08/31/2026
Here are some notes from our lighthouse tour in and around Alpena this weekend.
• It's technically possible to do all of them in a single day but I wouldn't recommend it.
• Two require a boat, so coordination with a tour company is required.
Accessible by vehicle:
• 40 Mile Point Lighthouse - (Rogers City) nicest grounds
• New Presque Isle Light Station - tallest climb
• Old Presque Isle Lighthouse - best traditional
• Alpena’s “Little Red” Lighthouse - smallest of the group
• Sturgeon Point Lighthouse - (Harrisonville)
Accessible by boat:
• Middle Island Light Station
• Thunder Bay Island Lighthouse
I recommend starting with a full tank of gas, some drinks, and snacks. All three of those items are not readily accessible during part of the trip. We needed some snacks at one point there simply wasn't an option to buy any.
We stayed in Alpena at the Holiday Inn Express downtown. For us, it's the perfect location downtown close to restaurants, the river, scenic walks, shops, ice cream, and sightseeing. My recommendation for dinner one night is Red Brick Tap and Barrel.
The other recommendations that are walkable from the hotel is Mango's Tequila Bar, or Black Sheep Tavern. Hopside Brewery and Distillery is another option, but it's more of a microbrew pub than a restaurant.
We visited Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center and it provides alot of background about the historical significance of Alpena.
I knew nothing about Alpena two days ago, but the city's significance in Michigan's history of shipping on the Great Lakes cannot be overstated.
It's definitely worth a 4-hour drive for a two or three day weekend trip. To see lighthouses, the recommendation is to go in July or August, since access is seasonal.
https://www.visitalpena.com/adventures/lighthouses/
