Alpena – A Sanctuary of Dark Skies

Posted on April 17th, 2023

If we had to pick something off the Alpena bucket list that you should never miss, it would be our dark sky experience! In February 2016, three state parks in the Alpena area received dark sky designation. These sanctuaries are far away from the harsh effects of excessive artificial light pollution…

Road to Chippewa Hills Pathway by Steve Jakubcin

15 Things We Are Thankful For in Alpena, Sanctuary of the Great Lakes

Posted on November 23rd, 2022

With Thanksgiving approaching on Thursday, this is the perfect time to reflect on our lives over the past year and be grateful for what we have, what obstacles we have overcome, and for what the future may bring us. This Thanksgiving we wanted to share everything we are grateful for that Alpena has to…

10 Must See Lake Huron Beaches in the Alpena Area

Posted on August 19th, 2022

Picture this: the “Big Lake” breeze dancing through your hair while blue waves lap at the golden sand under your feet. The air is warm and unsalted. Alpena is welcoming you! The coastal beaches of Alpena and surrounding areas are little gems. Gems tucked away in this Northeastern corn…

Find Fall Color in Alpena’s Top Walks in Nature

Posted on September 27th, 2019

Overcast skies, colorful forest beds, stunning lakeside views, and rich pieces of history are just the beginning of what you’ll discover when you explore the Alpena Area. We have approximately 2 more weeks until our fall color is in full swing! Walks by the Water Besser Natural Area: Stretc…

Autumn Mornings on Blair Street Pier. Photo by Justin Christensen Cooper.

Through the Lens: A 2018 Instagram Recap of Alpena, Sanctuary of the Great Lakes

Posted on January 4th, 2019

Do you follow @sanctuary_of_the_great_lakes on Instagram? If not, don’t miss out on another year of Alpena’s best photo-ops! Here is a recap of our fan favorites for the year of 2018: Nothing stopped us from going to the beach…not even the month of January. In February we advent…

Aerial view of Lady Michigan on Lake Huron.

Through the Lens: Instagram Fans Recap Summer in Alpena

Posted on September 19th, 2018

On Saturday summer will be officially over. We will start to tune into the earthy smells of autumn, the wind, the colors, and the breeze. But, wait! Before we get into “pumpkin spice everything” with our obligatory flannel shirts, let us reminisce on the beautiful warm days of summer Alpena was bless…

Exploring sinkholes. Photo by Josh Stephan.

8 Inspiring Ways to Go Camping in Alpena: Sanctuary of the Great Lakes

Posted on August 2nd, 2018

Camping, Glamping, Survivalist, Tenting. What kind of camper are you? From the interior of a dense forest to fresh breezes off Lake Huron, camping provides an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of our region and reconnect with friends, family, or even just the solitude of our own daydre…

10 Best Practices for Paddling the Sanctuary of the Great Lakes

Posted on June 28th, 2018

Paddling is fun for everyone! Canoe, kayak, stand up paddleboard…are you using the right vessel for Alpena’s unique blue spaces? We want to make sure you enjoy your adventures safely. With the great variety of activities in the Alpena area, there is plenty to keep you busy. When paddli…

Yoga pose at Bay View Park. Photo courtesy: Abby Avallon

Outdoor Yoga Vibes in the Sanctuary of the Great Lakes

Posted on June 21st, 2018

You don’t have to be a certified Yogi to find inner peace and relaxation. On this International Yoga Day, all you need is a blanket, 20-minutes, and Alpena, MI. We’ve become a society of chest breathers. Forever fighting the clock. Packing a calendar date to the brim with meetings, work…

Find Your Explorer’s Spirit at Rockport

Posted on September 28th, 2017

Just north of the city proper is a terrestrial landscape that wakens the explorer’s spirit. Indeed, the traveler, regardless of his interests and no matter his origin, will find an amazing adventure filled with beauty. Majestic and mysterious, Rockport State Recreation Area holds all the …