Scenic Michigan

06/17/2026

Scenic Cityscapes is one of the most underrated categories in our Photo Contest each year since most people do not associate cityscapes when discussing Michigan’s scenic qualities. However, our State is rich in architecture, history, and vibrant communities that are destinations for residents and tourists alike. The 2025 winning photo and runners-up covered communities statewide from southwest to southeast Michigan all the way up to the Upper Peninsula!

This year’s winner is a striking photo of the Detroit skyline at dawn by Patrick Russell. What you’ll notice about a lot of these photos is how the built environment works with water, sunrise, and the sky to create a truly beautiful and unique photo.

Congratulations Patrick!

Winner:
Winter Dawn Over Detroit, by Patrick Russell (Detroit)

Runners-up:
Sunset Over Water, by Jodi Byers (Sault Ste. Marie)
Michigan State Capitol Complex, by Joe Zopf (Lansing)
Detroit Revival, by Kathleen Stuby (Detroit)
Niles Amtrak Station, by Jason Ciesiolka (Niles)

06/10/2026

Scenic Byways, Roads, and Trails is one of the most important categories of our photo contest since Scenic Byways advocacy is central to our mission statement!

This year choosing the winner of this category was especially difficult since we had so many photos sent in from various seasons, locations, and types of pathways! However, we are proud to announce that the winning photo for the 2025 Scenic Byways, Roads, and Trails category is:

Golden Hour Train Reflections, by Joe Zopf (Grand Ledge)

This amazing photo has a little bit of everything. From the golden sunset to the calm river and dense foliage covering the train tracks; this photo really showcases how the built environment can interact with Michigan’s natural features!

We also want to share all of our runner-up photos for this category below. Thank you everyone for your amazing entries!

Runners-up:

The Road to Presque Isle Lighthouse, by Sophie Smit (Presque Isle)

Autumn Passage, by Patrick Russell (Fallasburg)

Winter in Largo, By Amanda Bergeron (Oscoda, Largo Springs)

Porcupine Mountain Trail, by Laurie Jacobson (Ontonagon County)

A 5 Mile View, by Angela Streblow (St. Ignace)

Covered Road, by Brenda Anttila (Houghton County, Atlantic Mine)

06/03/2026

After months of collecting photos and judging we are excited to announce our overall winner for our 2025 Scenic Michigan Photo Contest!

This years winner is Marquette Aurora by Michele Aucello, taken off the coast line in beautiful Marquette.

This striking photograph captures the natural beauty that Scenic Michigan works to promote and protect. Featuring the tranquil waters of Lake Superior’s iconic shoreline, framed by lush green landscapes, all illuminated by the breathtaking glow of the northern lights, the image showcases the extraordinary diversity of scenery found across our state all in one frame.

This view is especially rare for those outside of Michigan because we are so fortunate to have such amazing views of auroras.

Over the next six weeks we will be sharing the winners of the individual categories from our 2025 Photo Contest, so stay tuned for many more photos to enjoy and congratulations to Michele!

06/02/2026

It's officially June 1st! Are you looking for ideas where to take that first road trip and explore some of the beautiful sights found throughout Michigan?

U.S.A. Today just ranked the Copper County Trail National Byway as the second best Scenic Drive in the country!

This 47-mile scenic and historic route in the Upper Peninsula travels along US-41 from Houghton/Hancock through Copper Harbor. Between the beautiful hiking opportunities, beaches, and sight-seeing it's a trip you won't want to miss!

For a deep dive into the abundant beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, few destinations can compare to the Copper Country Trail National Byway. This lengthy route offers marvelous views of the Lake Superior shoreline, while its interior shines a spotlight on some of the most captivating forests fou...

04/23/2026

Did you know that in addition to Earth Day that today is also Scenic Michigan Day?

On April 22, 2003 was declared Scenic Michigan Day by the Michigan Senate. Senator Tom George, Kalamazoo, also sponsored legislation that was signed into law in December 2006, banning any new billboard permits in Michigan.

In the past 23 years we have helped countless communities fight for their scenic resources, presented at public meetings across the state, published two Sign Regulation Guidebooks, and have ambitious plans to continue advocating for our communities.

If everyone who views this post donates even $1 on this Scenic Michigan Day we will be able to continue our work for the foreseeable future. So donate or buy your membership today!

To become a member (or purchase a gift membership), please select one of the following membership rates below. To donate a different amount, please select the “Donate” button. All donations above $35 will be automatically recorded as memberships as well.

04/22/2026

We are at the Michigan Townships Association Expo this week in Traverse City!

Stop by our booth and learn some more about Scenic Michigan and our mission!

04/11/2026

Our website has recent sign ordinances from over 50 municipalities across Michigan as a resource for municipalities control sign placement.

No one wants to be distracted by signs as they drive through our beautiful communities!

https://scenicmichigan.org/resources-2/michigan-sign-ordinances/

Sign, Sign… Everywhere a Sign? Not in the Right-of-Way!

We love seeing the community share events, sales, and announcements — but a quick reminder from the City of Ludington: signs are not permitted in the public right-of-way.

The City of Ludington Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), Article 9 – Signage, states that signs are prohibited from being located in or overhanging public rights-of-way or public easements, unless specifically allowed by ordinance or placed by the City for public purposes. Signs placed in the right-of-way may be removed by the City with or without notice.

👉 What does “right-of-way” mean?
It generally includes the area between the street and private property lines — often where sidewalks, utility poles, and street signs are located.

Why this matters:
• Signs can block visibility for drivers and pedestrians
• They can interfere with utilities and maintenance
• They create safety hazards during mowing, snow removal, and public works operations

Best practice:
Place signs on private property with the owner’s permission and outside of the street right-of-way.

Thank you for helping keep Ludington safe, tidy, and easy to navigate for everyone! If you have questions about sign placement, please contact the City’s Code Enforcement Office.

04/11/2026

Sign, Sign… Everywhere a Sign? Not in the Right-of-Way!

We love seeing the community share events, sales, and announcements — but a quick reminder from the City of Ludington: signs are not permitted in the public right-of-way.

The City of Ludington Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), Article 9 – Signage, states that signs are prohibited from being located in or overhanging public rights-of-way or public easements, unless specifically allowed by ordinance or placed by the City for public purposes. Signs placed in the right-of-way may be removed by the City with or without notice.

👉 What does “right-of-way” mean?
It generally includes the area between the street and private property lines — often where sidewalks, utility poles, and street signs are located.

Why this matters:
• Signs can block visibility for drivers and pedestrians
• They can interfere with utilities and maintenance
• They create safety hazards during mowing, snow removal, and public works operations

Best practice:
Place signs on private property with the owner’s permission and outside of the street right-of-way.

Thank you for helping keep Ludington safe, tidy, and easy to navigate for everyone! If you have questions about sign placement, please contact the City’s Code Enforcement Office.

04/01/2026

Two weeks ago Senate Bill 834 of 2026 was introduced to amend the Highway Advertising Act to increase right-of-way access to sites for billboard companies. Amendments to the Highway Advertising Act are particularly sensitive to us as it is a core part of Scenic Michigan's mission to combat billboard blight.

Scenic Michigan has voiced our opposition to this bill to the Senate Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It is our review of the bill that this proposal would access sites along the right-of-way that would otherwise be considered inaccessible or undevelopable for billboards. It would cause unnecessary interference with vehicular traffic and endanger travelers, as well as construction and maintenance personnel. The inaccessible areas often are the most picturesque. And the impact of such would increase the potential for greater billboard proliferation along our beautiful roadways, thereby diminishing Michigan’s scenic beauty.

Please reach out to us at [email protected] if you are interested in learning more about this bill and the impact it may have on Michigan's highways.

The Michigan Legislature Website is a free service of the Legislative Service Bureau in cooperation with the Michigan Legislative Council, the Michigan House of Representatives, the Michigan Senate, and the Library of Michigan. This site is intended to provide accurate and timely legislative informa...