10 Must See Lake Huron Beaches in the Alpena Area

Posted on June 24th, 2021

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 cor…

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 Ocqueoc Falls Besser Natur…

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. Alpena boat harbor. P…

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 b…

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? Negwegon State Park is a beautiful site for rustic style camping. Photo courtesy Josh Stephan From the interior of a dense forest to fresh breezes off Lake Huron, camping provides an opportunity to enjoy the natural beau…

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. Yoga on the beach by Charise McClendon We’ve become a society of chest breathers. Forever fighting the clock. Packing a calend…

16 Things We Are Thankful For in Our Sanctuary of the Great Lakes

Posted on November 22nd, 2017

Exploring your “blue space” adventure is only 5 minutes away in Alpena. Photo courtesy of Paul Gerow. With Thanksgiving approaching this Thursday it is important to remember that there is more to this annual holiday tradition other than stuffing our faces with turkey and cranberry s…

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 …

Alpena’s Most Shareable Photos

Posted on August 30th, 2017

Where else can you get a photo-op with the dinosaurs, swim with over 100-year-old shipwrecks, and capture the most breathtaking sunrises and sunsets?! Alpena is the place to be for capturing the best sharable photos. Covered Wooden Bridge & Water Tower Located at Duck Park (corner of Ch…