Considered the “Sanctuary of the Great Lakes,” the Alpena area boasts over 300 miles of Lake Huron coastline with seven historic lighthouses and a “shipwreck alley,” where countless vessels have been lost over time. Since 2022, Alpena has been a destination for 400-passenger Viking Cruises ships that bring visitors to explore its culture and heritage.
Vibe: Outdoor adventure is all around in the Alpena area. Attendees here might explore three Dark Sky Preserve state parks or head out on a glass-bottom boat to see the remains of shipwrecks. “Sometimes more is accomplished while out hiking a trail than in a boardroom,” says Mary Beth Kline-Stutzman, president and CEO of the Alpena Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We call it ‘blue water time.’ Alpena offers that backdrop and sets the stage for innovative conversation, big-picture thinking, and connection with team members.”
Transportation: The Alpena County Regional Airport offers a Delta Air Lines link to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, a flight that takes just over an hour. Service is also available farther away at the Pellston Regional Airport in Emmet County or Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City. For those opting to drive, Alpena is 2 1/2 hours from Traverse City and 3 1/2 hours from Lansing.
Hotels: Three key hotels provide more than 400 guest rooms, including the Ramada by Wyndham Alpena Hotel & Conference Center, Days Inn by Wyndham Alpena, and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alpena–Downtown. The latter is the city’s largest hotel, with a 1,000-square-foot meeting room for up to 75 along with an 18-person boardroom. The 101-room Hampton Inn & Suites Alpena, located along state Route 32, is scheduled to open its doors in February.
Venues: Maritime programming at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center—available for private events—delves into the importance of water to Michigan’s existence. The Alpena Events Complex offers a 650-person dividable ballroom, two conference rooms, and an outdoor gazebo, among other spaces. Distinctive venues include the Antique Tractor & Steam Engine grounds, The Depot on Fletcher Street, and the New Presque Isle Lighthouse pavilion.
Restaurants: Austin Brothers Beer Co. serves handcrafted brews and a fresh, regional food menu, while Presque Isle Farm Cider accommodates private parties up to 70. The owners of JJ’s Steak & Pizza have a new event center downtown that hosts up to 150. Twin Acres 19th Hole, a family-owned business that has been in Alpena for 55 years, serves up classic American fare and offers banquet rooms for large parties.
Must-Sees & -Dos: Attendees in Alpena might enjoy 100 miles of hiking and biking trails, five nearby golf courses, and lake and river kayak adventures. For those staying in the city center, several colorful murals from arts initiative Fresh Waves are sprinkled throughout downtown. The Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan features planetarium shows and rotating art galleries; and the adjoining Besser Natural Area offers a 1.3-mile hiking loop, where attendees might discover the ghost town of Bell hidden deep in the woods.
