Location: Alpena
Top Things to do in Alpena
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What to do and see in Alpena, United States: The Best Places and Tips
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. Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5 based on 263 reviews
Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary encompasses 4,300 square miles of Lake Huron, protecting one of America's best-preserved and nationally-significant collections of shipwrecks. Lake Huron's unpredictable weather and rocky shoals helped Thunder Bay earn the unfortunate name of "Shipwreck Alley." During the Great Lakes' 200-year shipping history, scores of vessels ended their careers on the lake floor off Alpena, Michigan. Some of the wreck sites remain largely intact while other sites are only remnants. However, many wrecks remain undiscovered... These vessels, preserved in time within the fresh, cold waters of Lake Huron, still have stories to tell of Great Lakes maritime history and commerce, from the earliest explorations to westward expansion in the 1800s and modern day trade. Through exploration, education, and research, the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve bring to the American public the lore of Great Lakes maritime heritage.
Reviewed By jocelynd102 - Grosse Pointe, Michigan
Extremely nice museum covering the shipwrecks of the Great Lakes. Very well laid out and informative information. Three really good short films in the theater. The offer boat rides to sunken ships in good weather. A real gem of a museum
2. Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 93 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 Wendy O - Wallingford, Connecticut
What a nice surprise to walk into this building a find a really well-thought out museum with information about, and artifacts from, the many ships that traveled on Lake Huron. There were many recovered items, from a windlass and portals to the China service used in the dining rooms. A partial replica of a ship had examples of the living areas for the crew. A gift shop had souvenirs including toys, clothing, books, and jewelry.
I only had limited time to go through the museum and could have spent several hours looking at the displays and reading the attached descriptions. This is definitely worth visiting and give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the full experience. The fact that thee is no admission fee is just icing on the cake.
3. Island Park & Wildlife Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By Carly U
We planned this stop based on reviews and pics from TripAdvisor. It was part of our Alpena visit. We truly enjoyed our walk. It was beautiful. My husband and I were all alone. We stopped early in the morning and all you heard were the sounds of nature. We enjoyed the romantic setting and also enjoyed the many photo opportunities. Highly recommend.
4. Besser Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By Patrick S - Alpena, Michigan
A wonderful display of local history and art. The old time buildings outside are fun to visit duringthe fall and when they have old time classes in the schoolhouse or activities in the courtyard.
Iniside downstairs are good replicas of old businesses . The neatest display is the "Pendulum " that shows the actual movement of Earth as it always swings back and forth the same wasy but the plate on the gloor keeps spinning as our planet spins.
A picture in the front is of great merit. An Indian chief. That is significant to the naming of our River that runs thru the Town from 4 different branches.
Special presentations are always a magical time at the museum.
Have fun. Join in the art displays.
Expand your horizons.
5. Lakeside Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By winger999 - Michigan
Been there a few times. Usually the Maritime Festival is going on and it is packed with people, vendors, and rides. When the Festival is not there, it is a quiet place to watch the water or the boats. Nice access to the docks where you can watch the boats come into and out of the harbor. There is a small snack bar, but they are usually closed when we are around. We have seen a couple of concerts at the pavilion that were OK.
6. Alpena Bi-Path
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By vwp11 - Milan, Michigan
I haven't been on the entire Bi-Path, but the portion we use regularly works out great! We use it to bike into the downtown area during big events like the 4th of July, Maritime Festival, and Brown Trout Festival when parking near the event is at a premium.
We park at Duck Park/Island Park lot on the corner of US-23 and Long Rapids Road, get on our bikes, then pedal south just up to the US-23 bridge over the Thunder Bay River. If you cross the highway before the bridge, you'll find that the path continues to follow the river quite a ways. You'll find yourself passing Austin Bros Brewing then turning in the general direction of the NOAA/Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. From there it's an easy ride over the 2nd street bridge to the Harbor area where many events take place.
It's great to get a little exercise and not have to deal with all the four-wheel traffic! Can't wait to try more sections of the trail soon.
7. Rockport State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By Michael P - Brighton
Participated in a triathlon over the weekend. Had the opportunity to really explore many miles of trails. The views are great and really show such a diversity in one park. Very primitive and remote. The water is crystal clear. There are a bunch of things to do. Hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, exploring, fossil hunting...limited to no cell service so be prepared to be self sufficient. Limited infrastructure, but that's not a negative in my book. Would definitely recommend a trip here.
8. Starlite Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By MemberP - Michigan
This beach is beautiful, with great views of Lake Huron. We were pleased to find very few rocks on this beach, and some of the few we did find we were delighted to discover were fossils. There are 3 playscapes for kids to play on, plus a couple of swing sets and monkey bars - lots of space for families to spread out and enjoy. The restrooms were nice and clean and there is an outdoor shower to rinse off the sand after a fun afternoon at the beach. We would visit again when traveling to Alpena.
9. Alpena County Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By Sharon L - Bellaire, Michigan, USA
This library has a friendly staff that will do its best to meet your needs. Sip coffee while you browse. Their Friends group has an outstanding used book sale.
10. Stoney Acres Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Jeff H
Nice place but not so nice wine. Unless you like cheaper fruit wine. This place is 'not my glass of wine'. We bought one bottle to be nice but even though the wine tasting was fun there just wasn't the type of wine we enjoy.
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