THUNDER BAY MARINE SANCTUARY | GREAT LAKES MARITIME HERITAGE CENTER
GLASS BOTTOM BOAT TOURS |
EVENTS |
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.
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.
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.
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.
THE STATE MOVIE THEATER
Downtown Alpena has one three-screen movie theater which is currently owned and operated by AMC. The State Theater (206 N. Second Ave) is housed in the historic Maltz theater.
Love film? Many other film events happen throughout the year, including:
- Summer Movies by the Bay, free outdoor movie screenings at the Alpena Band Shell during the summer
- Sunrise 45 Film Festival, an independent film festival in August which features screenings and art events at various downtown venues
- Thunder Bay International Film Festival, an ocean and lake related festival organized through Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Showtimes can be found here.
Love film? Many other film events happen throughout the year, including:
- Summer Movies by the Bay, free outdoor movie screenings at the Alpena Band Shell during the summer
- Sunrise 45 Film Festival, an independent film festival in August which features screenings and art events at various downtown venues
- Thunder Bay International Film Festival, an ocean and lake related festival organized through Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Showtimes can be found 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.