We know summer is awesome, but so is winter and winter often misses out on the credit it deserves. We are challenging you to come to Alpena and experience a TRUE Michigan winter. 
Are you up for it? The snowfall and outdoor recreation opportunities are not over yet. Here is a list of ideas to get your winter visit started:

Winter sunrise at Bay View Park by Steve Jakubcin

  • snowshoe Besser Natural Area
  • cross-country ski Norway Ridge Pathway
  • ice fish Grand Lake, Long Lake, Fletcher’s Pond, & Hubbard Lake
  • hike Rockport State Recreation Area
  • winter forest bathe at any local wooded park or state forest land
  • ice skate outdoors at Bay View Park
  • ice skate indoors at Northern Lights Arena
  • snowmobile the NEST trail
  • winter fun
Opt for one of these cozy, year-round cabins, cottages, and B&B’s in the Alpena area to keep you safe and warm after a long day outdoors:
At Brothers Bay
From beach-goers to snowmobilers, this is a year-round vacation home for visitors enjoying all four of Michigan’s seasons. Located on Long Lake at Brothers Bay Point, where you will find a stunning panoramic view. Sleeps 4-5 people comfortably with 2 bedrooms, full kitchen, washer and dryer, BBQs (gas and charcoal), picnic area, Direct TV, Wi-Fi, and heated slate floors for these cold months.
Fletcher’s Landing
Fletcher’s Landing offers waterfront cabins located on the shores of the 9,000-acre fishing paradise that is Fletcher Pond. Accommodations consist of 14 waterfront cabins and duplexes that sleep three to six persons. Each features a kitchen and private bathroom. Also included with your rental are dock space, a campfire pit, and a picnic table.
Year-round fishing at Fletcher Floodwaters

Year-round fishing at Fletcher Floodwaters, photo courtesy Fletcher’s Landing.

Hemlock Hills on Mill Pond- Cottage on Sunken Lake
This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom lake cottage (updated in 2019), sleeps up to 10 people. Fully furnished with bedding and linens provided. Outdoor living area with gas grill overlooking the beautiful and tranquil Sunken Lake. Firepit with firewood and pets welcome.
Hemlock Hills on Mill Pond- The Cabin
Year-round, with 5 bedrooms, and 3 ½ bathrooms (updated in 2016), this custom luxury home will sleep up to 13 people and is located on more than 50 acres. The Cabin features a gourmet kitchen, a game room with a pool table, and a laundry room. Unique custom features throughout the fully furnished home with bedding and linens provided. Outside features include an outdoor kitchen, patio, deck, a 2nd story balcony overlooking the Thunder Bay River, and a fire pit complete with a fully-stocked firewood stand. Explore more than 3 miles of walking trails through a beautiful hardwood forest with ancient Hemlock trees. The 180′ boardwalk overlooking Mill Pond gives you ample opportunity to watch the wildlife or a perfect sunset. 350 acres available for snowmobiling. No pets allowed.
Hemlock Hills on Mill Pond- The Mill House
This 5 Bedroom, 2 ½ bathroom country home sleeps up to 10 people and is fully furnished, including bedding and linens. You’ll find all the comforts of home, including a full kitchen and laundry room. The home is located directly on the Historic Elowsky Grist Mill property with a beautiful view of the Thunder Bay River from the front porch. The property is available for weddings, corporate, and private events. Firepit with firewood. 350 acres available for snowmobiling. Pets welcome.
Jack’s Landing
Fletcher Pond is Michigan’s 11th largest inland lake, with 9,000 acres of pure fish habitat, and home to one of the largest concentrations of Northern Pike, Large Mouth Bass, and panfish in the State. Jacks Landing, the original landing of the floodwaters, offers a complete array of lodging, camping, and services to make for an enjoyable getaway. Considering ice fishing this winter? Rent a 4 x 8 propane heated ice shanty and fish in comfort! Whether you are an avid fisherman or want to introduce your family to ice fishing, this is a great winter activity.
Ice on Fletcher Pond at Jack's Landing

Ice on Fletcher Pond at Jack’s Landing

The Parker House
Northern Michigan resort featuring breakfast, lunch, and dinner every Friday and Saturday during the winter months. Cabins are available for rent year-round on beautiful Long Lake, popular for spectacular sunrises and sunsets, snowmobiling, and ice fishing during this time of year.
Planning for summer?
You can find a complete list of resorts, cabins, cottages, B&Bs, hotels, and motels by going to https://www.visitalpena.com/stay/
And if hotels/motels are more your style, you can find the complete list here: https://www.visitalpena.com/stay/hotels-motels/
Did we miss you? Do you have a year-round cabin, cottage, or resort rental in the Alpena area to add to this list? Email nicole@visitalpena.com.

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