Alpena County, Michigan
Alpena County is located along the northeastern coast of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, where Thunder Bay meets Lake Huron. Its scenic waterfront and Great Lakes setting give the county a distinctive coastal character.
Historic lighthouses line parts of the shoreline, while numerous shipwrecks lie beneath the waters of Thunder Bay. Many of these underwater wrecks are protected within the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, preserving an important part of the region’s maritime heritage.
The county’s history is deeply connected to logging and fishing, industries that helped shape its communities and economy. Today, Alpena County combines industry with tourism, attracting visitors with hiking trails, fishing spots, waterfront scenery, and excellent stargazing opportunities.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Alpena County |
| County Seat | Alpena |
| Etymology | Named after a made-up word by Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, intended to sound like a Native American name |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Alpena, Ossineke, Hubbard Lake, Lachine, Long Rapids, Herron |
| Interstates and Highways | US 23, M-32, M-65 |
| FIPS Code | 26-007 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 1,695 square miles (Land: 574 sq mi, Water: 1,121 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Alcona County (South), Oscoda County (Southwest), Montmorency County (West), Presque Isle County (North) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (ET) |
| State | Michigan |
| Coordinates | 45.0617° N, 83.4327° W |
| Major Landmarks | Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Rockport State Recreation Area, Alpena Bi-Path |
| Population | Approximately 27,000 |