A FRESH TAKE ON LIFE LIVED WELL ALPENA, MI: SANCTUARY OF THE GREAT LAKES A charming small town at nature’s doorstep Nestled between a lush green forest and a vast blue bay, Michigan’s Alpena Region is miles away from the weight of the world. Alpena, a community founded on the fishing and timber industries, is now the place where history and heritage meld with relaxed outdoor adventure on the shores of Lake Huron. Alpena is known as the Sanctuary of the Great Lakes for its pristine natural landscape and insulation from the hectic life stress endemic to metro areas. To-do lists fade away with the rising sun in this charming small town. The Alpena Region boasts more than 100 miles of groomed trails for hiking, biking, and nature watching. More than 300,000 acres of open water; 1,000 miles of shoreline; 7 lighthouses including the tallest and oldest accessible lighthouses on the Great Lakes; more than 50 parks; and 43,000 acres of State Forest land offer endless opportunities for sailing, fishing, exploring, swimming, birding, and easing into the sounds of wind through the pines and waves meeting the shore.Tour the 18.5 mile accessible Bi-Path, winding through forests, along miles of Thunder Bay River, through quaint neighborhoods, past public art installations, and through the vibrant downtown district, with galleries, boutique shopping, farm-to-table food, microbrew, hard cider, ice cream and locally-vinted wine. Kayak at the 500-acre Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary and lazily float around the reeds viewing painted turtles, otters, swans and Great Blue Heron. Alpena is headquarters to Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, an underwater park protecting more than 100 shipwrecks in northwestern Lake Huron. Learn more at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, or aboard Lady Michigan, Alpena Shipwreck Tours’ glass-bottom boat. “The adventure continues after dark as Alpena is centrally located to 3 Dark Sky Preserve Parks. Light pollution is extremely low, bringing into focus the stars, planets, moon, and Milky Way in pure grandeur,” said Mary Beth Kline-Stutzman, President & CEO of the Alpena Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Whether you’re enjoying Alpena’s premier fishing or watching a concert in the park, the surrounding natural beauty breathes life back into your smile. In Alpena you are reminded about what matters most in life – time spent with people you care about. You are invited to escape the stress of life and relax, restore, and rejuvenate in Alpena, Michigan; a fresh take on life lived well. Get inspired at Visitalpena.com.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx