When it comes to seeing and photographing the northern lights, the Great Lakes region is one of the best destinations in the lower 48. Photographer Shawn Malone has won awards for her night sky photography. She and Adler Planetarium’s Nick Lake explains what to look for and what to avoid when viewing and photographing the skies.

From a station on Belle Isle, U.S. Coast Guard boats patrol the Detroit River from Lake St. Clair to Lake Erie. Offer work in partnership with Canadian authorities since this is an international waterway. Go along and see how they ensure boating safety and hear about search-and-rescue and border protection efforts.

As the Indiana Dunes area transitions from National Lakeshore to National Park, more visitors are enjoying its beaches and trails. Environmental threats may be increasing too.