Location: Alpena
Top Things to do in Alpena
The 10 Best Things to do in Alpena, Michigan (MI)
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. Beaver Lake
2. The Center Building
3. Alpena Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Adventure company providing kayak rentals and river trips. We also do hiking and shipwreck snorkeling excursions.
4. Thunder Bay Theatre
5. Island Park & Wildlife Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 80 reviews
Reviewed By D4694WYsarahp
Beautiful! We loved the BoyScouts created info plaques along the trail. Short hike, less than a mile.
6. Alpena Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By marybT5775QN - Battle Creek, United States
Absolutely loved the Farmers’ Market. We stopped on a Saturday and were pleased with the vendors that were there....probably between 15-20. The fresh veggies we purchased were reasonably priced and all of the vendors were friendly and helpful. We also purchased masks and cinnamon rolls. Yummy! We decided to go back the following Wednesday. We were disappointed that only 6 vendors were there. One of the vendors said that Saturday is the big day and that some of the other vendors go to Oscoda’s Farmers Market on Wednesday. As luck would have it, the cinnamon roll person was there and we were able to purchase a whole plate of cinnamon rolls. Also we were able to get more fresh green beans! And the blueberry crumble pie my daughter’s boyfriend bought was out of this world! Definitely worth a stop to the Farmer’s Market if you happen to be in Alpena on one of the days they are open.
7. 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.
8. Thunder Bay Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By moorea1999 - Mason, United States
Spent the afternoon enjoying a flight of delicious Alpena wines in a comfortable and relaxing open air setting. I prefer sweet wines so chose my four wines based on fruits and one solely on the name...Starlite Beach. All were very delicious, and I ended up purchasing the Devil's River which has a wonderful grape taste, something that is surprisingly rare in many of the wines I've tried over the years. If you're interested in food, the winery has a selection of desserts from the bakery across the street, local meats and cheeses, or the option to order in from the neighboring restaurant, The Fresh Palette. In addition to tasting, you can also order and enjoy wine by the glass or bottle. Thunder Bay Winery was a wonderful find!
9. Alpena Escape Rooms
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Alpena Escape Rooms offer a physical adventure game with only a hour to achieve the mission. Players in groups ranging from 2-6 solve puzzles and riddles using hints and clues to escape the room! Each room has its' own theme. It is an hour of fun and bonding time for family and friends. Looking to do a team building event for employees? Call now and find out more.
10. Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 305 reviews
Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary is a 4,300 square-mile marine protected area dedicated to protecting the Great Lakes and their rich history. The cold, fresh water of Lake Huron has preserved a nationally significant collection of nearly 200 historic shipwrecks in and around the sanctuary. Dive in and begin your sanctuary exploration at the visitor center - the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center in Alpena, Michigan - or visit the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Trail, a network of unique outdoor experiences along the sanctuary’s coastline. Experience the individual shipwrecks of Thunder Bay through recreational diving, snorkeling, and paddling at many of the shipwreck sites. Thunder Bay also provides an opportunity for anglers to target many fish species. Commonly caught fish in this area include walleye, bass, northern pike, yellow perch, trout, salmon, and whitefish. Come learn about the rich history of the Great Lakes region at Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary!
