Fun Ways to Explore Alpena Michigan in the Winter
Tucked away in northeast Michigan along the shores of Lake Huron, Alpena may be one of Michigan’s best-kept secrets, and I love visiting this pecial spot all year round. Alpena in the winter is especially pretty, surrounded by soft white snow and glistening ice.
Discover Things to Do Alpena in the Winter
Surrounded by the Great Lakes, inland lakes, rivers, and natural forests, Alpena is filled with natural beauty that doesn;t go away when the sun stops shining and the temperatures drop.
Sure, the spring, summer, and fall, the water provides endless opportunities for swimming and splashing along the beautiful beaches. The parks and lighthouses along the shoreline and further inland provide even more chances for outdoor exploration.
In the winter, though, the fun continues with winter hiking, fat tire biking, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and even sleigh rides across open country in a horse-drawn carriage.
Truth be be told, Lake Huron’s shoreline along northeast Michigan is one of my favorite spots in the state, and I spend a lot of time here in the winter. Here are some of my favorite things to do in Alpena in the winter.
Visit Ocqueoc Falls
Just north of Alpena is the largest waterfall in Michigan’s lower peninsula: Ocqueoc Falls in Presque Isle County.
The waterfall (and its five-foot drop) is created by the Ocqueoc River as it cascades over pre-glacial limestone. It’s about a .3 mile hike from the parking lot to the waterfalls, under towering hardwoods like birch, maple, and ash. In the winter, it’s a quiet and calming spot. The cold weather doesn’t stop the rushing water as it travels on its way to Lake Huron’s Hammond Bay.
EXPERT-TIP: Ocqueoc Falls is the only universally accessible waterfall in the country: you’ll find wide paved paths if there is no snowfall.
Take in the Night Sky at Rockport State Recreation Area
The opportunities for stargazing in Michigan are boundless, but some of the clearest skies you will encounter are located in Alpena’s Rockport State Recreation Area, one of Michigan’s Dark Sky Preserves.
Located on the shores of Lake Huron, this unique 4,300-acre park is home to an old limestone quarry. Indeed, the mining and loading dock is still there. In the evening, this remote spot is almost enchanting as the entire night sky lights up with stars over the water. In the winter, the stars seem to sparkle even brighter, too.
See Elk During A Sleigh Ride
No winter visit to the Alpena area is complete with a sleigh ride over snow-covered hills and some Elk-viewing. Head for Hillman and the Thunder Bay Resort, just a short ride west of Alpena.
Here, you’ll walk directly into your snow globe world as you cuddle up under warm blankets and dash through the snow. And if you’re lucky, you’ll see some of the Elk (they are much bigger than you might think) the reside in the area.
Visit the Besser Musuem for Northeast Michigan
One of my favorite museums in Northern Michigan is this art, science and history museum in Alpena. There are some really cool permament exhibits at Besser, including the 1890’s Avenue of Shops, complete with cedar block streets, that transport you back to downtown Alpena more than a century ago. Be sure to check out the Planetarium and take a look at the night sky.
Go Cross Country Skiing at Chippewa Hills Pathway
You’ll find more than 14-miles of hilly, heavily wooded landscape of groomed trails just south of Alpena on Kissau Road near Hubbard Lake. You can also find cross country skiing trails at Norway Ridge Pathway and the Alpena City Golf Course.
Explore Downtown Alpena
I’ll be honest: I’ve been visiting Alpena since I was a child, and I have a certain fondness for this under-the-radar Michigan vacation destination.
The historic downtown shopping area is simply charming: think coffee shops, cafes, and boutiques housed in historic buildings along a brick-paved street, all filled with unique treats.It’s a friendly town, too: the folks here love their town and are happy to share their own personal travel tips, too. You can use our ultimate guide to Alpena to find some of our favorite spots to dine and shop.
Go Ice Skating at an Indoor Ice Arena
Lace up and hit the ice at one of the only facilities with not one by two NHL- sized ice rinks in northeast Michigan. This indoor ice arena offers free skate, learn to skate and an indoor walking track, too.
Take in a Movie
Catch one of the latest Hollywood flicks at the completely renovated Sancturary Theater in downtown Alpena featuring luxury recliners, state-of-the-art projectors and Dolby surround sound.
Pick a Nature Trail and Get Moving: Hiking, Snowshoeing and Fat Tire Biking
You can choose from snowshoeing, snowmobiling, winter hiking, ice skating, ice fishing, sledding, or fat tire biking; there are endless miles of trails to explore.
Besser Natural Area, and Rockport State Recreation Area are two spots you’ll want to check out, just north of the city. This is a great country for snowmobiling, too: head for the North Eastern State Trail, a 71-trail with gorgeous scenery of Michigan backcountry.
More to Do in Alpena
Explore these Lake Huron Lighthouses
21 Best Things to do in Alpena MI
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