Alpena
27°
Snow Shower
7:37 am7:45 pm EDT
Feels like: 19°F
Wind: 8mph SSW
Humidity: 80%
Pressure: 29.82"Hg
UV index: 0
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30/18°F
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Just south of Alpena is an inspiring area encompassing dense forests, waterways and “up north” adventure. Just a short drive from Alpena, Harrisville and northern Alcona County offer a respite from the stresses of everyday life.

Harrisville and Alcona County Adventures

Hubbard Lake

Hubbard Lake is a popular destination for summer angling as well as winter ice fishing. It is one

Fishing on Hubbard Lake

Bob Case reels in a bass on Hubbard Lake, courtesy Judith Case.

of Michigan’s largest inland lakes and is known for its incredible water clarity. The lake is part of a large tract of land that was ceded by the Ojibwa, Ottawa and Potawatomi to the United States in the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw. Permanent white settlers did not begin to arrive in the area until the 1830s. At that time, the lake was known as the “Bottomless Lake.” In 1867, it was named “Hubbard Lake” in honor of Dr. Bela Hubbard, who was a prominent geologist in the state of Michigan. The 8,850-acre lake has a maximum depth of 87 ft. and is popular for northern pike, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, yellow perch and walleye.

Sturgeon Point Lighthouse

In 1869, the Lighthouse Service began construction of the lighthouse in Sturgeon Point to mark Sturgeon Point, since it was hazardous to sailing vessels. A reef, full of hazardous rocks, extends passed the point. Sturgeon Point Lighthouse became operational in the spring of 1870. The keeper’s house is now a maritime museum, which is open to the public seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Old Bailey School House

Located near the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse, The Old Bailey School is one of the last remaining one-room log schoolhouses that still stands in Michigan. The school served the community of Harrisville until 1941. The building was restored in 1973 and 1998.

Negwegon State Park
Child plays on the beach at Negwegon State Park

Violet LaFleur explores the beach at Negwegon State Park.

Located about twenty miles south of Alpena, Negwegon State Park is a Dark Sky destination. You can transport yourself back in time and hike through the wilds of Michigan, just as rugged and pristine as when the first settlers arrived in Northern Michigan. Known for it’s pristine sandy beach, remote trails, and dark sky views, Negwegon is a favorite for outdoor adventurists. Back Country camping is available, reservations can be made via Harrisville State Park.

Harrisville Harbor

This is a “must stop” for picturesque views on the sunrise side of Lake Huron. Beautiful sunrises can be captured here anytime of the year at the Harrisville Harbor, which is also a harbor or refuge. In the summer, a variety of activities and the Harrisville Summer Concert Series can take place at the Harbor Pavilion.

Cedarbrook Trout Farm

Visiting the Cedarbrook Trout Farm in Harrisville will be fun for the whole family. This property is beautifully kept, with trout ponds, green grassy lawns, and stunning flower gardens. This is the perfect morning or afternoon activity, feeding the fish, and enjoying the gorgeous landscape of Cedarbrook Trout Farm.

Harrisville, Michigan

Harrisville is a quaint village on the shores of Lake Huron. Harrisville is on the edge of Huron National Forest, which offers outdoor recreational opportunities such as hunting, swimming, cross-country skiing and trout fishing. The forest contains 330 miles (530 km) of hiking trails. The annual Sunrise Side Wine and Food Festival is a popular event held each July.