Self-Guided Tours

Historic Homes

Visitors can enjoy beautifully restored and preserved historic homes along tree-lined Washington Avenue and the U.S. 23 and M-32 corridors. Alpena’s historic homes, some dating back to the 19^th century, capture the look and spirit of a long-past era. Examples of Gothic Revival, Italianate, Romanesque and early 20^th century Commercial, Beaux arts and Renaissance revival structures can be found. Pick up a free brochure at the Community Development Building or at the Alpena County Library.

 Take the “Lights of Northern Lake Huron Tour: In the days before ship-to-shore radio and global positioning systems, lighthouses were the only signposts on the Great Lakes. If you couldn’t see them or the stars and sun, you were driving blind. This self-guided driving tour encompasses 20 key maritime destinations while following the journey of the Durston during the great storm of 1913. You can check out the tour by downloading "Lights of Northern Lake Huron" PDF.  You may also stop by the Community Development Building in Alpena and pick up a printed copy of the tour. For more information, call (989) 354-4181.

 Sinkholes
There are about 100 of these natural geologic wonders in the Alpena area and 200 across Northern Michigan. Only the Stevens Twin Sinks, the Bruski Sink, and "Mystery Valley"-Sunken Lake are open for public viewing. Pick up a brochure at the Community Development Building to find the sites, near Maple Lane and Leer Roads.

Alcona County Quilt Trail Project
The Alcona County Quilt Trail Project consists of large wooden quilt blocks, which are mounted on barns or other structures or sites of interest in Alcona County. Quilt Trail brochures are available online at www.alconaquilttrail.com or at the Hollyhock Quilt Shop on Main Street in Harrisville. For more information, call 989-724-7788.