Alpena – A Sanctuary of Dark Skies

2025-11-05T16:12:41+00:00April 17, 2023|Activities, Inspiring Alpena, Local News, Outdoor Activities|

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, which negatively impacts ecosystems […]

Michigan Maple Syrup: the Inside Scoop on a Backyard Production

2025-11-05T16:17:35+00:00April 5, 2023|Activities, Food & Drink, Inspiring Alpena, Local News, Outdoor Activities|

Michigan is blessed with an abundance of maple trees, and maple syrup is the first farm crop to be harvested in Michigan each year. The process of making maple syrup didn’t begin with pancakes, though. North American Indians used it both as food and as medicine. Early American settlers observed the process from the Native […]

Where to Chase the Northern Lights in Alpena, MI

2025-11-05T17:09:24+00:00March 24, 2023|Activities, Local News, Outdoor Activities|

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 […]

Dinosaur Gardens: America’s Last Great Roadside Attraction

2025-11-05T18:44:29+00:00September 1, 2022|Family & Kids Activities, Local News, Outdoor Activities|

Dinosaur Gardens: Over 80 Years as One of America’s Favorite Roadside Attractions What is considered one of America’s last great roadside attractions, Dinosaur Gardens offers a prehistoric walk through time. A T-Rex stomps through the pine trees, a family attempts to secure a wooly mammoth for dinner, and you can almost feel the breath of […]

Angler’s Paradise on Fletcher Pond

2025-11-05T19:11:52+00:00February 2, 2022|Activities, Lodging, Outdoor Activities|

Looking for a nice spot to ice fish this month? Fletcher Pond in Hillman is a premier fishing destination for pike, bass, and pan fish here in our corner of Northeast Michigan.  The 4-county Northeast Michigan area is home to more than 100 accessible bodies of water, offering 300,000 acres of open water, with Fletcher […]

Alpena Shades of Autumn: Where to Find Nature’s Color Palette

2025-11-05T19:36:23+00:00October 19, 2021|Activities, Festivals & Events, Inspiring Alpena, Local News, Outdoor Activities|

Grab your cameras and check out this list of some of the best places to see the shades of autumn in Alpena, hand-picked by our Facebook fans. Alpena Take a drive down Washington Ave. and as you look into Holy Cross and Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, the colors of the trees above are brilliant shades of red, orange, […]

Through These Gates: The Evergreen Cemetery Walking Tour

2025-11-05T19:45:27+00:00October 7, 2021|Activities, Local News, Outdoor Activities|

Have you tried the Evergreen Cemetery Walking Tour yet? Here’s a first-hand experience, as told by Alpena local and CVB staff member, JoEllen DesRocher.  This walking tour, created by the Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library and available through the izi.travel app, begins and ends near the cemetery chapel and will be an ideal […]

A Complete Guide to Alpena Area Michigan State Parks

2025-11-05T19:50:27+00:00May 27, 2021|Activities, Local News, Outdoor Activities|

No trip to Alpena is complete until you’ve checked off all three of our Michigan state parks! While all 3 state parks are designated dark sky preserves, each one offers its own unique experiences for hiking, biking, stargazing, and swimming in Lake Huron. In no particular order: Rockport State Recreation Area  Rockport State Recreation Area, […]

Historic Presque Isle Lighthouses Reach Milestone Anniversaries

2025-11-06T16:49:05+00:00September 16, 2020|Local News, Outdoor Activities|

The Old and New Presque Isle Lighthouses, located in Presque Isle Township (roughly 30 miles north of Alpena), have been guiding beacons for sailors traveling across the Great Lakes. This year, the Old Presque Isle Lighthouse turns 180 years old, while the New Presque Isle Lighthouse turned 150 years old. The 1905 house, located next […]

How to Make the Most Out of a Day Trip to Presque Isle County

2025-11-06T16:55:43+00:00July 14, 2020|Activities, Outdoor Activities|

Looking for a day trip idea? Take an adventure north of Alpena to Presque Isle County, where lakes and trails await you. Sometimes you need to get away from all the hustle and bustle of city life and escape to a place that is surrounded by nature. Rejuvenate by taking a stroll through the woods, […]

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