It is considered to be part of Northern Michigan. The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary is located offshore near the city. The population was 11,304 at the 2000 census, as well as a large population of visitors in the summer.

Despite its small population, it is by far the largest city in sparsely-populated Northeast Michigan lower peninsula, serving as its commercial and cultural hub. It is considered to be one of the two anchor cities of Northern Michigan, along with Traverse City. The Alpena Regional Medical Center is a federally-designated rural regional medical referral center, and is the largest employer in the city.

The region, known as the "Sunrise Side" from its location on the east shoreline of Michigan, was first a site of commercial fishing activity and is still home to extensive commercial fishing activities. Later the region, like much of Michigan, was shaped by the logging era of the 1800s. Today, Alpena is known for its limestone quarry, one of the largest in the world, owned and operated by the Lafarge corporation and is a major cement manufacturer and exporter. Alpena is also the world headquarters of Besser Company, a manufacturer of concrete block machines. Tourism (fishing, hunting, camping and a variety of water sports) is also important to Alpena's economy. Alpena is also home to the NAHL's Alpena IceDiggers.

Wikipedia articles for Alpena

• Alpena, Michigan
• Thunder Bay (Michigan)
• Alpena Light
• Alpena Light
• Alpena Light
• Alpena County Courthouse
• Alpena County Courthouse
• List of North American ports
• Alpena Community College
• Fishing Tug Katherine V
• Alpena Township, Michigan
• Grass Island
• WATZ (AM)
• Mud Lake, Alpena Township