our story
Historic Downtown Alpena is the food, arts, and regional hub of Northeast Michigan, located on the shores of the Thunder Bay River and beautiful Lake Huron. As a major port of the lumber era, Downtown Alpena is home to a significant amount of historic buildings from the turn of the 19th century that have been preserved & renovated over the years.
Now Downtown Alpena is home to a diverse and vibrant set of nearly 200 businesses, including art galleries, a year-round professional live theater, a winery, the only Marine Sanctuary located on the Great Lakes, and a variety of offices, restaurants, bars, non-profits and shops. Alpena is the second largest city in Northern Michigan, second only to Traverse City, and our downtown is proud to be the commercial and cultural heart of our community.
If you haven’t taken a stroll through Downtown Alpena in a while, you’ll find that a lot has changed. There are so many new spots of growth, with new retail businesses opening their doors, new restaurants serving delicious meals, year-round festivities and events, and your old favorite shops and spaces waiting to welcome you with a smile.
Downtown Alpena is vibrant, artsy, and growing. Come join us!
Now Downtown Alpena is home to a diverse and vibrant set of nearly 200 businesses, including art galleries, a year-round professional live theater, a winery, the only Marine Sanctuary located on the Great Lakes, and a variety of offices, restaurants, bars, non-profits and shops. Alpena is the second largest city in Northern Michigan, second only to Traverse City, and our downtown is proud to be the commercial and cultural heart of our community.
If you haven’t taken a stroll through Downtown Alpena in a while, you’ll find that a lot has changed. There are so many new spots of growth, with new retail businesses opening their doors, new restaurants serving delicious meals, year-round festivities and events, and your old favorite shops and spaces waiting to welcome you with a smile.
Downtown Alpena is vibrant, artsy, and growing. Come join us!
what's new
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JOIN US FOR THE FIRST ANNUAL FLOWER FESTIVAL!
On Friday, June 2 & Saturday, June 3, our downtown will be decked out with flowers! Over 30+ businesses will be decorated with flowers-- hanging installations, archways, swags, and more! There will be other floral inspired activities throughout the festival, including live music, an alleyway party, a special story-time for kids and floral crown craft, and more! Learn more and view a full schedule below. |
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THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS!
A huge thank you to the 20+ volunteers who helped us plant 2400+ begonias downtown! These flowers were donated by the generous contributions of community members, organizations, and businesses. Your time and donations truly help brighten and beautify our downtown for this upcoming summer season! |
announcements
upcoming meetingsThe Alpena Downtown Development Authority Board of Directors has its June 2023 Meeting on Tuesday, June 6 at 3:00 pm. The meeting will take place at City Hall Council Chambers (208 N. First Ave). with the option for the public to join virtually. The agenda and virtual link is below.
The DDA held two informational meetings this December to present projects, investments, and accomplishments. Want to learn more about what the DDA worked on last year? Check out the links below.
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The Alpena DDA is excited to announce its mural project, Fresh Waves, recently won a 2021 award for Best Placemaking Project through the Michigan Downtown Association! You can learn more about the project and award by clicking here. |
