Location: Alpena
Top Things to do in Alpena
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What to do and see in Alpena, Michigan (MI): The Best Museums
Alpena /ælˈpiːnə/ is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan and the county seat of Alpena County. It is considered to be part of northern Michigan. The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary is located in the city. The population was 10,483 at the 2010 census. The population swells with a large number of visitors in the summer.
Restaurants in Alpena
1. Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 128 reviews
The Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center is a visitor center for the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, featuring exciting exhibits for all ages. The exhibit, "Exploring the Shipwreck Century", includes a full-size replica of a wooden Great Lakes schooner and a shipwreck where visitors can walk the decks, feel a Great Lakes storm, and touch the massive timbers of the boat resting on the lake bottom -without getting wet!
Reviewed By AlpenaBill - Alpena, United States
Great place to visit with or without children. Lots of information about Great Lakes history. Very interesting and we will visit often.
2. Besser Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan is an educational institution dedicated to providing the public with enriching cultural experiences in art, history and science. The Museum’s eight-acre campus offers a modern 42,000 square foot facility containing a collection of over 47,000 artifacts. The Museum houses a full dome planetarium and a two-story Foucault pendulum. Besser Museum also offers the unique opportunity to dig and keep all the Devonian period fossils you find in our outdoor Lafarge Fossil Park exhibit. Besser Museum art exhibits rotate through an extensive collection of fine art with works from local, regional, national, and world renowned artists such as Dali, Cezanne, Renoir, Picasso, Warhol, Rivera, Chihuly, Clewell and more!
Reviewed By D4694WYsarahp
We visited while on a drive through Alpena. We weren’t expecting much. A $5 per person hodge-podge of art, history, and a planetarium? Strange. I was so wrong. This place is a gem. Husband and I had a blast here. It is exactly a blend of history, art, and science. We did the planetarium show (an extra $5 per person). This is a must-do. The astronomer in residence is knowledgeable, funny, and candid. We watched the “Michigan Skies” show and learned a tiny bit of what we see every night in our home state. It was fascinating. We spent three hours there!
3. Art In the Loft At Gallery 109
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By biz_travlr007
Ok, it's not really hidden because it's the largest building downtown, but make time to stop in and browse! This is a wonderful shop with local artists and historic charm.
4. Thunder Bay Arts Council & Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
5. Studio Rubedo
Studio Rubedo houses Sun & Moon Galleries featuring local, regional, and national art exhibitions from emerging and established artists of all disciplines. Additionally, Studio Rubedo offers a mindful café, educational workshops, meditation instruction, poetry readings, music performances, and serves as a general gathering space for anyone interested in creative and spiritual exploration.
