Michigan has an abundance of amazing vacation destinations.
But, just because you're going on vacation doesn't mean you have to give up your diet and exercise routine.
While vacations are a time to kick back and relax, they can also easily accommodate your healthy routines… and allow you to get to know the area more intimately.
We’ve chosen a handful of popular summer vacation destinations and put together some of the highlights of the area, including the best outdoor activities, farmers markets and more:
ALPENA, MICHIGAN
Alpena is the place where history and heritage collide with relaxed outdoor adventure.
Mary Beth Stutzman, President & CEO of the Alpena Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, describes Alpena as, “A haven from the stresses of everyday life, Alpena is insulated from the busy-ness of metropolitan area living and far from the hustle and bustle of the 9 - 5 work grind. As the Sanctuary of the Great Lakes, Alpena removes the weight from your shoulders and replaces it with adventure experiences.”
Outdoor activities
Alpena offers an abundance of outdoor recreational activities to keep guests and locals moving, including:
- Dive or snorkel over shipwrecks in Thunder Bay. The Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary protects 200 shipwrecks off the coast of the Alpena area. Some of these shipwrecks are shallow enough to snorkel/paddleboard/or kayak over with a crystal clear view right below you! The Portland- located in the Bell Bay-Besser Natural Area, lies in a depth of 8ft of water with only 250 ft. of paddle distance from shore making this wreck a favorite amongst snorkelers and paddlers.
- More than 100 miles of groomed biking/hiking trails run through Alpena area. Norway Ridge, Chippewa Hills Pathway and Rockport State Recreation Area are favorites for hiking and biking through the lush forests and provide beautiful views. The Alpena Bi-Path offers 18.5 miles of paved trail through numerous city parks and beaches along the Thunder Bay River and Lake Huron. Excellent for walking, biking or rollerblading.
- Alpena is the prime Northeast Michigan destination for viewing the cosmos and is centrally located to three of the State of Michigan’s newest designated Dark Sky Parks- Rockport State Recreation Area, Thompson's Harbor State Park, and Negwegon State Park. Check out the Dark Sky Adventure Planning Guide.
- Kayak/canoe/stand up paddleboard on the Thunder Bay River through the Wildlife Sanctuary at Duck Park. Bring your own or rent on-site from Performance Locker at the Duck Park. This 500-acre nature preserve is beautiful for watching waterfowl and taking pictures, all while getting in paddling exercise.
- Hike to the sinkholes. There are more than 200 sinkhole formations in the Northeast Michigan area. There are more than a dozen accessible to the public in the Alpena area. Bruski Sink, El Cajon Bay, Rockport State Park, Stevens Twin Sinks, and Mystery Valley and sinkholes at Rockport State Recreation Area are all great hiking opportunities to see this geological wonder.
- Hunt for Devonian Period fossils in the abandoned limestone quarry at Rockport State Recreation Area. During this one-of-a-kind adventure you will be sure to find fossilized remains from the "Age of the Fishes" from more than 400 million years ago.
A great place to start is Alpena’s Adventure Checklist. Try to hit all the activities or pre-select your favorite and get rolling!
Indoor activities
You can spend a rainy day getting your steps in at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, a great place to check out Alpena shipping history, shipwrecks, interactive displays and fun indoor play areas for the kids.
The Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan is another great place to spend a rainy afternoon. Check out a planetarium show and take a walk through the avenue of shops, a re-creation of what downtown Alpena was like over a hundred years ago in its lumber baron hayday.
The most comprehensive collection of lighthouses on the Great Lakes are found in the Alpena area with 7 lighthouses to explore. The closest 3 are Little Red, the New Presque Isle Lighthouse, and the Old Presque Isle Lighthouse.
Healthy eating options
Alpena offers excellent farm-to-table options offering everything from home-style, BBQ, vegetarian and vegan options. Just to name a few.
The Alpena Farmer's Market is open 2 days a week, Wednesday and Saturday. You can find fresh local produce, farm fresh eggs and meat, and artisan baked breads and other yummy treats at the outdoor market behind City Hall.
The Fresh Palate is a great option for vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike as everything is locally sourced and prepared with the finest care. At The Court Yard, with their own garden around back, you’re assured to have a fresh salad and fresh ingredients all summer long.
Other hot spots include John A. Lau Saloon, The Hungry Hippie food truck, Austin Brothers Brewery and Nick's Southside Diner.
Events and activities
For the adventurous, Michigan-loving atheltes, Alpena hosts:
- Hubbard Lake Tri - Located on Hubbard Lake, this event offers a view and race experience like no other. Hubbard Lake being the 4th largest shoreline distance lake in Michigan offers a beautiful, unforgettable view for the entire event. This event offers an Olympic and sprint distance triathlon, with relay options and of course the Hubbard Lake Cycling Road Race.
- XTerra Rockport Rugged - Join other rugged athletes for the off-road triathlon racing over roots, rocks and the mighty Lake Huron.
- Chippewa Hills Mountain Bike Race - A challenging race of endurance and strength through unforgiving hills and foliage.
- Great Donut Roll - An annual bike ride taking place every October that starts in Alpena and ends in Rogers City (30 miles north) at Knaebe's Mmmunchy Krunchy Apple Farm & Orchard.
Vacation planning
Ready to pack the car? Stutzman says, “Bring your curiosity for exploration, a positive attitude, and a mind for adventure. It’s not just one thing, it’s everything - bike, hike, paddle, pedal, swim, dive, fish - the full package of outdoor experiences is here waiting for your explorer’s spirit.”