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…

Through the Lens: Our Instagram Fans Tell the Story of April 2018

Posted on May 4th, 2018

If you are not yet following @sanctuary_of_the_great_lakes on Instagram, you’re missing out! Check out these awesome photos taken by our IG fans during the month of April. They perfectly depict the timeline of events that Mother Nature bestowed upon us. It was a wild ride! We s…

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

Posted on March 7th, 2018

Check out this awesome snowman! Construction and photo courtesy of Katelyn Carr & Family. 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 hours of care-free fun with these MU…

Be Mine, Alpena: 5 Ideas to Make Your Valentine’s Day Special

Posted on February 13th, 2018

A winter adventure with a favorite companion makes for the perfect Valentine’s Day! Photo by Sandy Blumenthal For some of you, Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love and happiness while eating a romantic dinner and bestowing special gifts upon your significant other. For o…

The Beginners Guide to Loving Snow in Alpena, Sanctuary of the Great Lakes

Posted on February 8th, 2018

A Lake Huron winter-scape view by Stephanie Loewe Photography. If you google, “How many words do the Inuit have for snow?” the answer will come up as 50. Some sites may tell you even more. You will also find articles by modern linguists claiming this as a myth, citing examples of how we hav…

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

Posted on January 30th, 2018

A super blue blood red moon on the horizon. Photo by artist John E. Shepler 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 hap…

10 Ideas For Winter Adventure in Alpena

Posted on January 4th, 2018

Old man winter wraps Norway Ridge in a beautiful blanket of fluffy white! Winter photography by Laura Wolosiewicz The hustle and bustle of the holidays are now 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, …

Quick List of Celebrations & Adventures to Ring in the New Year in Alpena

Posted on December 29th, 2017

Happy New Year, Alpena! Preparations for celebrating the New Year are underway! Numerous Alpena establishments are rolling out their holiday best while ringing in the new year and new beginnings. Where will you be toasting? Check out this list of some of Alpena’s hot celebrations an…

Alpena’s Most Cherished Holiday Traditions

Posted on December 21st, 2017

We asked our Facebook Fans, what’s your favorite family holiday traditions? Whether it’s Christmas tree shopping for that perfect beautiful Blue Spruce or Douglas Fir, baking cookies in the kitchen all night, or singing Christmas carols around the neighborhood- just about everyb…

Santa is in Alpena!

Posted on December 7th, 2017

Santa has made his way to the Alpena Mall! Photo courtesy Kristin Neumann. A bellowing voice calls out, Ho-Ho-Ho Merrry Christmasss! His voice fills the cold winter air with warm greetings straight from the depths of his belly, encased in a bright red suit. He waves at oncoming traffic outside of his…