Cities and Towns in Alpena County, Michigan
Founded in 1840 (boundaries declared) and 1857 (organized), Alpena County is one of 83 counties in the state of Michigan. Historically, Alpena County was formed from part of Mackinac County, and unorganized territory which was named Anamickee County until 1843. The city of Alpena is the county seat. With FIPS code of 7, Alpena County has a population of 28,893 and area of 1,695 square miles (4,390 km²).
List of all cities in Alpena County, MI alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Alpena, MI | 49707 | 989 |
| Herron, MI | 49744 | 989 |
| Hubbard Lake, MI | 49747 | 989 |
| Lachine, MI | 49753 | 989 |
| Ossineke, MI | 49766 | 989 |
Major Cities and Towns in Alpena County, Michigan
Alpena
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 9.23 square miles
- Population: Approximately 10,197 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49707
- Latitude: 45.0617° N
- Longitude: 83.4327° W
Location and History
Alpena, the county seat of Alpena County, is located on the shores of Thunder Bay in Lake Huron. Founded in 1840, the city became a major center for lumbering during the 19th century, taking advantage of its proximity to vast forests and Lake Huron for transportation. As the lumber industry declined, Alpena diversified into cement manufacturing and shipping, thanks to the availability of limestone and other raw materials. Today, Alpena is a blend of historical heritage and natural beauty, serving as the gateway to the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which preserves shipwrecks in Lake Huron. Alpena’s rich maritime history and natural surroundings make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Alpena is served by Alpena Public Schools, with Alpena High School being the main secondary school in the area. Major landmarks include the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, which offers exhibits on the history of shipwrecks in the Thunder Bay region, and the Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan, which focuses on the region’s cultural and natural history. The city is also home to Alpena’s Downtown Historic District, featuring many preserved 19th-century buildings. Alpena’s beaches, including Mich-E-Ke-Wis Park, offer stunning views of Lake Huron, while nearby Rockport State Recreation Area is popular for fossil hunting and outdoor activities.
Ossineke
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.88 square miles
- Population: Approximately 900 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49766
- Latitude: 44.9006° N
- Longitude: 83.4331° W
Location and History
Ossineke is a small community located about 10 miles south of Alpena, along U.S. Route 23 and the shores of Lake Huron. Founded in the late 19th century, Ossineke was originally a farming and logging town. Its name is derived from the Native American word for “place of the image stones,” referencing the area’s Native American heritage. Ossineke’s development mirrored that of other northern Michigan towns, with agriculture and small-scale industry forming the backbone of its economy. Today, Ossineke is a quiet residential community known for its access to Lake Huron and outdoor recreation, especially along the nearby Thunder Bay River.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ossineke is part of the Alpena Public Schools district, with students attending nearby schools in Alpena. Major landmarks include the Dinosaur Gardens Prehistoric Zoo, an iconic roadside attraction featuring life-sized dinosaur sculptures set within a botanical garden, drawing tourists and locals alike. Ossineke State Forest Campground offers camping and hiking opportunities in the natural beauty of northern Michigan. Ossineke also hosts the annual Ossineke Summerfest, a community celebration with parades, games, and family activities that highlights the town’s strong sense of community and connection to its rural surroundings.
Hubbard Lake
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 49.0 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,200 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49747
- Latitude: 44.7789° N
- Longitude: 83.5708° W
Location and History
Hubbard Lake is a large unincorporated community situated around the lake of the same name in the southern part of Alpena County. The lake, covering about 8,850 acres, has long been a popular spot for fishing, boating, and summer cottages. Originally settled in the late 19th century, the area developed as a resort destination for both locals and visitors from Michigan’s larger cities. Over the years, Hubbard Lake became known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, particularly its clear waters and forested surroundings, which attract anglers, campers, and nature lovers.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hubbard Lake is served by Alpena Public Schools, with students attending nearby schools in Alpena and Ossineke. Major landmarks include the Hubbard Lake Nature Preserve, which protects a portion of the lake’s shoreline and offers hiking trails and wildlife observation areas. The lake itself is a central attraction, known for its excellent fishing, particularly for walleye, bass, and perch. Nearby Hubbard Lake Lions Park provides public access to the lake and facilities for picnicking and swimming. The Hubbard Lake community hosts annual events such as fishing tournaments and the Fourth of July fireworks, attracting visitors from across the state.
Hillman
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.64 square miles
- Population: Approximately 701 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49746
- Latitude: 45.0717° N
- Longitude: 83.9017° W
Location and History
Hillman is a village located along the Thunder Bay River, on the western edge of Alpena County near Montmorency County. Settled in the late 1800s and incorporated in 1911, Hillman grew as a lumber town, with the river playing a key role in transporting timber. As the lumber industry declined, Hillman transitioned into a small agricultural community, with farming and dairy production becoming central to its economy. The village retains its small-town charm and serves as a regional center for nearby rural communities, while also offering access to outdoor recreation, thanks to its location near forests, lakes, and rivers.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hillman is part of the Hillman Community Schools district, with Hillman Junior/Senior High School serving local students. Major landmarks include Brush Creek Mill, a restored 1880s gristmill that now serves as a museum and community center, hosting local events and educational exhibits. Thunder Bay Golf Resort, located just outside of Hillman, is a popular destination for golf and elk-viewing sleigh rides in the winter. The Thunder Bay River runs through the town, providing opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and wildlife observation. Hillman’s annual Labor Day Festival is a highlight of the town’s social calendar, featuring parades, concerts, and family activities.
Lachine
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.10 square miles
- Population: Approximately 350 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49753
- Latitude: 45.0295° N
- Longitude: 83.7650° W
Location and History
Lachine is a small, unincorporated community located in the western part of Alpena County, along M-32. The community was established in the late 19th century as a stop along the Detroit and Mackinac Railway, serving the agricultural and logging industries that dominated the region at the time. Named after a town in Quebec, Canada, Lachine grew modestly, focusing on farming and small-scale industries. Today, Lachine remains a rural community, surrounded by farmland and forests. Its quiet, rural atmosphere attracts residents who enjoy the slower pace of life and access to the natural beauty of northeastern Michigan.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lachine is part of the Alpena Public Schools district, with students attending schools in nearby Alpena and Hillman. Major landmarks in the area include Fletcher Pond, one of the largest man-made lakes in Michigan, offering excellent opportunities for bass and pike fishing, as well as birdwatching and kayaking. The nearby Alpena Sportsmen’s Club hosts events for outdoor enthusiasts, including fishing tournaments and hunting safety courses. The town’s location along M-32 makes it a convenient stop for travelers heading to Michigan’s northern destinations. Lachine’s annual community events, such as harvest festivals and local fairs, celebrate its agricultural heritage and close-knit community.
