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…

Preparing for the Perseids: Alpena’s Dark Skies

Posted on August 12th, 2022

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…

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…

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…

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 …

Experience Alpena, Michigan: Satisfying Millennial Wanderlust

Posted on September 7th, 2017

Millennial (mil-len-nial)- noun

a person reaching young adulthood in the early 21st century (if you were born between 1982-2004)

Wanderlust (wan-der-lust)- noun

a strong desire to travel

We read about it every day. What Millennials are doing, what they are not doing,…