ROCKPORT STATE RECREATION AREA
End of Rockport Rd., Alpena
Noted as being “Mysterious, remote, rugged, and a park unlike any
other”, this park offers a little something for everyone! Miles and miles
of hiking and biking trails, multiple sinkholes, an abandoned limestone
quarry, ancient fossils from the Devonian Period, dark sky designation,
deep-water fishing port, and bat hibernaculum are just a few of the many
different claims to fame Rockport has to offer. Amenities include picnic
tables, vault toilet, and outdoor grills.
LEE’S MINIATURE GOLF
1016 S. State Ave., Alpena (989) 354-0679
Envisioned and brought to life by Alpena resident Lee Reide, Lee’s
Miniature Golf course opened its doors for business on June 13, 1961.
With 90% of the layout comprised of originally designed holes by Lee
himself, it’s said that Lee’s Miniature Golf was once featured in a magazine
as one of the most challenging mini golf courses in the nation! We promise
you will not find a more unique and loved mini-golf course in the area.
Along with plenty of Lake Huron beachfront and dining options nearby,
Lee’s is Michigan’s longest continuously run mini-golf course.
THE ALPENA LIGHT
Harbor Dr. off Chisholm St., Alpena Municipal Boat Harbor, Alpena
The Alpena Light, also known as “Little Red” or “Sputnik”, has roots
dating back to 1875 when a temporary light was fashioned out of a white
hand lantern suspended on a 25-ft pole to guide ships to the mouth of
the Thunder Bay River. It soon became evident that the need for a more
stable lighthouse was needed as Alpena’s port became busier and busier,
bringing in settlers and lumbermen looking for a new life. After an attempt
at new wooden construction in 1877, this light met disaster in a fire in
1888. Another light was suspended on a pole until 1914, when Little Red,
as we know it, was built out in the harbor on a concrete foundation with a
four-legged steel skeletal frame. You can view Little Red closely from the
break wall at the Alpena Harbor.
ISLAND PARK
Corner of Chisholm St./US-23 & Johnson St./
Long Rapids Rd., Alpena
New York City may have Central Park, but here in Alpena we have Island
Park! This little island resides inside of the city limits, within the 500-acre
Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary. Five distinctly different ecosystems make up
Island Park which features nature trails, fishing platforms, picnic and bird
viewing areas, as well as a kayak, canoe, and paddle board launch site.
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Covered Wooden Bridge and Water Tower at Duck & Island Park
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Sunrise paddle past Little Red, Courtesy Steve Jakubcin
COVERED WOODEN BRIDGE
& WATER TOWER
Corner of Chisholm St./US-23 & Johnson St./
Long Rapids Rd., Alpena
Recently constructed in summer of 2015, this hand-hewn wooden
bridge and water tower was generously built by Alpena resident
Mike Kendziorski, along with family and friends. This beautiful
bridge is often the centerpiece for those looking for a picturesque
backdrop in the Alpena area. Wedding photos, senior portraits,
paddling trips, and hiking adventures are just a few scenarios
where this bridge reigns as king. Connecting Duck Park to Island
Park, the bridge is not only eye-catching, but also serves an
important purpose, connecting us to the beauty and serenity of
Island Park.
‘MAKE A SPLASH’ FISH MURAL
109 W. Chisholm St., Alpena
An aquascape that represents Alpena’s culture and history, a
place known for numerous shipwrecks, recreational diving, and
plentiful fishing. Originally completed in the summer of 2016 and
reconstructed in autumn of 2018 after wind damage, this mural has
proven itself to be just as tenacious as Alpena itself! You will find this
custom designed, colorful mural in downtown Alpena, adorning the
west-facing wall of The Local Basket Case gift shop (inside of the
Chisholm Street pocket park).
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