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…

Dinosaur Gardens: America’s Last Great Roadside Attraction

Posted on September 1st, 2022

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 d…

10 Must See Lake Huron Beaches in the Alpena Area

Posted on August 19th, 2022

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 corn…

Griffin James and Bigfoot stand outside of Cedar & Threads

Sasquatch Spotted at Local Retailer Cedar & Threads!

Posted on April 1st, 2022

It’s been 9 long years since Sasquatch was last spotted in Downtown Alpena! It was during the Major League Fishing event sponsored by Jack Links and now it appears HE IS BACK! Word travels fast and the cryptid heard all about this local “hot spot” for bigfoot goods and apparel and h…

The Beginners Guide to a NEST Trail Snowmobile Adventure

Posted on March 4th, 2022

Snowmobiling the North Eastern State Trail
As we begin the start of a new year, mother nature has brought us a fresh dusting of powder in which to enjoy the outdoors of northeast Michigan. With the ground now covered, it’s time to pull out the sleds and get a first-hand look at the backcountry. One popul…

Let it Snow! 5 Fun Things to Do After a Snowstorm in Alpena

Posted on February 25th, 2022

There are so many things to do after an Alpena snowstorm, like shovel…plow…snow blow…you know, the adult stuff. Set that aside for a couple of hours of care-free fun with these MUCH better ideas, from us to you!

Do you wanna build a snowman? Yes, yes you do! Stick with the traditio

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

Posted on October 19th, 2021

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 re…

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…

All the blooms! The oak and

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Winter Forest Bathing. Photo by Paul Gerow.

10 Ideas For Winter Adventure in Alpena

Posted on January 31st, 2020

The hustle and bustle of the holidays are long over. This is the time when the full effects of a true northern Michigan winter start to wash over us, bringing feelings of cabin fever, seasonal depression, and anxiousness for spring. Try out these ideas to kick those feelings to the curb and make your…