Great Lakes Collection

Discover the charming downtown of Alpena during a guided walk. Meet your knowledgeable guide and set out to see the sights of the town called the “Sanctuary of the Great Lakes.” You will pass notable landmarks, including the IOOF Centennial Building, a well-preserved example of late Victorian-era commercial architecture, as well as a number of historically significant and uniquely shaped buildings that tell the story of the development of Alpena. Learn the story behind the inspiring murals on display throughout the downtown district and gain insight into local life in Alpena. Cap your walk with free time to explore the displays and artifacts at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, including an immersive storm experience while standing on the deck of a full-size replica of a schooner. Afterward, you will walk back to your ship.

Immerse yourself in Thunder Bay’s maritime heritage during a museum visit and boat ride over storied shipwrecks. Begin your exploration at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. On arrival, you will enjoy a video presentation showcasing the area’s shipwrecks and the research of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Next, explore the exhibits on your own, including a replica of a 19th-century schooner and simulator where you can experience the sensation of being caught on the water in the middle of a storm. Learn about the history of Great Lakes shipping and the many tragic shipwrecks that reside on the bottom of Lake Huron, as well as stories of miraculous survival, then view artifacts recovered from the lake. After, embark on a cruise into Thunder Bay with a guide on board a purpose-built, glass-bottom boat to glimpse the ships beneath the surface.

Explore the intertwined ecosystems that exist along the shoreline of Lake Huron during an expert-led nature walk. Located on its eponymous peninsula, the North Point Nature Preserve’s 133 acres are a mix of coastal marshes and old-growth forests. They are an important breeding habitat for a variety of lake fish and home to rare plants, wildlife and an important stopover point for migratory birds. Upon arrival, your guide will lead you along one of several trails—as you walk, learn about the different plants that grow here, as well as the ways in which the local communities help preserve the natural resources of the Great Lakes, then enjoy a beachfront bonfire where you can roast your own marshmallows to make s’mores. Depending on the time of day and season, you may observe numerous songbirds, shorebirds, and raptors, or even catch a glimpse of various northern woodland creatures.

Raise a glass to Alpena’s rich brewing history while sampling local brews. Alpena’s celebrated connection to barley and hops traces its roots to the logging boom of the late-19th century, when scores of European settlers came to the area in search of work. Soon, several local breweries began operating to supply libations to the numerous saloons that catered to satisfying the workers’ thirst. Prohibition put an end to the good times, but the industry has rebounded during the past decades; today, Alpena is home several noteworthy craft breweries. Follow your knowledgeable local guide on an exploration of the city’s intoxicating history during visits to two of its modern-day watering holes and a local wine producer. Savor a taste of their delightful creations and gain insight into their businesses, before returning to your ship.

Take to the air for panoramic views of Michigan’s northeastern Lower Peninsula from above. Head to the airfield where you will meet your expert pilot and receive a short safety briefing, then board a historic Britten-Norman Islander, a light utility aircraft renowned for its short takeoff and landing capabilities. After settling into your seat, ascend into the skies for a bird’s-eye view over Thunder Bay. Admire the scenery below as you fly over coastal and geological areas, keeping watch for the shallow-water shipwrecks that dot the bay. The highlight of your flight will be flyovers past four important lighthouses. See the Middle Island Lighthouse, only accessible by air or boat, as well as the Old and New Presque Isle Lighthouses and the Thunder Bay Lighthouse, one of the oldest operating lighthouses in Michigan. Return to the airfield, then head to your ship.

Cast a line into the fish-abundant waters of Thunder Bay, then savor your catch over a delicious lunch. At the pier, meet your knowledgeable skipper and board your private fishing charter. Then, set out into Thunder Bay, where you will try your hand at “hauling in the big one.” The waters of the bay and Lake Huron are rich with salmon and trout. Introduced into the Great Lakes during the late-19th century, both these game fish have thrived in their freshwater environments and are popular among anglers because of their size and sporting nature. Your skipper will regale you with local fish lore as you troll the waters; with any luck, your patience will be rewarded with a satisfying catch. Regardless of your success, you will return to shore and enjoy a delicious late lunch of freshly prepared fish by a local chef, before returning to your ship.

Explore two historic and well-preserved Michigan lighthouses on the shores of Lake Huron. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach to the northeastern shores of the lake. Here, you will find the two lighthouses, separated by just a mile. Visit the Old Presque Isle Lighthouse, built in 1840 and reaching a height of 30 feet; the oldest accessible lighthouse in Michigan, it is rumored to be haunted by a former keeper. Afterward, travel to the nearby New Presque Isle Lighthouse, built in 1870 to replace its counterpart and reaching 113 feet tall. Both stops will include guided tours of the buildings and the grounds. You will also have an opportunity to climb the stairs to the top of each tower, where you will admire sweeping views of the lake and harbor. At the conclusion of your excursion, you will return to your ship.

Try your hand at crafting with beach glass at a community maker space and gallery. Meet your guide at the pier and take a short walk to Art in the Loft, nestled in the heart of downtown Alpena. The 7,000-square-foot loft is home to a gallery and art studios, where local artists come together to create and display their work. Upon arrival, you will explore the building and the exhibits on display with your guide. At a local makerspace marketplace, you will enjoy a presentation on Great Lakes beach glass and see examples of these weather-worn treasures as you hear stories about where they were found. After a short coffee break, you will participate in a guided workshop and create your own piece of beach glass art to take home. At the end of your visit, you will have time to browse the gallery on your own, before returning to your awaiting ship.

Visit a national marine sanctuary and gain insight into the technology used to conduct important research. Established in 2000, the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary works to protect a collection of nearly 100 historic shipwrecks in Lake Huron, and to promote research and community involvement. At the center, meet a maritime archaeologist and learn about the latest developments in marine technology, including remotely operated vehicles or ROVs; unmanned, highly maneuverable machines that can be used to explore ocean depths from the surface. Hear about how ROVs have changed the landscape of marine science and try your hand at constructing and piloting one yourself in the marine training tank. Complete tasks modeled after those that researchers complete in the field. After, you may have the opportunity to pilot a professional-grade ROV, before returning to your awaiting ship.

Visit the Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan to gain insight into the region’s storied history. After a short drive, discover the museum’s offerings, including the Great Lakes Fishery Heritage Exhibit. Here, interactive stations and multimedia storytelling illustrate the evolution of commercial fishing and the influence of invasive species on the Great Lakes. See the restored 1928 fishing tug Katherine V and the research vessel Chinook. Meet members of the Great Lakes Fisheries Heritage Consortium to learn about ongoing research and the role science has played in shaping the Great Lakes over time. After a visual presentation in the Sky Theater planetarium, cap your visit with time to explore more on your own—view displays such as the Historic Village, home to original structures that are more than 100 years old, and the Alpena Motor Car Company exhibit.