See the stars of the night sky like you’ve never seen them before!

As of February 16, 2016, Negwegon State Park, Rockport State Recreation Area, and Thompson’s Harbor State Park have been officially named Michigan Dark Sky Preserves. These parks are now protected from artificial light pollution and provide amazing night sky stargazing. With light pollution readings among the lowest in the Great Lakes region, Alpena is a prime location for viewing the cosmos. At night, the sky illuminates with the incredible glow of the Milkyway. Take your telescope, camera, or just your family and take in a light show the level of which only mother nature can provide. See the constellations of the northern hemisphere as you’ve never seen them before. If you’re lucky you may even be witness to a spectacular show of the Aurora Borealis. While stars are visible from the middle of the city, stargazing is best at one of Alpena’s nearby State Dark Sky Preserve parks including Rockport State Park Recreation Area, Thompson’s Harbor State Park, or Negwegon State Park. Rural isolation has its benefits. Being miles away from any major metropolitan area gives northeast Michigan a unique advantage for

The stars over Alpena as a campfire blazes

The stars over Alpena as a campfire blazes; photo courtesy of Paul Gerow.

those who enjoy the mysteries revealed in the night sky. Our lack of concentrated light pollution makes the cosmos appear crisp and clear. Even in the middle of the city, you can clearly see all the constellations of the northern hemisphere.

A State of Michigan Department of Natural Resources Recreation Passport is required to enter the parks. Just $12 when purchased with in-state license plate renewals at Secretary of State. Find out more HERE.

See the stars of the night sky like you’ve never seen them before!

As of February 16, 2016, Negwegon State Park, Rockport State Recreation Area, and Thompson’s Harbor State Park have been officially named Michigan Dark Sky Preserves. These parks are now protected from artificial light pollution and provide amazing night sky stargazing. With light pollution readings among the lowest in the Great Lakes region, Alpena is a prime location for viewing the cosmos. At night, the sky illuminates with the incredible glow of the Milkyway. Take your telescope, camera, or just your family and take in a light show the level of which only mother nature can provide. See the constellations of the northern hemisphere as you’ve never seen them before. If you’re lucky you may even be witness to a spectacular show of the Aurora Borealis. While stars are visible from the middle of the city, stargazing is best at one of Alpena’s nearby State Dark Sky Preserve parks including Rockport State Park Recreation Area, Thompson’s Harbor State Park, or Negwegon State Park. Rural isolation has its benefits. Being miles away from any major metropolitan area gives northeast Michigan a unique advantage for those who enjoy the mysteries revealed in the night sky. Our lack of concentrated light pollution makes the cosmos appear crisp and clear. Even in the middle of the city, you can clearly see all the constellations of the northern hemisphere.

A State of Michigan Department of Natural Resources Recreation Passport is required to enter the parks. Just $12 when purchased with in-state license plate renewals at Secretary of State. Find out more HERE.

The stars over Alpena as a campfire blazes

The stars over Alpena as a campfire blazes; photo courtesy of Paul Gerow.

Stargazer-Friendly Businesses

24 Hour Alpena Stores and Gas Stations

Admiral: (989) 358-9818, 906 W. Washington Ave., AND (989) 354-4833, 2520 US-23 S
Diamond’s Point Self Service Shell Station: (989) 354-2550, 2404 US-23 S
Chisholm St. Full Service Shell Station: (989) 356-2001, 1017 W. Chisholm St.
Corner Depot Shell Self Service Station: (989) 354-2512, 999 Long Rapids Rd.

Early Morning Restaurants

Cabin Creek Coffee: (989) 356-5613, 201 N. Second Ave., Hours: 6:30 am – 7:30 pm
Big Boy: (989) 354-4131, 400 S. Ripley Blvd., Hours: 6 am – 10 pm
J.J.’s Steak and Pizza House: (7 am-2 am Mon-Sat, 7 am-12 am Sun): (989) 356-1666, 411 N. Second Ave.

McDonald’s: (5 am -12 am): (989) 354-5522, 1115 W. Chisholm St.

Late Night Alpena Restaurants

Taco Bell: (7 am -12 am.): (989) 354-7991, 111 Paddington Ct.
J.J.’s Steak and Pizza House: (7 am -2 am Mon-Sat, 7 am-12 am Sun): (989) 356-1666, 411 N. Second Ave.

McDonald’s: (5 am -12 am): (989) 354-5522, 1115 W. Chisholm St.

Rockport State Park, Michigan’s 100th State Park, has over 4,237 acres of land located on the shores of Lake Huron, 11 miles North of Alpena. The property includes a deep-water protected harbor, an old limestone quarry of approximately 300 acres, a unique series of sinkholes, the Besser Natural Area, and a broad range of land types, vegetative cover, cultural resources and recreation opportunities. At the harbor, the DNR has a boat launch facility, and there is a small park with picnic areas. Print out this handy Rockport State Recreation Area Adventure Guide to start your exploration of Michigan’s 100th State Park.

GPS: 45.202386, -83.384044
Distance from Alpena: 11 miles north of Alpena via US-23 N. to Rockport Road. Follow Rockport Rd to the end.
On-site facilities: Vault toilet, picnic area.

Services nearest Rockport

Closest late-night/early-morning conveniences and distance from park. Call to confirm operation hours as they may change seasonally.

DINNER

The Sandbar & Grill: (7 miles): (989) 595-0009, 9027 Long Lake Road, Alpena, MI 49707
Woody’s Grand Lake: (16 miles): (989) 595-2560, 14313 E. Highway #638 US 23 N., Presque Isle, MI 49707
Hide Away Tavern: (4 miles): (989) 595-6787, 1085 US 23 N., Alpena, MI 49707

BREAKFAST

MI Stop: (9 miles): (989) 354-5318, 1141 US 23 N, Alpena, MI 49707, Hours 6 am-8 pm  (Kitchen)

GAS STATION/CONVENIENCE STORES

Opechee’s: (2 miles): (989) 595-6776, 9621 Hwy US 23 N, Alpena, MI 49707, Hours: 6:30 am – 10 pm, Sunday 8 am- 8 pm
MI Stop: (9 miles): (989) 354-5318, 1141 Hwy US 23 N, Alpena, MI 49707, Hours: 5 am – 10 pm M-F, 7 am-10 pm Sat.-Sun. (Service Station)

Located 26 miles north of Alpena on US 23 North, this natural area encompasses 5,000 acres of sand dunes, upland and marsh. In Michigan there are fewer than 50 remaining examples of “forested wet swale communities” of this quality. The area supports one of the largest known populations in the world of the federal and state-threatened dwarf lake iris, Michigan’s state wildflower. Thousands of iris shoots, and several other plant species of special concern grow in the area. Situated along seven and a half miles of Lake Huron shoreline, this undeveloped park provides a rustic retreat for hikers exploring the park’s six miles of trails. Park at the trail-head off of US-23.

GPS: 45.335465, -83.603988
Distance from Alpena: 26 miles North of Alpena on US-23 N.
On-site Facilities: Parking area. Vault toilet.

Services nearest Thompson’s Harbor

DINNER
McDonald’s: (15 miles): (989) 734-7131, 290 S. Bradley Hwy, Rogers City, MI 49779, Hours: 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Kelly’s Venture Inn: (11 miles): (989) 734-2865, 3090 US 23 S, Rogers City, MI 49779, Hours: 4-10 pm
BREAKFAST
McDonald’s: (15 miles): (989) 734-7131, 290 S. Bradley Hwy, Rogers City, MI 49779, Hours: 6 am -11 pm
Kortman’s Restaurant: (16 miles): (989) 734-3512, 481 N. Bradley Hwy, Rogers City, MI 49779, Hours: 6 am – 8 pm
Subway: (15 miles): (989) 734-4903, 285 S. Bradley Hwy, Rogers City, MI 49779, Hours: 6 am -9 pm
GAS STATIONS/CONVENIENCE STORES
Citgo: (15 Miles): (989) 734-7133, 153 S. 3rd Street, Rogers City, MI 49779, Hours: 6 am – 11 pm
Sunoco/Bayport food Store: (989) 734-4903, 285 S. Bradley Hwy, Rogers City, MI 49779, Hours: 5:30 am – 10 pm

Mysterious, remote and undeveloped, Negwegon State Park is a hidden treasure with 10 miles of hiking trails and one of the most beautiful beaches on Lake Huron. Negwegon is located on US-23, 20 miles South of Alpena. Drivers should be wary of the entry route to the park…part of it is a sandy two-track road. To get to the park, take Black River road off of US 23 to the east 1.5 miles, turn north on Sand Hill Rd. and go 2.5 miles, turn right or east at the Negwegon State Park sign and go 1.5 miles to the day use parking area.  No services, back country camping available.

GPS: 44.865832, -83.327580
Distance from Alpena: 20 miles South of Alpena on US-23 S. Take US-23 S to Wilds Rd. Turn East on Wilds Rd. Wilds Rd. turns into Sand Hill Rd. and then turns East onto Negwegon Park Rd.
On-site facilities: Vault toilet, artesian well.

Services closest to Negwegon

DINNER
The Mountain Inn: (5 miles): (989) 471-2066, 5495 US-23 S, Black River, MI 48742
Rosa’s Lookout Inn: (9 miles): (989) 471-2118, 6808 US-23 S, Spruce, MI, 48762
Subway: (8 miles): (989) 471-8000, 11596 US-23 S, Ossineke, MI 49766, Hours 7 am -9 pm (10 pm Thurs-Sat)
BREAKFAST
Connie’s Café: (8 miles): (989) 471-5415, 11585 US-23 S, Ossineke, MI 49766, Hours 7 am–2 pm (Fridays open until 8 pm)
GAS STATION/CONVENIENCE STORES
Chippewa Point Grocery: (8 miles): (989) 471-9159, 6575 US-23 S, Spruce, MI 48762 , Hours: 8 am- 9 pm
BP Ossineke: (8 miles): (989) 471-2676, 11596 US-23 S, Ossineke, MI 49766, Hours: 7 am -10 pm
Francis Service Station: (8 miles): (989) 471-2356, 11923 US-23 S., Ossineke, MI 49766, Hours: 6 am -9 pm, Sunday 8 am- 9 pm

BREAKFAST
The Flour Garden: (25 miles): (989) 724-7473, 105 S. State Street, Harrisville, MI 49740, Hours: 7:30 am- 3 pm
GAS
Harrisville Shell Station (25 miles): (989) 724-6159, 217 S. State St., Harrisville, MI 48740, Hours: 5 am -12 am