Aerial view of Rockport by Brandon Patterson

A Complete Guide to Alpena Area Michigan State Parks

Posted on May 27th, 2021

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 Sta…

5 Ways to Tell Spring Has Sprung in the Sanctuary of the Great Lakes

Posted on March 26th, 2021

Spring may have been “official” on March 20th, but a well-seasoned Michigander knows that spring is not really here until mother nature tells us so! Here are 5 ways for you to remember how to tell when spring is “official” here in Alpena… 3 pretty Robin eggs; pho…

Dinosaur Gardens: America’s Last Great Roadside Attraction

Posted on August 27th, 2020

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…

Find Your Soul Park in Alpena, Sanctuary of the Great Lakes

Posted on June 11th, 2020

Much like finding your “soul workout” or your “spirit animal”, finding your “soul park” is finding that space in nature that speaks to your mind, body, and spirit. It makes you feel grounded, yet free like a bird. It provides you mental clarity while also pro…

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…

A Day in the Life of Leo: Alpena’s Adventure Cat

Posted on July 12th, 2019

Cat lovers rejoice, as hitting the trails has never been more exciting! Thanks to sites like adventurecats.org, and Instagram feline stars Bolt and Keel, a new trend is emerging and active young adults are bringing out their feline companions in cat-packs and harnesses to join them in outdoor adve…

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

Posted on October 10th, 2018

The fall colors have not peaked yet in the Alpena area, but it is only a short time until this beautiful display of fall foliage occurs! When it does, grab your cameras and check out this list of some of the best places to see the shades of autumn, hand-picked by our Facebook fans. Alpena– Take a d…

A Dog’s Day at Thomas Stafford Dog Park

Posted on September 13th, 2018

Eat. Play. Sleep. Play. Eat some more. More play. Sleep again. Repeat. The life of dog is simple and sweet. They shower us with love and affection and only ask that we do the same. Thomas Stafford Dog Park For two years local residents, Abby O’Bryan and Alisha Manning, have spent countless hou…

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…

Melissa and Andy Lappan's wedding photo in front of the State Theater.

9 Iconic Wedding Photo Backdrops in Alpena’s Great Outdoors

Posted on July 26th, 2018

It’s wedding season! Are you getting married in Alpena? Whether you are getting hitched this year or the next, it’s time to start thinking about those jaw-dropping photo backdrops that showcase the beauty of your big day. Marrying your best friend will be one of the best days of your life. Show it…