Four people from Illinois who visited Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan's Upper Peninsula over the summer have been fined and banned after authorities say they engaged in "acts of vandalism".

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Rangers Catch Visitors in the Act of Vandalising Pictured Rocks

In a release, U.S. Attorney for the Western District Timothy VerHey stated that the individuals were caught red-handed by park rangers carving letters into the cliff faces at Pictured Rocks and collecting rocks that they intended to take home back to Illinois with them.

READ MORE: Top Locations to Search for Unique Michigan Rocks and Fossils

The rangers first approached the individuals when they noticed their boats tied up along the cliffs.

Damage to One of Michigan’s Most Iconic Landmarks

U.S. Attorney VerHey said,

Pictured Rocks is one of Michigan’s iconic natural wonders. There is no other place like it, and we will not get another one.  Everyone is welcome to see and enjoy this beautiful place, but no one is allowed to inflict damage on it.

He went on to say that the individuals in this case were fined $500 a piece and have been banned from the park for one year. One of the individuals was also fined an additional $250 for taking rocks.

Their sentences could have been much worse, according to U.S. Attorney VerHey. The maximum sentence for their crimes is six months in jail.

Breathtaking Michigan Sunsets That Will Leave You in Awe

There’s something magical about the way Michigan skies say goodnight. From the shores of Lake Michigan to quiet inland lakes and city skylines, every sunset feels like a painting that can’t quite be replicated. With wide horizons and ever-changing colors, the state delivers some of the most dazzling evening views in the Midwest.

Check out stunning images from Unsplash photographers who’ve captured these unforgettable moments across the state. Scroll through and let yourself be transported to Michigan’s most serene and breathtaking sunsets.

I'm a sucker for sunsets as well, so I've snuck in some of my own snaps too. Enjoy!

Gallery Credit: Janna

Every Spot Josh and Jase Visited During Their Michigan Tour

Michigan has been Josh and Jase-crazy ever since the British duo, known for visiting states across America and reacting to each state's culture, showed up here. Here is every city and business they've gone to while on their trip around the Mitten State.

Footage comes from their TikTok account and Facebook page.

Gallery Credit: Tommy McNeill

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