A Fresh Take on Life Lived Well

Miles away from the weight of the world, Alpena, Michigan offers a fresh take on life lived in harmony with nature. A place where history and heritage meld with relaxed outdoor adventure, Alpena, is known as the Sanctuary of the Great Lakes for its pristine natural landscape and insulation from life’s hectic stressors. 

Boasting more than 100 miles of groomed trails, 300,000 acres of open water; 1,000 miles of shoreline; 7 lighthouses, including the tallest and oldest accessible lighthouses on the Great Lakes; more than 100 shipwrecks; and 43,000 acres of State forest land, the Alpena area offers endless opportunities for fishing, exploring, swimming, hiking, biking, snorkeling, and easing into the sounds of nature. Tour quaint neighborhoods, outdoor art installations; and, the vibrant downtown district – featuring galleries, boutiques. And farm-to-table restaurants, including authentic Polish cuisine, microbrew, hard cider, and locally-vinted wine. After lunch, kayak the 500-acre Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary and lazily float around the reeds viewing painted turtles, otters, swans and Great Blue Heron.

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The adventure continues after dark as Alpena is centrally located to 3 Dark Sky Preserves. Equally interesting by day, these parks come alive with the night stars and auroras. Thompson’s Harbor State Park includes sand dunes. And supports one of the world’s largest populations of the threatened Dwarf Lake Iris. Rockport State Recreation Area features a ghost village, rugged trails, 12 sinkholes, and a 300-acre abandoned limestone quarry. Where visitors can collect up to 25 pounds of fossils from the Devonian Period. Negwegon State Park is mysterious, remote and pristine, with 2-miles of sandy shoreline. 

Alpena

Time in Alpena reminds you about what matters most – making memories with people you care about. You are invited to escape stress and relax, restore, and rejuvenate in Alpena, Michigan; your Sanctuary of the Great Lakes.

Begin your adventure at VisitAlpena.com