Looking to plan a trip to the Alpena Area?
I have never visited the
Alpena area.
What can I expect?
For starters, you can expect small-town
charm embraced by nature. From friendly
smiles at local shops across the area to
courteous trail users and helpful residents,
you can expect to leave Alpena with a few
more friends than when you arrived. You
can also expect to be pleasantly surprised.
The community of Alpena is the economic
hub of a 4-county region and as a result,
acts like a much larger city demographically,
due to influx from neighboring areas. You
will be surprised with the sheer number
of attractions, parks, recreation activities,
cultural events, and interesting and friendly
places available to you while visiting. The
#1 regret of many visitors: they wish they
had given themselves more time to explore
everything!
How can I experience
Alpena’s cultural
celebrations and
festivals?
The best place for up-to-date information
about local festivals and events is the
Convention & Visitors Bureau Events
Calendar that is updated by the community
on a continual basis. You can find it online
at VisitAlpena.com/events. You can also
download the Experience Alpena! Visitor’s
app on your smartphone. It is free in your
app store.
How many visitors have
been to Alpena recently?
The Alpena area receives many visitors
throughout the year including people
on vacation, people on specific outdoor
adventures, business travelers, students,
heritage and culture explorers, and those
visiting friends and relatives. A major benefit
of the region is that activities and attractions
are spread out over a generous area so it
can often feel as if you are having a private
experience, tailor-made just for you, at many
of the places you may go.
What’s the weather like in
Northeast Michigan?
Being located on the 45th Parallel, Alpena
is a 4-season paradise. This is one of
the reasons the town survived the bust
following the logging era. Once timber
reserves were spent, the residents decided
to stay instead of moving on. The summers
are warm and filled with sunshine; days
range from 70-80°F, while summer nights
can see a comfortable 65°F. Fall has been
warmer in recent years with above average
temperatures ranging from 55-70°F. Spring
keeps us on our toes with warm days and
cool nights hovering around 40-60°F. Our
winters bring the beauty of a Currier & Ives
painting. While snow blankets the earth and
hugs the evergreen boughs, plenty of time
is available for ice fishing, cross-country
skiing, snowshoeing and sipping cocoa by
an open fire. Winter can take us into the
realm of below zero temps, but it generally
bounces around between the teens and 20s.
As far as attire goes, Summertime is for flip
flops, shorts, and sundresses and maybe a
sweatshirt for the campfire at night; Winter
demands that we dress in layers and bring
wool socks to keep our toes happy; and
Spring and Fall are transition seasons where
you may start off the day in a sweater and
end it in a t-shirt.
Is Alpena a safe place for
visitors?
Independent travelers can feel safe walking
down the street or visiting trails and
attractions. Most residents are respectful and
helpful. Even though the area is very safe, it
is advised to use common sense when out
on your own, and not leave your belongings
unattended while in public spaces.
Alpena Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
President Mary Beth Stutzman
answers top travel planning questions
to help ensure a successful visit to
the Sanctuary of the Great Lakes.
Kayak Adventure; Courtesy Gary Irving
6 Sanctuary of the Great Lakes