunt.
 
Split Rock Lighthouse
Two Harbors, MN
 
At one time, the brightest light in the sky along Lake Superior came from the lighthouse at Split Rock. Built after Congress authorized its construction in response to a deadly shipwreck on the lake, the lighthouse was revolutionary for its time. Its beacon used concentric rings of precision-cut glass, known as a Fresnel lens, to focus and amplify the light far more efficiently than earlier lighthouse designs. This innovation was born out of necessity, helping guide ships safely through the dangerous waters of Lake Superior and protecting the lives of the sailors whose work carried them to the western edge of the Great Lakes.
 
Presque Isle
Marquette, MI
 
While on the hunt for more lighthouses and water, the sun came out as we arrived in Marquette, Michigan, for the evening. The lighthouse is attached to a cement walkway that took us out to see large rocks with beautiful colors on top. We encountered some fishermen and a family of ducks, both looking for dinner. The sun felt nice after days of driving, and the air smelled clean and refreshing.
 
Somewhere in UP
Upper Peninsula, MI
 
Have you ever wandered to a random park on your camping road trip with your boyfriend to take a scenic detour after giving the lady at the entrance a big smile and laugh to let you in and then on the way back to your car after staring at the water for 45 minutes you find a tree that looks oddly like a chair so you tell your boyfriend to go pose next to it because maybe one day you might recreate this tree in your house somehow and it will be your furniture for you to pose next to.
 
Great Colors
On the way to Mackinac, MI
 
Greens and blues drench the northernmost point of Lake Michigan. Summertime has reached the beaches of the Great Lakes, making them feel similar to those of the Carolinas. The water is cool, the breeze is cool, and the pace is cool.
 
Grand Traverse Bay
Traverse City, MI
 
After doing official business in Mackinac, one will find themselves relaxing in Traverse City. Good wine, art, food, boats, and skies. A slower pace than Mackinac, where one can watch nature instead of people.
 
Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation & The F-150 Factory
Dearborn, MI
 
Speaking of watching people and helping to keep Michigan in tip-top shape, Henry Ford's campus and factory are open to the public to showcase a key part of American history and freedom. It was especially meaningful to visit just before Fourth of July weekend during America's 250th anniversary year.
 
"Detroit! Go for Launch."
Philip A. Hart Plaza, Detroit, MI
 
I thought the boat that lit the fireworks was going to explode at the end not going to lie. I was kind of scared.
Chelsea K. Blake
The Four Stories Company, LLC