Meet the Neighbors
They say a good neighbor enhances your quality of life, and we couldn’t agree more!
The falls at Ocqueoc, the apple orchard at Knaebe’s, the beaches, state parks, and festivals up and
down the coAstal villages on US-23…these communities enhance your Alpena area experience
and we are proud to call them our neighbors!
ROGERS CITY- Located 38 miles north of Alpena, Rogers City
is known as the “Nautical City” and is also home to the annual Nautical
Festival every summer. Rogers City is known to be a peaceful
escape from the hustle and bustle of big city life, offering up pristine
beaches and peaceful city streets. One of Roger City’s biggest claims
to fame is Port of Calcite, the world’s largest open pit limestone quarry
and one of the largest shipping ports on the Great Lakes.
Fun Fact
Rogers City was once a hotbed for alcohol
sales during the prohibition era.
This was due to its convenient lakeside location
and proximity to Canada.
Posen- Located 25 miles north of Alpena, the village of Posen
was built on the backbone of hardworking immigrants from Poland.
Coined the “Potato Capital of Michigan” due to the abundance of potato
farms in the area, residents and visitors from near and far have
been celebrating the annual Posen Potato Festival every September
for over 60 years. There is much more to Posen than just potatoes
though. Elowsky Grist Mill at Hemlock Hills on Mill Pond provides a
look into the inner workings of an old-fashion grain mill, so be sure
to check it out!
Fun Fact
This agricultural village was constructed during the
lumber harvest boom in Northern Michigan. When
lumber died out, the Polish villagers prospered in
their native trade of farming the lands and continue
to do so to this day.
Onaway- Located 59 miles northwest of Alpena, Onaway grew
as Alpena and many of the other neighboring communities; through
the lumbering industry at the turn of the century. Famous for being
known as the “Sturgeon Capital of Michigan”, Black Lake is a popular
attraction for fishing this species. One of Onaway’s greatest treasures
resides just outside of the town center, Ocqueoc Falls. The largest falls
in Michigan’s lower peninsula and the only universally-accessible waterfall
in the United States.
Fun Fact
The city of Onaway was named by Merritt Chandler in
the 1880’s after a stanza in Longfellow’s
“The Song of Hiawatha”, an Ojibwa Indian cry
meaning ‘Alert’ or ‘Awaken’.
Hillman- Located only 23 miles west of Alpena, Hillman (formerly
known as Brush Creek in the 1880’s) continues to honor heritage
and traditions. You will find the village of Hillman celebrating
VJ Day (victory over Japan in WWII) every September 2nd, complete
with parade and Heritage Day at the historic Brush Creek Mill.
Speaking of the historic Brush Creek Mill, don’t miss out on the Mill’s
year-round fun for family-friendly events, arts & crafts, and more!
On a fishin’ mission? Fletcher Pond in Hillman is the go-to spot for
bass, pike, perch, and pan fish.
Fun Fact
Fletcher Pond is popular for largemouth bass
due to the “pond’s” 9,000 acres of
flooded cedar tree forest.
Harrisville- Located 32 miles south of Alpena on US-23 and
well known for its formidable annual arts & crafts show, Harrisville
Harmony Weekend. Harrisville is a gem residing on the shores of Lake
Huron. Designated as a “Harbor of Refuge” on Lake Huron by the
U.S. Coast Guard, the towering Cape Cod style Sturgeon Point Lighthouse
just north of the village helped numerous ships find safe harbor
throughout its years of operation. Residing just on the edge of Huron
National Forest, Harrisville provides plenty of outdoor recreational
opportunities for fishing, cross country skiing, hunting, and fishing.
Fun Fact
The Marine City shipwreck lies just one mile north
of the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse in only 5 ft.
of water. Not far from the lighthouse, you will
also find the old Bailey Schoolhouse, one of
the few remaining one-room schoolhouses still
standing in Michigan.
Courtesy Hemlock Hills on Mill Pond
Knaebe's Mmmunchy Krunchy Apple Farm & Twisted Roots Cider in Roger’s City
is a fall favorite, Courtesy Nicole Carr
44 Sanctuary of the Great Lakes