off of US-23 to the east 1.5 miles, turn north on Sand Hill Rd. and go
2.5 miles, turn right or east at the Negwegon State Park sign and go
1.5 miles to the day use parking area. Seasonal roads, 4-wheel drive
recommended. No services, back country camping available. Also
designated as a Dark Sky Preserve Park.
Rockport State Park Recreation Area & Dark Sky Preserve
website: www.friendsofrockport.org
Rockport State Park, Michigan’s 100th State Park, has over 4,237 acres
of land located on the shores of Lake Huron north of Alpena. The property
includes a deep-water protected harbor, an old limestone quarry
of approximately 300 acres, a unique series of sinkholes, the Besser
Natural Area, and a broad range of land types, vegetative cover, cultural
resources and recreation opportunities. At the harbor, the DNR has a
boat launch facility, and a small park with picnic areas. Stargazing, fishing,
hiking the rugged trails and fossil hunting are favorite activities at
Rockport. Also designated as a Dark Sky Preserve Park.
Thompson’s Harbor State Park & Dark Sky Preserve
website: www.friendsofthompsonharbor.org
Located 24 miles north of Alpena on US 23, this natural area encompasses
5,000 acres of sand dunes, upland and marsh. In Michigan,
there are fewer than 50 remaining examples of “forested wet swale
communities” of this quality. The area supports one of the largest
known populations in the world of the federal and state-threatened
dwarf lake iris, Michigan’s state wildflower. Situated along 7 1/2 miles
of Lake Huron shoreline, this undeveloped park provides a rustic
retreat for hikers exploring the park’s six miles of trails. Park at the
trail-head off of US-23. Also designated as a Dark Sky Preserve Park.
Alpena Civic Theatre
401 River Street, Alpena, (989) 354-3624
website: www.alpenacivictheatre.com
Live theater performances for over 50 years. All-volunteer membership,
offering fine entertainment from musicals to dramas and
comedies. For a complete schedule of shows, visit our website. Call for
ticket reservations.
Alpena County George N. Fletcher Library
211 North First Ave., Alpena, (989) 356-6188
website: www.alpenalibrary.org
Special collections, genealogy, best-sellers, large-print, audio books,
movies, music, Wi-Fi, word processors. Largest collection of 19th
century Great Lakes ship photographs and records in the entire world!
Wide variety of adult and children’s programs, online tutoring, downloadable
audio and e-books.
Art in The Loft at Gallery 109
109 N. Second Ave., Alpena, (989) 356-4877
website: www.artintheloft.org
Art in the Loft at Gallery 109 is the region’s largest fine arts center
and gallery featuring the work of many local, regional and nationally
recognized artists. Reasonably priced artwork is available in a wide
range of media. Over 30 artists exhibit their work in the gallery each
season. The Loft offers a variety of art and culinary workshops from
beginner to professional for all ages, and a variety of special events are
held throughout the year. Art in the Loft is open for two primary exhibit
seasons, Summerview Season, which runs from Memorial Day to
Labor Day and Winterview Season, which runs from mid-November
until the end of January. A month-long Young Artists exhibit is held
during the months of April and May. Call ahead or see website for
firm dates.
Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan
491 Johnson St., Alpena, (989) 356-2202
website: www.bessermuseum.org
Regional AAM Accredited Museum focusing on art, history, and
science topics. History exhibits include: People of Lakes and Forests
illustrating the regional Native American heritage, and step back in
time to experience an industrial cityscape of late 19th Century Alpena
in the Avenue of Shops. Keep all the fossils you find in the new Lafarge
Fossil Park exhibit featuring 350 million year old local geologic
remains. Explore local and natural sciences in the flora & fauna
exhibit, as well as the night sky in the digital Planetarium. Local, state,
and national art exhibitions. 19th Century Historic Village on the
grounds. Open year-round, seven days a week. General Admission: $5
adults, $3 youth and seniors. Please call or visit the website for more
information.
Brush Creek Mill
121 S. State Ave., Hillman, (989) 742-2527
e-mail: mkirby@nemichigan.com
Brush Creek Mill was constructed on a site where previous mills
once stood. The mill demonstrates the power of moving water with
a 22’ stainless steel water wheel, capable of grinding corn and wheat.
The mill features a museum, meeting room/classroom and gift store
featuring handmade crafts made by local artists and crafters. Tours are
available for groups. Please call for hours.
Forty-Five North Art Gallery
121 N. Second Ave., Alpena, (989) 370-3314
website: www.facebook.com/artinalpena/
A local art gallery with emphasis on high quality art forms.
Fused glass, paintings, j ART, THEATER, MUSEUMS, LIBRARY ewelery, pottery and more.
109 N. Second Ave.
Center Building–3rd. Floor
989-356-4877
We are Northeast
Michigan’s largest regional
fine arts gallery.
Featuring the work of over
30 artists, visit the gallery
to view our selection of fine
art in all price ranges.
Enjoy Art
Workshops
& New
Classes
in our
Culinary
Arts
Center
Shop the Top
in the Heart of
Down tow n Alpena
www.artintheloft.org
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