lighthouse in a state park near alpena michiganThe incredibly beautiful state of Michigan is known for its fishing opportunities, good food, and healthy trees. It is the perfect state for anyone who truly wants to experience nature. The more you explore Michigan, the more beauty you find.

Some of the beauty of Michigan can be found in its state parks. These state parks contain stunning landscapes that serve as backdrops for pictures and inspiration for artists. The parks also have clear lakes and healthy meadows. Of all the state parks in Michigan, the ones near Alpena are some of the best.

Most state parks near Alpena are slightly undeveloped, making them the ideal vacation spot for anyone looking for a tranquil retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

There are several state parks near Alpena, and in this article, we will be listing some of the best ones. You will definitely spot your next vacation location on this list.

Map of State Parks Near Alpena MI

Here is a map of the Michigan state parks covered in this post:

List of State Parks Near Alpena

Located throughout Michigan, these five fantastic state parks near Alpena are all fabulous places to visit. If you want to reconnect with nature, you would be well advised to check them all out. We have added a brief description of each park, so you know what to expect from them.

1. Negwegon State Park

Location: Ossineke, MI 49766

This park is an undeveloped oasis with a peaceful environment that helps you leave the stress of city life behind you and soak in nature’s calmness. It offers outdoor activities and the opportunity to enjoy a secluded and quiet environment.

The park is located about 12 miles away from Alpena. It offers picnic areas for families and friend groups to have fun together and an 11-mile trail for hikers to hike and enjoy the view.

Guests can also hunt in the forest or sail a canoe on Lake Huron. There is a long sandy beach where you can relax on the soft sand while watching the waves of Lake Huron splash back and forth. In addition, this park has several primitive campsites for visitors who want to spend the night.

2. Sturgeon Point State Park

Location: 6036 Point Rd, Harrisville, MI 48740

Sturgeon Point State Park is located around 32 miles from Alpena. The park is an undeveloped recreational area that is great for family outings or retreats. You can escape to the rustic environment of this state park to enjoy the calm breeze and beautiful landscapes.

In this state park, you will find a historic white house known as the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse. It was built in 1869 and is open to guests who want to climb up and explore its interior. You only need to walk five miles into the park before seeing the lighthouse.

The park also has a museum for visitors to visit and learn about the park’s history and the lighthouse. You can swim in Lake Huron or view wildlife and wildflowers while walking on the park grounds.

3. Harrisville State Park

beach on great lake in a state park near alpena michiganLocation: 248 State Park Rd, Harrisville, MI 48740

This state park is surrounded by a charming pine forest and is located around 32 miles from Alpena. Harrisville State Park is one of the oldest state parks in Michigan.

You can sink your feet in the sand or build sandcastles with the kids on the mile-long sandy beach.

Birdwatchers can also enjoy watching various migrating warblers and other birds, such as woodpeckers, sparrows, and wrens.

The park has a multi-use trail available for hikers, bikers, and cross-country skiers. You can hike through the trail or rest at the picnic areas. The park offers bike rentals, so you can rent one instead of bringing one from home. There are also sports fields for different types of fun sports games.

For overnight guests, the park has a rustic-style cabin, separate mini-cabins, and modern campsites available. There are 195 sites on the campgrounds which means there is more than enough space for everyone.

4. Thompson’s Harbor State Park

sheltered cove in a state park near alpena michiganLocation: Posen, MI 49776

Thompson’s Harbor State Park is located 26 miles north of Alpena. The park has six miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and cross-country skiers to enjoy. The park contains a variety of wildflowers, including the largest known population of dwarf lake iris. This particular wildflower is Michigan’s state wildflower, an endangered plant.

The park also grows several other endangered plant species, such as the iris shoots. Visitors can view these beautiful wildflowers while they hike through the trails. This park also offers birdwatchers an opportunity to view several different types of birds. When you hike through the trails, you can also view wildlife such as coyotes and deer.

This park is slightly undeveloped, which makes it perfect for visitors who want a more rustic experience. The park has rustic cabins available for campers to spend the night, and boaters can rent kayaks to sail on Lake Huron.

5. Hoeft State Park

Location: 5001 US-23, Rogers City, MI 49779

This park is home to the world’s largest limestone quarry, Calcite Limestone Quarry. It is located 38 miles from Alpena. In 2009, this gorgeous state park was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The park also has a lovely picnic shelter with fire pits and grills. From the picnic shelter, picnickers can enjoy a magnificent view of Lake Huron. You can also rent the picnic shelter to host a family reunion, get-together, or wedding.

Hikers have a four-and-a-half-mile trail to hike through; this trail runs through the shoreline of Lake Huron, and during spring, hikers can enjoy the view of stunning wildflowers. The trails can be used for hiking and cross-country skiing.

For bicyclists, there is a safe, vehicle-free, paved 10-foot wide trail not too far from the park entrance. And while cycling, you can view the Calcite Limestone Quarry. There are playgrounds, horseshoe pits, and volleyball pits available in the park. You could also go swimming in Lake Huron or spend the night at the campgrounds or in the cabin.

Conclusion

Enjoy a relaxing day or night at any of these lovely state parks. You can leave your worries behind you and soak up the sun or engage in a fun recreational activity in the park. Whatever you need to relax, these parks have it.