The milky way galaxy at Rockport State Recreation Area. Photo by Pure Michigan

We Saved You A Seat for the Leonid Meteor Shower!

Posted on November 16th, 2023

We’ve saved you the best seat in the house to watch the Leonid meteor shower in Alpena! The Leonid meteor shower is expected to peak in the middle of the night of November 18th, so the best times to watch it will be between dusk and dawn on November 17th and 18th. This year there will be very little l…

Find Fall Color in Alpena’s Top Walks in Nature

Posted on October 16th, 2023

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 region. We are into peak fall color season here in NE Michigan and here is where you can enjoy some seasonal fall color in the reg…

Stargazing at Rockport State Recreation Area. Photo by Paul Gerow

Preparing for the Perseids: Alpena’s Dark Skies

Posted on August 10th, 2023

Astrotourism is a growing trend, and with three state dark sky parks nearby, the Alpena area is an ideal destination for enjoying the cosmos. Rockport State Recreation Area, Thompson’s Harbor State Park, and Negwegon State Park all have sufficiently low enough levels of light pollution to be desi…

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…

the northern lights dancing over Alpena MI

Where to Chase the Northern Lights in Alpena, MI

Posted on March 24th, 2023

It’s happening! The Aurora Borealis, a.k.a the Northern Lights, is predicted to make an appearance in the Alpena area and you are scrambling to pack up your gear and get to the best spot, save this for later! The best spots to view the Northern Lights will always be in areas will low levels of ligh…

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…

A Day Disconnected: Discovering Alpena Without Your Smartphone

Posted on March 2nd, 2020

You read the title right. We are suggesting the unimaginable…the unthinkable…the unfathomable act of leaving your phone at home! Or at least in your car. It’s time to discover Alpena, disconnected. Don’t get us wrong, we want you to share your photos and tell all your fri…

Coming Soon! Catch the Northern Lights Over Alpena

Posted on August 30th, 2019

This Labor Day weekend is forecast to bring the northern lights over Alpena! This special phenomenon is known as the Aurora Borealis and is more commonly referred to as the “northern lights”. Typically seen throughout Canada and Alaska, the Aurora Borealis will be able to be seen as fa…

Your Guide to the Super Blue Blood Moon/Lunar Eclipse in Alpena, MI

Posted on January 30th, 2018

You’ve heard the saying “once in a blue moon”, but have you ever heard the saying, “once in a super blue blood moon lunar eclipse”? Yeah, we haven’t either. But that is exactly what is happening tomorrow morning on January 31st! Before we get into details on wh…

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 …