Around Michigan & State Government

Michigan's scenic turnouts need some love

Michigan Public | By Stateside Staff

Published September 28, 2015 at 5:13 PM EDT

This old postcard depicts an old scenic turnout on M-22 viewing Lake Michigan looking south between Frankfort, Elberta and Arcadia.

Our interview with Detroit Free Press travel writer Ellen Creager.

The state of Michigan spends $30 million a year on its Pure Michigan campaign.

Those powerful ads have attracted millions of visitors from other states and other countries.

But, what happens when those visitors start driving around and want a great spot to stop and enjoy the beautiful scenery? Instead of, say, Lake Michigan, they'll behold some scrubby weeds and overgrown trees.

What's up with Michigan's scenic turnouts and roadside parks?

Detroit Free Press travel writer Ellen Creager wrote about this recently and joined us to talk about the current state of our scenic turnouts.