Explore Alpena: 10 Must-Do Experiences in Michigan’s Hidden Gem

Adri & Kam
1 day ago
4 min read

Looking for the best things to see and do in Alpena, Michigan? Located on the beautiful shores of Lake Huron, Alpena is one of Northern Michigan’s best-kept secrets. This charming lakeside town offers a perfect mix of outdoor adventure, rich history, and scenic beauty. Whether you're exploring shipwrecks at Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, hiking through lush trails, or visiting historic lighthouses, Alpena has something for every traveler. In this guide, we’ll cover the top attractions and must-see spots to add to your Alpena itinerary.

Hike and watch stars at Rockport State Recreation Area

To our surprise, Alpena has some of the darkest skies in the Great Lakes. Given that we are from Chicago and we never see stars, the second we got here we had to see the sky for ourselves, and it did not disappoint! I don’t remember last time I saw such a clear and full of stars sky. We also came back here during the day, and it was just as beautiful. You can even go fossil hunting or jump into the lake.

Enjoy dinner at Red Brick Tap & Barrel

Alpena is full of yummy options when it comes to dining, but Red Brick had to be one of our favorites! Not only is the space very beautiful, but whoever is the chef here knows what they are doing. They have a little patio outside which is awesome for sipping on a margarita and enjoying smoked chicken bowl or lemon herb ravioli.

Explore shipwrecks with Alpena Shipwreck Tours

Who thought there were so many shipwrecks in Lake Huron?! We sure didn’t! I highly recommend going on this tour so that you can not only learn more about these ships but also see them with your own eyes. This boat has a glass bottom, and they get to these wrecks pretty darn close! There are 2-3 tours every day during the season, and it operates only if the weather allows. We hear it’s best to go on the first tour of the day at 9am as the water tends to be calm. Tickets start at $39.

Kayak through Island Park

Island Park is perfect for kayaking, hiking, or biking. You can rent either option right at the park without needing to make a reservation ahead of time. The water is very calm and covered with lots of lilies, so it makes for a unique kayaking experience. There are couple of trails here as well and since it’s not super packed, it makes for a great place to relax.

Take a photo with Alpena’s Murals

Alpena’s downtown is full of them! We loved taking a stroll downtown and seeing all the beautiful art around. Some of our favorites pictured here are:

- Alpena’s Postcard 117 N 2^nd Ave

- Herbie's Scoop Shack 1001 S State Ave

- Make a Splash for Art 115 N Chisholm St

Sip on delicious cider at PIF Cider

Given that apples grow essentially everywhere in Michigan, it would be a sin to not find a good cider place. Pif Cider offers all kinds of deliciousness ranging from dry to sweet, there is something for every taste bud. We highly recommend grabbing a flight so that you can try variety of them. We are usually fans of dry cider, but their semi dry was THE best! To no surprise, we ended up with few bottles to bring home 😊 P.S. awesome mural here too!

Get spooky with Alpena’s Ghost Tours

If you know us well, you know that we are suckers for a good scary story. This tour is a new addition to Alpena but is one to not miss. Our guide, Maisie, was fantastic! She kept our entire group very engaged and stunned at every stop. Also, if you have a pup, you can bring it with as it’s dog friendly and you don’t go anywhere inside during the tour.

Go back in time at Old and New Presque Isle Lighthouses

Did you know Michigan has the most lighthouses in the whole country? Alpena is a home to few of them and luckily 2 of them are next to each other. Both feature a museum and ability to go to the top and enjoy scenic views. They are very different from one another, so we highly recommend making a trip to see both.

Find your inner child at Dinosaur Gardens

We honestly had no idea what to expect when we came here, but these gardens are SO COOL! Even as an adult, you will love it! Located in a lush forest with speaker sounds helping you immerse yourself in the gardens; it literally feels like Jurassic Park. Entry is $10 and it takes around an hour to stop and take photos.

Indulge in iconic breakfast at Connie’s Café & Deli

Connie’s is one of those places where if you ask a local where you should grab breakfast, THIS is the spot! It is a cozy café that offers breakfast/lunch and Jumbo Cinnamon Rolls. There is also a beautiful flower garden that is quite serene and perfect for a quick stroll after your meal.