The Alpena Area CVB is officially handing the reins over to the real spring arrivals, migratory birds, for the 2026 season.
Yes, you read that right. After careful consideration and a little ego-checking, we’ve concluded that anything we can do, a migratory bird can do better—faster, higher, and with significantly more flair. And we say that with our whole, puffed-up, feather-ruffled chests.
Meet your four new 2026 tour guides below:
“Lou” by John Shaheen
Meet Lou – Species: Loon
If Alpena had a mayor of the water, it would be Lou. Charming and confident, Lou doesn’t just guide tours, he commands them.
Personality:
Vocal. A little dramatic. Lou is known to punctuate his tours with his iconic, echoing calls across the lake. Part storytelling, part sound effects, all unforgettable.
Special Skills:
- Master Navigator: Knows every inlet, cove, and hidden gem along Alpena’s shoreline. Can dive deep (literally) into Alpena’s aquatic life and surface with exclusive “below-the-surface” insights.
- Sunrise & Sunset Curator: Has impeccable timing and will only schedule your tour around the most breathtaking golden-hour moments. He insists on it.
- Local Historian (Self-Proclaimed): Confidently shares tales of shipwrecks, storms, and “that one fish he almost caught in ‘09.” Accuracy may vary, but enthusiasm never does.
Tour Philosophy:
“Why walk when you can glide?” Lou prefers a fluid, go-with-the-flow experience. Expect spontaneous detours, scenic pauses, and the occasional reflective moment.
Fun Fact:
Lou refuses to use maps. “I am the map,” he’s been quoted saying.
“Chester” by John Shaheen
Meet Chester – Species: Chestnut-sided Warbler
Don’t let the size fool you, Chester may be small, but he runs a tight tour. Perched, polished, and always alert, he’s Alpena’s most efficient (and fashion-forward) guide, delivering big experiences in delightfully tiny packages.
Personality:
Quick-witted, energetic, and just a touch intense. Chester runs his tours with precision timing and zero nonsense… unless it’s funny, in which case he’ll absolutely lean into it.
Special Skills:
- Lightning-Fast Itineraries: Chester can fit 12 must-see stops into a 30-minute tour without breaking a sweat (because he can’t). Efficiency is his love language.
- Hidden Gem Specialist: If it’s tucked away, overlooked, or off the beaten path, Chester already knows about it and probably has a shortcut.
- Bug & Bite Connoisseur: Whether it’s local eats or actual eats (bugs included), Chester has strong opinions and isn’t afraid to share them.
Tour Philosophy:
“Early bird gets the worm.” Chester is a firm believer that the best of Alpena happens before most people hit snooze. Expect sunrise meet-ups and first tracks to hidden spots. Sleep in? Chester’s already halfway through the tour without you.
Fun Fact:
Chester insists he personally scouts every location daily. No one has confirmed this, but given his energy level it’s suspiciously believable.
“Karen & Karl” by Paul Gerow
Meet Karen & Karl – Species: Canadian Geese
If you like your tours organized, efficient, and just a little intimidating, Karen and Karl are your guides. This Alpena power couple leads every tour with chaotic backup.
Personality:
Karen is the assertive project manager-type, where Karl is the more quiet and intense operations lead. Together? Unstoppable. They run a tight formation and expect you to keep up (preferably in a straight line with no side quests).
Special Skills:
- Crowd Control Experts: Karen and Karl are exceptional at managing space. Wander too close and you’ll receive a polite and firm reminder to respect the itinerary and their personal bubble.
- Family-Friendly (Mandatory): Their goslings join every tour, demonstrating proper formation walking, snack breaks, and the importance of staying on schedule.
- Lawn-to-Lake Logistics: Seamlessly guiding you from green spaces to waterfront views, with zero hesitation and absolute authority. A deep knowledge of local parks and waterfronts.
Tour Philosophy:
“We lead. You follow. It’s for your own good.” Karen and Karl believe the best experiences happen when everyone sticks together… very closely… in a slightly hurried line.
Fun Fact:
Karen insists every tour includes a “boundary-setting exercise.” Participants report that it’s unforgettable.
We hope you’ve enjoyed meeting the new team!
And if a few of these “new hires” seemed a little too good to be true… well, let’s just say Alpena’s sense of humor is just as strong as its history. Happy April 1st!
420 N. 2nd Ave. Alpena, MI 49707
989-340-2288 