Lighthouses, shallow shipwrecks, accessible waterfalls, lakes, and more
From shipwrecks to waterfalls, accessible Michigan experiences await in family friendly Alpena
Moments make a memorable trip. During our family vacation to Alpena, Michigan, our moments stacked up quickly: The boards of an 1877 shipwreck, preserved in clear water beneath our kayaks. Conical spiral snail shells on a lily pad. Lighthouses on the treacherous coast of Lake Huron. Mural surprises all over downtown. And among our accessible Michigan experiences? The most accessible waterfall we’ve ever seen.
Where to stay in Alpena, Michigan
Family-friendly stays in Alpena
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We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alpena – Downtown
Alpena’s Holiday Inn is on River Street, right downtown. From the weekly farmers market to an array of local shops and restaurants, the convenient location made it so easy for us to set out on foot and take in Alpena from the city sidewalks.
Ask for a river view (and go straight from the hotel to the local riverside path)!
Snapshots of Alpena
Shallow shipwrecks
Simple pleasures
- Watch the Second Avenue Bascule Bridge swing up in downtown
- Mural scavenger hunt
- Weekly downtown market
- Stroll or roll the Alpena Bi-Path Trail
- Visit shallow shipwrecks on a glass-bottom boat tour
- Visit the accessible Ocqueoc Falls
- Pizza, cider, apples & donuts at Knaebe’s Mmmunchy Krunchy Apple Farm
- Visit Old & New Presque Isle Lighthouses