Recreation

Approximately 13 miles long, the path travels through several of Alpena's scenic city parks and beaches along the Thunder Bay River and Lake Huron. Parking is available at several sites along the path. An excellent tour of the city by foot, rollerblade, or bike.

Swimming lessons from infant to adult, open swims, lap and exercise swims, senior citizen swims and any age (family fun) swims. Water walking, rehab and water aerobics are also offered. The pool is also available for rental. 1-800-816-0575 (pager)

12 station sporting clays, trap, skeet, archery, 3-D archery, 100 to 600-yard rifle ranges and muzzleloader range. Open to the public year-round.

Alpena’s newest fitness club is dedicated to improving health and inspiring life. Located in Alpena Regional Medical Center’s new HealthPlex, Bay Athletic Club (BAC), offers group exercise classes, Women’s Express (30-minute circuit), personal training, massage therapy and more! BAC also offers member day care services and the Sunprint Café - their own juice and coffee bar. For more information, call or visit web site.

One-mile foot trail, through an area formerly inhabited by the people of the Village of Bell. Some remains of buildings, a virgin stand of white pine trees, a lagoon and beautiful beach. 14 miles north of Alpena.

Open the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve. Hours on opening day and weekend are 11:00 a.m. until dark daily. After opening weekend, the farm is open Saturdays 11:00 a.m. until dark, Sundays 1:00 p.m. until dark and weekdays 3:00 p.m. until dark. Sleigh rides (or wagon rides if there is no snow) are offered on the first two Saturdays of December. To find the farm, go to the blinker light in Ossineke and follow the signs for two miles, 1 mile west on Nicholson Hill Road, then 1 mile south on Behning Rd.

Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for GPS users. Pronounced geo-cashing, it is the sport of treasure hunting using a Global Positioning Unit instead of a map. There are many caches hidden in the Alpena area and a regional organization meets regularly and hosts events. For more information, visit their web site.

We offer recreational and extended range wreck diving opportunities from Alpena to Whitefish Point. Full-service dive shop, sales, repair, air, nitrox, rentals and classes.

Mysterious, remote and undeveloped, Negwegon State Park is a hidden treasure with 10 miles of hiking trails and one of the most beautiful beaches on Lake Huron. Drivers should be wary of the entry route to the park…part of it is a sandy two-track road. Negwegon is located on US-23 12 miles north of Harrisville. No services, no camping.

Unique lagoon and barrier wetland on the shore of Lake Huron's Thunder Bay. Walk over 1/4 mile of boardwalks that will take you out into this fresh water coastal marsh. Observe a variety of wetland creatures from three separate observation decks, each providing its own special view. Depending upon the season, migrating birds, wetland animals and a variety of plant life may be seen. An educational resource library and classroom are available for individuals, families and groups. A very knowledgeable staff is available by appointment to explain and guide you on your tour. The facility is now fenced and gated due to security, but tours are available (usually within 24 hours) May 1 through October 31. Admission is $1.00 adults, children under 12 free.

Skateboarders and rollerbladers can try their skills at these free parks. Located on Ninth Ave. east of the bridge, Riverside Skate Park features 15,000 square feet of surface with 14 ramps and elements, including a halfpipe. A smaller version of Riverside, Mich-E-Kewis Mini Skate Park is designed for the beginning skater with ramps 3-4 feet high. Safety equipment is recommended, and skating enthusiasts use at their own risk. For more information, call Direct Skate Shop at (989) 354-7758

There are about 200 of these natural wonders in the Alpena area, but only the Stevens Twin sinks and the Bruski sink are open for public viewing. Pick up a brochure at the Community Development Building to find the site, near Maple Lane and Leer Road.

Darrell and Lee Spragg (Spragg’s Belgians) offer this popular and traditional activity on winter weekends for any size group up to 100. The ride usually lasts 2 1/2 hours and involves climbing aboard a horse-drawn sleigh and then winding through scenic (and at night, moonlit) forest trails. Bring your own grub (hot dogs, s'more fixings, etc.) and enjoy a winter cook-out at the waiting campfire before the return trip. There is a bathroom and a warming station. For more information, call (989) 379-4403.

The Raft Store specializes in inflatable kayaks and inflatable rafts, whitewater boats and whitewater gear. They carry a wide variety of rafting accessories as well as new and used rafts and frames. Shop in their showroom or online. The Raft Store is open year round! The Raft Store is a family owned store. Russell Sanderson, owner of The Raft Store, is a professional whitewater guide with over 25 years experience. The store is located at 2313 State Street US 23 South, Alpena, MI 49707.

Located 24 miles north of Alpena on US 23 North, this natural area encompasses 5,000 acres of sand dunes, upland and marsh. In Michigan, there are fewer than 50 remaining examples of "forested wet swale communities" of this quality. The area supports one of the largest known populations in the world of the federal and state-threatened dwarf lake iris, Michigan's state wildflower. Thousands of iris shoots, and several other plant species of special concern grow in the area. Situated along seven and a half miles of Lake Huron shoreline, this undeveloped park provides a rustic retreat for hikers exploring the park's six miles of trails. Park at the trail-head off of US-23.

Fitness center with cardiovascular equipment and weight training. Group fitness classes, personal training, massage therapy, sauna and hot tub, and volleyball and basketball. Also, the Alpena Tennis Association manages two indoor courts. The building houses a banquet facility with complete kitchen. Fully air conditioned.