DOWNTOWN ALPENA
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arts + culture

Downtown Alpena is proud to be a center of creativity, expression, culture and arts education ​for the entire region of Northeast Michigan. 
Visual + Culinary Arts
Performance Art
History + Culture
 

Visual + Culinary Arts

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Art in the Loft 
​109 N. Second Ave. 

​Art in the Loft is a premier, regional fine arts center and gallery located on the third floor of the Center Building in Downtown Alpena. As a gallery space, Art in the Loft offers local artists the opportunity to display and sell their work. As a fine arts center, they offer classes in visual and culinary arts to everyone in the community regardless of age, ability or identity. For more information click here.
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My Glass Wings
106 N. Second Ave.

​My Glass Wings is a stained glass studio and gift shop featuring one-of-a-kind custom pieces from owner Tina Montgomery as well as stained glass classes, supplies and repairs. For more information, click here.
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Bob's Bullpen
125 N. Second Ave.
Bob's Bullpen is more than a comic book shop. After expanding into the adjacent space in 2018, Bob's Bullpen has begun to offer classes in art and illustration. For more information on their classes and schedule, click here.
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Brush Up Pottery & Art Studio
150 N. State St. 
Brush Up Pottery & Art Studio is a Paint Your Own Pottery and Canvas Painting studio. Offering ceramic, canvas and wood painting. Our studio provides the tools for you to create your next big masterpiece.
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Thunder Bay Arts 
127 W. Chisholm St.

Thunder Bay Art is a cooperative gallery comprised of local artists from Northeast Michigan. The gallery is sponsored by Thunder Bay Arts Council, which is also responsible for bringing art in all forms to the community and organizing "Art on the Bay," an art fair that takes place adjacent to downtown every July. For more information, click here.
 

Performance Art 


Thunder Bay Theatre

Downtown Alpena is home to Northeast Michigan’s only year-round professional theater, Thunder Bay Theatre (400 N. Second Ave). Housed in a hundred-year-old building, Thunder Bay Theatre provides both professional performances and educational programming all year round, utilizing a professional core company augmented with community talent.

Thunder Bay Theatre's building is currently closed due to the fire at the neighboring building in July 2020. Check out their website by clicking the button below for updates and upcoming virtual programming. 
learn more about TBT
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History + Culture

Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary | Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center

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GLASS BOTTOM BOAT TOURS

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EVENTS

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EDUCATION

Alpena, Michigan is home to Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (TBNMS), the only freshwater Marine Sanctuary in the world. TBNMS protects a nationally significant collection of historic shipwrecks. Through resource protection, research, and education, TBNMS works to ensure that future generations will continue to value our irreplaceable underwater treasures.

Visit the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, located at 500 W. Fletcher Street in downtown Alpena, which is the visitor center for the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, featuring exciting exhibits for all ages. Exploring the Shipwreck Century is located in the center’s main hall and includes a full-size replica wooden Great Lakes schooner and shipwreck where visitors can walk the decks, feel a Great Lakes storm, and touch the massive timbers of the boat resting on the lake bottom … without getting wet! For more information, check out their website here. 
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The glass-bottom boat, Lady Michigan, also operates out of the visitor center and offers cruises through Thunder Bay to learn more about the maritime history and shipwrecks of Alpena. Learn more about Alpena Shipwreck tours here.

Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library

The Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library was established as a county library in 1967. The library offers extensive resources for historical research, enrichment opportunities, and educational support. They are serve as a regional gathering place for learning and cultural experiences, like author visits, Monday Night Movies,  the Summer Reading Program and much more.

The Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library's downtown location has officially reopened after a $2 million renovation. For updates on their renovation, check out their website.
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RESEARCH
EVENTS
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PROGRAMS
Catalog

Alpena Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

124 E. Chisholm St.
Alpena, MI  49707
(989) 356-6422
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  • Our Downtown
    • Testimonials
    • In the Media
  • Plan Your Visit
    • Arts + Culture
    • Food + Drink
    • Shopping >
      • Apparel + Accessories
      • Books
      • Home + Gift
      • Fitness + Outdoor Recreation
      • Specialty Shops
    • Events >
      • Alpena Ice Festival
      • Shades of Fall
      • Restaurant Week
  • Grow Your Business
    • Available Properties
    • Grants + Incentives
    • For Merchants
  • DDA Info
    • PROPOSED BOUNDARY EXPANSION
    • Programs + Projects >
      • Alpena Downtown Ambassador Program
      • Downtown Beautification
      • Downtown Dollars
      • Downtown Street Performers
      • Facade Grants
      • Fresh Waves Mural Project
      • Retail Recruitment Grant
      • Social District
      • Social Media Boosted Post Matching Program
    • Press
    • Contact Us
  • Parking