|
Alpena is the county seat for Alpena County. It is located at the mouth of Thunder Bay River on Thunder Bay on Lake Huron’s northwestern coastline. W. F. Cullings, a fisherman, became the first settler about 1835. In 1856, George N. Fletcher and three companions from Detroit laid out the village which they named Fremont for General John C. Fremont, but there was another Fremont in Michigan and so this one was given a post office as Alpena, with Daniel Carter becoming its first postmaster on December 2, 1857. Renamed Thunder Bay (it was near Thunder Bay) on January 4, 1859, but changed back to Alpena on February 11, 1859. Incorporated as a city in 1871. Named after its county which was first named Anamickee after a Chippewa Chief, but renamed Alpena, the Indian word for partridge, at the suggestion of Henry Rowe Schoolcraft. Informational excerpts from Michigan Place Names, by Walter Romig, L.H.D.
The “old town” section of town located north of the Thunder Bay River has many well preserved turn of the century buildings. The downtown shopping area is conveniently located next door to the marina and attracts many boaters visiting the city. The numerous shipwrecks located in the Thunder Bay Underwater Preserve attract scuba divers fro all over the country. Several charter boat services are available for individuals wishing to try their luck fishing on Thunder Bay. Alpena has numerous fine restaurants, motels and resorts to accommodate tourists visiting the community.
Jesse Besser Museum with its planetarium and Thunder Bay Theatre provide unique cultural experiences. Alpena’s economy is supported by cement production, paper processing and manufacturing automotive and machine parts. Population: 11,354. City Hall: 208 N. First Ave., Alpena, MI 49707, (989) 354-4158
|
|
BUSINESS, ORGANIZATION & RECREATIONAL RESOURCES
|
|
Alpena Golf Club, 1135 Golf Course Road, Alpena, MI 49707, Phone: (989) 354-5052.
|
|
Art in the Loft at Gallery 109, 109 N 2nd Ave Suite 300, Alpena, MI 49707, Phone: (989) 356-4877
|
|
Campers Cove RV Park & Canoe Livery, 5005 Long Rapids Road, Alpena, MI 49707, Phone: (989) 356-3708
|
|
Jesse Besser Museum, 491 Johnson St., Alpena, MI 49707, Phone: (989) 356-2202
|
|
Olivet Book & Gift, 100 N 2nd Ave, Alpena, MI 49707, Phone: (989) 354-3331
|
|
Partridge Point Wetland, 1175 N. Partridge Point Rd., Alpena, MI 49707, Phone: (989) 356-4812
|
|
Thunder Bay Island Lighthouse, Thunder Bay Island, Alpena, MI 49707, Phone: (800) 425-7362.
|
|
Middle Island Keeper's Lodge, Middle Island Light Station, Alpena, MI 49707, Phone: (989) 356-1385
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
