Alpena Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by Pure Michigan/Paul Gerow
Escape to the Sanctuary of the Great Lakes, a city of total relaxation on the banks of Lake Huron, known for outdoor adventures and an old-world atmosphere. 

The city of Alpena prides itself on being a sanctuary, a place of rejuvenation for sailors of old and travelers of today. Get engaged in fishing expeditions, kayaking adventures or a journey underwater to the region’s shipwrecks. Experience all of this at a laid-back destination that combines the charm of a historic city with the serenity and beauty of rural Lower Michigan.

Incorporated in 1871, Alpena grew out of Michigan’s booming 19th-century industries. See artifacts from Alpena’s industrial history in the Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan. Walk down a replica street from 1890 and learn about the Native American peoples who have lived in the region for centuries.

Alpena is inextricably linked to the bay. Many of its attractions are out on the water. Dive into the depths of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary on a shipwreck tour. See the ruins of vessels from Michigan’s maritime history, from wooden schooners to steel steamers. The Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center tells the stories of these underwater wonders.

Take your binoculars to the Island Park Wildlife Sanctuary in the northern part of the city, where the diverse ecosystem of Lake Besser is home to both nesting and migratory birds. Watch the marshland for owls, kingfishers and flycatchers. Island Park is also a popular fishing destination.

Skirt the coast of Alpena and the surrounding region to visit historic lighthouses. The Alpena Light, which has been operating since 1877, sits within the city limits. Travel along the edges of the bay to spot Old Presque Isle Lighthouse, one of the oldest of the Great Lakes lighthouses.

Spend a day at the beach. Bay View Park and Washington Avenue Park feature picturesque views, picnic facilities and play areas.

Fly to Boyne Mountain Airport and drive for about 2 hours to reach Alpena. If you plan to explore the lakes and wildlife sanctuaries, visit in summer. Winter, however, promises snow-based adventures in the surrounding region of Northeast Michigan.

Ramada by Wyndham Alpena
Ramada by Wyndham Alpena
3 out of 5
1000 US 23 North, Alpena, MI
The price is ₹5,646 per night from 28 Nov to 29 Nov
₹5,646
₹6,268 total
includes taxes & fees
28 Nov - 29 Nov
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Alpena. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
7/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Poolside room was amazing!!"

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2024

Ramada by Wyndham Alpena
Days Inn by Wyndham Alpena
Days Inn by Wyndham Alpena
2 out of 5
1496 M 32 W, Alpena, MI
The price is ₹6,004 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
₹6,004
₹6,748 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Alpena. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,009 reviews)
Pleasant Stay
"Room rate was reasonable, room very clean, staff polite and friendly."

Reviewed on 26 Oct 2024

Days Inn by Wyndham Alpena
Big Bear Lodge
Big Bear Lodge
2 out of 5
2052 US Highway 23 S., Alpena, MI
The price is ₹7,232 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
₹7,232
₹8,027 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Stay at this motel in Alpena. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (568 reviews)
Worth a visit
"This place is very transparent. They claim the property is 70 years old. It being as old as it is it’s very nice. Shows some aspects of age but I enjoyed my stay. For the price I got what I paid for. If need I would stay again."

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2024

Big Bear Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sonder Gabriel Richard
Sonder Gabriel Richard
3.5 out of 5
305 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, MI
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Detroit. Enjoy a fitness centre, concierge services and in-room washers/dryers. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (981 reviews)
Great stay for big events at any downtown Detroit
"Great location. Comfortable. Felt safe."

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2024

Sonder Gabriel Richard
Kasa Cadillac Square Detroit
Kasa Cadillac Square Detroit
3.5 out of 5
139 Cadillac Square, Detroit, MI
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Detroit. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, in-room washers/dryers and an in-room coffee maker. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (420 reviews)
"Could walk to everything. A colorful part of town."

Reviewed on 29 Oct 2024

Kasa Cadillac Square Detroit
Exhibit A2
Exhibit A2
4 out of 5
212 S 4th Ave, Ann Arbor, MI
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Ann Arbor. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and a 24-hour fitness centre. Popular attractions Michigan Stadium and Ann Arbor ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (226 reviews)
"I had a very positive experience overall. Only drawback is the security deposit issue. Although I had already paid the deposit, I kept receiving "urging" email every single day for more than a month, I was asked to give them different bank account several times and it was very annoying. This system ..."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2024

Exhibit A2
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Alpena