History of Alpena

Long before lumberjacks and cement factories dominated the area, Alpena and its surrounding neighborhoods were home to the Anishinaabe peoples—mainly the Ojibwa and Ottawa tribes. They knew a good thing when they saw it: forests full of game, rivers teeming with fish, and Lake Huron’s Thunder Bay being its typical stormy self (spoiler alert: that’s how it got the name “Thunder Bay”).

Fast-forward to the 19th century, and European settlers started to roll in; axes in hand! With its lush forests full of strong maple and oak trees, Alpena quickly became a lumberjack’s dream. By 1871, it was officially a city and a big-time player in Michigan’s lumber industry.

But like all good things, it came to an end in the early 1900s. Pressured by changing times and increasing deforestation, Alpena switched its gears toward another valuable export: limestone —perfect for making cement! The Huron Portland Cement Company (now Lafarge) was established, making Alpena the cement capital of the country for a short time. The factory is still around today; doing its thing and keeping the local economy strong.

Today, Alpena is home to about 10,000 awesome people. It’s the kind of place where you can kayak at sunrise, grab a coffee downtown, and explore a shipwreck all before lunch! Whether you’re into history, nature, or just good people and beautiful views; Alpena has a little something for everyone.

To learn more about Alpena’s history with a spooky twist, book a tour with us today!