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Only in Alpena
There’s no place else on Earth where you can get a photo-op with dinosaurs,
dive 100-year old shipwrecks, and take home 400-million-year-old fossils all in ONE PLACE.
Welcome to Alpena, Michigan! Here are 10 things you will only find here
in our Northeastern corner of Michigan, on the coast of Lake Huron.
BOB’S BULLPEN
125 N. 2nd Ave., Alpena (989) 356-9558
Northeast Michigan’s largest one-stop shop for everything comic book
and superhero related. Bob’s Bullpen offers an extensive collection of
comic books (new and vintage), a one-of-a-kind gathering spot for
birthday parties, and a newly opened hot dog joint (adjacent to the
comic book shop), aptly named The Bulldog. Owned and operated
by professional comic artist, Bob LeFevre, Bob’s impressive resume
includes work on Transformers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, as
well many other projects for Hasbro, IDW Comics, Uproar, and his
own mini-series through Image Comics.
DINOSAUR GARDENS
11160 US 23 South, Ossineke (989) 350-1076
A great American roadside wonder awaits in the village of Ossineke,
just 10 miles south of Alpena. Wander through this world-renowned
prehistoric garden with more than 26 different life-size, hand-sculpted
dinosaurs tucked away in the forest. After a walk through the park, try
a round of 18-hole mini golf at Raptors Mini Golf Retreat, dessert at Ice
Ages Frozen Yogurt bar, and shop for souvenirs for the whole family at
the gift shop. Dinosaur Gardens has been around for over 80 years and
continues to win over the hearts of kids and adults alike during every
vacation in the Alpena area!
THUNDER BAY NATIONAL
MARINE SANCTUARY
GREAT LAKES MARITIME HERITAGE CENTER
500 W. Fletcher St, Alpena (989) 356-8805
Dive into this one and only freshwater maritime history center and
explore shipwrecks lost in and around Lake Huron’s Thunder Bay,
aka “Shipwreck Alley”, without getting wet! An interactive center
interprets the story of nearly 200 different shipwrecks protected in our
nation’s only freshwater marine sanctuary. Immerse yourself in the
stories of these ships and the brave crew that sailed them. Once you
have toured the maritime center, get your ticket for the Lady Michigan
glass-bottom boat and set sail to view the shipwrecks up close through
the boat’s window wells.
BESSER MUSEUM
FOR NORTHEAST MICHIGAN
491 Johnson St., Alpena (989) 356-2202
Home of Alpena’s cultural past and present. Learn our story-from the
first Native American settlers, early fishing and logging operations, to
fine art, and science. Experience the walk-through exhibits featuring
the historic 1890’s Alpena Avenue of Shops, or practice your fossil
hunting skills at the outdoor Lafarge Fossil Park exhibit. And, don’t
forget to lay back in our state-of-the-art planetarium and take a
journey through space!
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Exploring the Portland shipwreck; Courtesy NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary Rockport State Recreation Area, Courtesy Shaelyn Rondeau
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