Sanctuary of the great lakes

Complete Summer Guide to Waterfront Dining in Alpena

A stunning view of Hubbard Lake awaits you at Churchill Pointe Inn

Relaxing lakeside is a way of life here in Alpena, Sanctuary of the Great Lakes. As soon as summer shines upon us, we live, breathe, and hashtag

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Creative Summer Activities Kids Will LOVE in Alpena!

School’s out for summer! Well, almost, and we are here to save your sanity from the “I’m bored” mantras and casual fridge raids!

Whether your family is local or just visiting, there are plenty of entertaining activities for children in … Read the rest

Get Some Spring in Your Step: Alpena’s Top Walks in Nature

Blue skies, lush green forests, stunning lakeside views, and pieces of our rich history are just the beginning of what you’ll discover when you explore the Alpena Area.

Walks by the Water

Ocqueoc Falls

Besser Natural Area: Stretching over 134 … Read the rest

Alpena Art Walks Begins for the Summer Season

Alpena, “Art Capital of Northeast Michigan”, brings more color to summer’s palette!

Alpena Art Walks brand new logo! Created by Dolmen Imaging & Design LLC

For the second year in a row, Alpena Art Walks is pleased to bring you … Read the rest

Where Are They Now? Catching Up With Opera Singer, Elise Eden

Every now and again we like to catch up with Alpena natives who are out there in the world. People making a name for themselves and making a difference.

Opera singer and Alpena native, Elise Eden

Meet Alpena native and … Read the rest

Top 10 Ways to Celebrate National Bike Month in Our Sanctuary of the Great Lakes

May is National Bike Month, sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists. Communities all around the country, from the east coast to the west coast, participate every May. Here is how you can too, right here in Alpena!

Whether you … Read the rest

Through the Lens: Our Instagram Fans Tell the Story of April 2018

If you are not yet following @sanctuary_of_the_great_lakes on Instagram, you’re missing out! Check out these awesome photos taken by our IG fans during the month of April. They perfectly depict the timeline of events that Mother Nature bestowed upon us.

… Read the rest

People from the Past: Sarah Carter, Alpena’s First Female Pioneer

Daniel & Sarah Carte

Mrs. Sarah Carter was a remarkable woman. As Alpena’s first woman settler, she was a true pioneer. She and her family trekked far from civilization into the vast, remote wilderness of northeast Michigan. Daniel and … Read the rest

Alpena’s Official Visitor Welcome Center Opening!

The view of the new official Visitor Welcome Center and Tourism Office as you are driving North on Second Ave.

The Alpena Area Convention & Visitors Bureau has moved to its new location in Old Downtown Alpena and invites you … Read the rest

A Day Disconnected: Discovering Alpena Without Your Smartphone

You read the title right. We are (GASP!) suggesting the unimaginable…the unthinkable…the unfathomable act of leaving your phone at home! Or at least in your car.

Choose your Alpena adventure!

Don’t get us wrong, we want you to share your … Read the rest