When the weather warms up, Alpena transforms into a summer paradise. Revel in fat-tire biking, hiking, and exploring the 13,000 stunning acres of Michigan’s Sunrise Coast. Lake Huron offers excellent fishing opportunities for Brown Trout, Chinook, salmon, and walleye. Grab your gear and get ready for a memorable day on the water.
Please note that Alpena is not just a summer destination. It offers the best of both worlds, with great outdoor winter fun, as well. However, the warmer-month options aren’t as appealing to this Southerner.
Want to know my perfect Michigan road trip? Here you go!
Savoring a Few of Alpena’s Culinary Delights
Alpena boasts an impressive array of delightful dining options. Here are some must-visit spots:
Austin Brothers Beer Co.
One of the best breweries around, Austin Brothers Beer Co. offers a menu loaded with goodies like Beer Cheese Fondue, Beef Brisket Sandwiches, and Korean Sloppy Joes with Kimchi. Pair your meal with a beer flight featuring top picks like Triply Berry Gose and Pineapple Smoothie IPA.
Cabin Creek Coffee
Sip a delicious cup of coffee or tea, paired with a slice of quiche or breakfast sandwich, at Cabin Creek Coffee. For lunch, indulge in a tasty salad, soup of the day, or sandwich, like the Up North Tom, with Turkey, gouda, spring mix, and a toasted pecan/cranberry/honey mustard sauce. Pretzel sandwiches are also an option.
This cozy shop has a wide selection of pastries, specialty coffees, and smoothies. I recommend the breakfast strata and a dirty iced chai. Cabin Creek Coffee has a phenomenal t-shirt selection and other cool merch.
They also boast a free conference room for your next meeting or get-together.
JJ’s Steak & Pizza House
JJ’s Steak & Pizza House is a local fave in downtown Alpena. Besides the obvious, I was shocked to see their great breakfast options. The breakfast pizza was 10/10, with scrambled eggs, diced ham, sausage, cheeses, and gravy. It’s big enough to share.
Red Brick Tap & Barrel
For dinner and fun, head to Red Brick Tap & Barrel. This lively downtown hotspot offers indoor and outdoor dining. Try apps like fried pepper jack cheese or tikka tots, and go for hearty main dishes like lemon herb ravioli, steak Diane, or seafood mac & cheese.
Stargazing Splendor
Alpena is an excellent destination for stargazing due to minimal light pollution. Explore three Dark Sky Preserve Parks in the region, where you can observe constellations and glimpse the Aurora Borealis. Another notable spot for stargazing is the Rockport State Recreation Area.
Besser Museum: An Unexpected Gem
Be sure to include a stop by the Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan on your Alpena visit. This fascinating attraction showcases art, history, and science exhibits. It features the art of local Michigan artists as well as world-renowned artists like Cezanne, Renoir, Dali, Picasso, and Chihuly.
Kids will go crazy for the Lafarge Fossil Park, where they can dig for and keep the treasures they find. Also, enjoy the Planetarium show in the Sky Theater on Saturdays at 2 PM. The gift shop is worth visiting, too.
My favorite part of the Besser Museum is the stroll through 1890 Avenue of Shops, which includes blacksmiths, music, drugs, and general stores. The Natural Wildlife and Freshwater Fish exhibits are also exceptionally well done. My granddaughter would have loved learning about all the fish and animals in the collection, complete with educational facts on the storyboards.
You must see them to believe these meticulously artistically mounted specimens native to the region. I inquired about them and was surprised and proud to hear a female did them.
Admission is a mere $5 for adults and $3 for seniors and children.
Exploring Shipwreck Alley
Alpena is home to Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the only freshwater marine sanctuary in the country, housing approximately 200 historically significant shipwrecks. Discover these underwater treasures by snorkeling, diving, or riding on the Lady Michigan, a glass-bottom boat.
On this two-hour boat tour, you’ll view the underwater graveyard, including the Portland, American Union, and Harvey Bissell. The two-hour boat ride offers an incredible view of the sunken ships and costs just $39 for adults.
A Journey Through History at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center
Explore the visitor’s center at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, which offers hands-on exhibits and displays showcasing shipwrecks, maritime conservation, and life-size vessels. This museum is a must-visit for both education and entertainment.
Outdoor Adventures Abound
From fossil hunting and kayaking to photographing lighthouses and exploring shipwrecks, Alpena offers a variety of outdoor activities. Neighboring towns provide even more opportunities to enhance your visit.
Take advantage of the stunning waterfalls of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, including the ADA-accessible Ocqueoc Falls.
Discovering Alpena’s Lighthouses
I visited two of the seven lighthouses in the area. Old Presque Isle Lighthouse claims to be haunted and has gained recognition in books and TV shows. Its museum, once the lightkeeper’s dwelling, exhibits fascinating artifacts.
The tallest on the Great Lakes, New Presque Isle Lighthouse features three historic buildings, including a museum. The property also offers a playground, picnic pavilion, and nature trails. Climb 130 steps to the viewing platform for panoramic views of Lake Huron’s glittering shoreline.
Fun Fact: Michigan has 155 lighthouses, more than any other state.
Relax and Unwind at Thunder Bay Resort
Thunder Bay Resort offers cozy accommodations and an RV park for solo travelers, couples, and large groups. Enjoy a golf course, Rocky Mountain elk viewing, and carriage rides led by majestic draft horses. Indulge in a five-course meal prepared on 125-year-old wood cook stoves in the resort’s rustic cabin.
Nestled in Hillman, just 22 miles from Alpena, Thunder Bay Resort also offers Murder Mystery Weekends worth checking out.
Apple Fun at Knaebe’s Mmmunchy Krunchy Apple Farm
Knaebe’s Mmmunchy Krunchy Apple Farm offers a range of unique apple-related activities, including apple picking, cider, donuts, and the Mac’n’Squasher apple slingshot. Enjoy pastries and coffee in the rustic restaurant while the kids take a pony or wagon ride near the apple orchards.
Have you ever had a cider donut? I hadn’t either. My first was from this gem, and let me tell you, it was absolutely delicious.
Nostalgic Fun at Dinosaur Gardens
Don’t miss out on the seasonal and dog-friendly Dinosaur Gardens! This nostalgic roadside attraction features 27 life-size dinosaur statues, walking trails, Dole whips, a fossil dig, and a gift shop. Walking tours are reasonably priced, and there’s also a putt-putt golf course for some family fun.
It’s more than just fun and games at Dinosaur Gardens. While the larger-than-life Jesus statue may catch your eye, the garden is a treasure trove of entertaining dinosaurs, making it a perfect destination for families and curious tourists.
More Alpena Fun
- Enjoy Alpena’s amazing murals around town. My favorites on the Alpena Mural Trail include the Alpena Postcard Mural, Flowers Mural, and Make a Splash for Art.
- Discover unique finds at Parallel 45 Books And Gifts and Rusty Petunia’s Marketplace. These local shops offer a variety of charming gifts and souvenirs.
- Visit the Alpena Farmers’ Market every Saturday from 8 AM to 1 PM at Mich-e-ke-wis Park. Enjoy fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local delicacies.
- Pencil in time to be wowed at Art in the Loft, Michigan’s premier fine arts gallery.
Comfortable Stay at Holiday Inn & Suites
Enjoy waterfront views and explore Alpena’s downtown on foot from Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alpena – Downtown. With contemporary rooms, a heated indoor pool, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a delicious breakfast, this hotel offers convenience and comfort.
See You In Sanctuary of the Great Lakes
Alpena, Michigan, and its surrounding areas offer a wealth of experiences for travel enthusiasts. Whether you’re exploring shipwrecks, savoring local cuisine, or stargazing at a Dark Sky Preserve, Alpena promises an unforgettable adventure.
Thanks to Pure Michigan and Visit Alpena for hosting my travels. As always, opinions and reviews are 100% mine and unbiased.
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