Skip to main content

Visit Alpena, Michigan

Discover the best activities and accommodations in Alpena, Michigan

What to Do in Alpena

Learn More

Settled in 1840 at the head of Thunder Bay, Alpena served the booming lumber enterprises in the late 19th century. It is a center for industry and recreational boating, diving, fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and hunting; diving and fishing charters are popular on Lake Huron. The area also is home to a number of lighthouses. Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary lies in northwest Lake Huron; it was the first NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) sanctuary to be designated in the Great Lakes. These 448 square miles contain more than 100 shipwrecks, and there are opportunities for boating, diving, kayaking and snorkeling. The Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center interprets the underwater sanctuary.

Most Popular Hotels

Discover the best hotel experience. Review properties cleanliness, amenities and more. AAA brings you the best hotels in the city.

Learn More
Hotel

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alpena - Downtown

diamond-threeinspected-clean
Hotel

Alpena Resorts

diamond-approvedinspected-clean
HOTEL

Ramada By Wyndham Alpena Hotel Co

HOTEL

Days Inn By Wyndham Alpena

HOTEL

Hampton Inn And Suites Alpena

See All

Cruise Deals

Your Next Great Voyage Awaits

AAA has partnered with the top cruise lines in the industry to give you exclusive AAA member benefits on cruise and river cruise bookings. Get ready to set sail!

See All

Travel Tips & Inspiration

AAA Travel Inspiration, Destination Information and More

Be inspired by articles and videos from AAA Travel experts, offering insights on top destinations, recommendations and travel tips for your upcoming getaway.

See All
ARTICLEAlpena Settled in 1840 at the head of Thunder Bay, Alpena served the booming lumber enterprises in the late 19th century. It is a center for industry and recreational boating, diving, fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and hunting; diving and fishing charters are popular on Lake Huron. The area also is home to a number oflighthouses.lies in northwest Lake Huron; it was the first NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) sanctuary to be designated in the Great Lakes. These 448 square miles contain more than 100 shipwrecks, and there are opportunities for boating, diving, kayaking and snorkeling. The Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Centerinterprets the underwater sanctuary.Alpena
NATIONAL PARKBruce Peninsula National Park Along both sides of the Bruce Peninsula, the park encompasses 155 square kilometres (60 sq. mi.). Bruce Peninsula National Park preserves one of the last remaining wild areas in southwestern Ontario; it is the core of the Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve. The backbone of the park is a portion of the Niagara Escarpment, a 725-kilometre (451-mi.) ridge that extends from Queenston Heights on the Niagara River to Tobermory.Bruce Peninsula National Park
NATIONAL PARKCuyahoga Valley National Park Cuyahoga Valley National Park
NATIONAL PARKFathom Five National Marine Park At the tip of the Bruce Peninsula, Canada's first national marine park protects the wealth of marine history at the bottom of the treacherous channel between the 22 islands off the Bruce Peninsula and Manitoulin IslandFathom Five National Marine Park
NATIONAL PARKGeorgian Bay Islands National Park is the park's largest island. Trails traverse the island, emerging from park campgrounds, picnic and docking areas. From the walking trails visitors can see various rare species of wildlife, a variety of birds, spectacular landscapes, precious habitats and evidence of the historical past. Summer recreational activities include fishing, hiking, swimming, bicycling, boating, kayaking and canoeing.Georgian Bay Islands National Park
NATIONAL PARKHiawatha National Forest With shorelines on lakes Huron, Michigan and Superior, the two portions of the Hiawatha National Forest embrace 893,348 acres of the Upper Peninsula and feature the only Great Lakes lighthouses in the national forest system. The broad western unit extends southward from Munising to Rapid Rivers and includes Big Bay de Noc and Little Bay de Noc. The eastern unit reaches from St. IgnaceHiawatha National Forest
NATIONAL PARKHuron Manistee National Forests Some areas require a vehicle pass. A day pass costs $5 and offers access to trailheads, boat and canoe launches, and other day-use recreation sites; passes for other lengths of time also are available. A fee is charged for camping and for watercraft permits. Contact the Huron-Manistee National Forests Headquarters, 1755 S. Mitchell St., Cadillac, MI 49601; phone (231) 775-2421 or (800) 821-6263. Huron Manistee National Forests
NATIONAL PARKIndiana Dunes National Park On the southern shore of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park covers 15,000 acres and is traversed by a scenic stretch of Indiana Dunes National Park
NATIONAL PARKPerrys Victory And International Peace Memorial Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial is reached during summer by automobile and passenger ferry from Catawba and Port Clinton and by plane from Port Clinton. The memorial, at Put-in-BayPerrys Victory And International Peace Memorial
THE VALUE OF TRIP CANVAS

Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas

Get Ideas from the Pros

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!

BACK TO TOP
Trip Canvas powered by AAA travel logo
AAA logo
© 2025 AAA, All Rights Reserved.

The information contained on this page is provided by independent third-party providers and may not include all applicable taxes, fees, and charges. Please note prices and product details are estimates only and are subject to availability at the time of booking. All information, including pricing, product details, and availability, is subject to change without notice. Please see independent third-party providers' websites for more details. AAA is not responsible for content on external websites.
2.44.1