4th of July Events for the Alpena Area

Posted on July 2nd, 2020

While the continuing pandemic of Covid-19 has canceled the majority of the Alpena area 4th of July events, there are still a few that are scheduled to happen as planned.

Friday, July 3rd – Fireworks over Long Lake at dusk
Saturday, July 4th – Alpena’s fireworks over Lake Huron a

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Rockport State Recreation Area sinkhole by Joe Gall Photography

8 Reasons to Put Alpena, MI on Your Summer Bucket List

Posted on June 18th, 2020

There are way more than 8 reasons why you should put Alpena, Michigan on your summer bucket list! For the sake of saving precious time, we’ve narrowed it down to 8 adventures that you absolutely MUST see and do during your Alpena vacation. Save this list to your summer bucket list this season or s…

Find Your Soul Park in Alpena, Sanctuary of the Great Lakes

Posted on June 11th, 2020

Much like finding your “soul workout” or your “spirit animal”, finding your “soul park” is finding that space in nature that speaks to your mind, body, and spirit. It makes you feel grounded, yet free like a bird. It provides you mental clarity while also pro…

Your Summertime Guide to Outdoor Dining in Alpena!

Posted on June 4th, 2020

Summertime….and the living is easy in your Sanctuary of the Great Lakes! Throwback to when Sasquatch himself enjoyed outdoor dining in Alpena for the filming of Major League Fishing. Nothing like relaxing on the patio with some good eats and a cold beverage! Want to skip the effort and mess of…

Looking to the Past to Bring a Brighter Future

Posted on May 20th, 2020

Reflecting back on the past can sometimes help us understand our present and future. We are all encountering different, yet similar struggles during this stressful time. With the COVID-19 crisis we are experiencing now, it has encouraged families to take a step back and consider new ways of living…

Little Red Lighthouse. Photo by Judy Hart.

Our Backstory: A Historic Look at the Port City of Alpena

Posted on May 7th, 2020

The historic port city of Alpena is nestled between a vast emerald forest and a clear blue bay. Founded in 1871, Alpena began as an early commercial fishing port and soon grew to be one of the nation’s most profitable lumber harvesting locations. Lumber camps dotted the region and logs were f…

Let’s Make Everyday Earth Day!

Posted on April 22nd, 2020

This year marks the 50th celebration of Earth Day. The first Earth Day came about on April 22, 1970. It created greater public awareness for our planet’s environmental protection. Many people were unaware as to how our human lifestyles were negatively impacting the planet. Earth Day became a sym…

16 Spots Worth A Solo Adventure in Northeast Michigan

Posted on April 16th, 2020

Discover new territory; from rolling fields of farmland to sunrises and dark skies, tall virgin pines, crashing Lake Huron waves and historic relics from our lumbering days, the Sanctuary of the Great Lakes region offers plenty of low-key, relaxed adventures. It is important during this time of p…

Alpena Shares a World of Hearts Around Town

Posted on April 9th, 2020

Families all around the world are putting up “a world of hearts” in their windows as a way to stay connected to one another and spread joy during the Covid-19 pandemic. Families and businesses all across Alpena are doing the same. We reached out on our Facebook page (Alpena: Sanctuary…

Alpena Backyard Nature Scavenger Hunt

Posted on April 2nd, 2020

Looking for a new adventure close to home? It’s the little things that matter the most during times like these. Take the kids out and explore your own backyard with this fun nature scavenger hunt! “We’re all in this together” Photo by Holly Sosa

Find 3 different kinds of lea

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