Alpena, Michigan: Airport Accessibility And Infrastructure

Alpena, Michigan, is home to the Alpena County Regional Airport, a public-use, joint civil-military airport. The airport is located seven miles west of Alpena and offers daily flights to Detroit with connections to unlimited destinations. Alpena County Regional Airport is the perfect gateway to explore the culture and history of Alpena, Michigan, and the Great Lakes Regions.

Alpena County Regional Airport's location and contact information

Alpena County Regional Airport is a county-owned, public-use, joint civil-military airport in Alpena County, Michigan, United States. The airport is located six nautical miles (7 miles or 11 kilometres) west of Alpena's central business district, off of M-32. It straddles the boundary between Maple Ridge Township in the north and Wilson Township in the south.

The airport covers an area of 3,084 acres (1,248 hectares) at an elevation of 690 feet (210 metres) above mean sea level. It consists of two runways with concrete surfaces:

• Runway 1/19: 9,001 by 150 feet (2,744 by 46 metres)
• Runway 7/25: 5,028 by 100 feet (1,533 by 30 metres)

Alpena County Regional Airport is mostly used for general aviation, but it is also served by one commercial airline, an affiliate of Delta Connection, with freight services provided by an affiliate of FedEx Feeder. The airport offers daily flights to Detroit with unlimited destinations.

Alpena County Regional Airport is recognised for its achievements, having received the Award of Excellence for Apron Rehabilitation and Runway from the Michigan Concrete Association and the Airport of the Year award from the Michigan Department of Transportation Office of Aeronautics.

For further information, you can contact the airport directly.

Alpena Airport's history and awards

Alpena County Regional Airport (APN) has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. The airport was founded after World War I and was originally known as Phelps Collins Field, named after World War I pilot, Captain Phelps Collins, an Alpena resident and hero. The airfield was first utilised after the war, with "Jennies" taking off and landing on its grassy runway. However, it wasn't until 1931 that the airport was officially dedicated and put into full use.

From 1931 to 1947, the airport served as a training ground for various Army Air Corps units. In 1947, it was handed over to Alpena County, and in 1952, it was assigned to the Air National Guard, continuing its role as a training site. The site consists of over 3,000 acres of land, with dedicated spaces for both Alpena County and the Guard.

Over the years, the airport has undergone several improvements and expansions. In the 1990s, updates were made to the passenger terminal, and the airport began offering flights to Chicago through Great Lakes Airlines. This marked the beginning of increasing passenger numbers and growing commercial airline services. In 1997, Northwest Airlines began providing flights to Detroit, further boosting the airport's popularity.

In 1999, the Alpena County Regional Airport became eligible for Federal Airport Improvement Funds, which now serve as the primary source of funding for its development. This has allowed the airport to continue enhancing its facilities and services.

The airport has received several awards and recognitions. In 2024, it was awarded the Air Carrier Airport of the Year Award by the Michigan Aeronautics Commission and the Michigan Department of Transportation. This award acknowledged the airport's sustained excellence and partnership towards aviation progress in Michigan, specifically highlighting the reconstruction of its primary runway. Additionally, the airport has received the Award of Excellence for Apron Rehabilitation and Runway from the Michigan Concrete Association.

The Alpena County Regional Airport continues to play a vital role in both military and civilian aviation. It serves as a training ground for reserve force units and provides essential transportation services to the Northeast Michigan region, contributing to its economic development.

Airlines and destinations

Alpena County Regional Airport is located 6-7 miles west of Alpena, Michigan. The airport is served by SkyWest Airlines, which operates as a Delta Connection.

SkyWest Airlines offers daily flights to Detroit, with connections to unlimited destinations. Delta Air Lines recommends passengers arrive 2 hours before domestic departures and that check-in closes 30 minutes before departure.

In addition to Detroit, Delta also offers flights to other US destinations, including:

• Orlando
• Las Vegas
• San Antonio
• Miami
• Minneapolis
• New York (JFK)
• Myrtle Beach
• Kalamazoo-Battle Creek

Alpena County Regional Airport is also served by freight services provided by an affiliate of FedEx Feeder.

Facilities and aircraft

Alpena County Regional Airport covers an area of 3,084 acres, with an elevation of 690 feet above mean sea level. The airport consists of over 3,000 acres and maintains a 9,000 ft north-south runway and a 5,030 ft crosswind runway. It has two runways with concrete surfaces: 1/19 is 9,001 by 150 ft and 7/25 is 5,028 by 100 ft. The airport has an FBO offering fuel, courtesy cars, a crew lounge, and showers.

For the 12-month period ending August 31, 2021, the airport recorded 5,252 aircraft operations, a decrease from 9,790 in 2010. This averages to roughly 14 aircraft operations per day. The breakdown of these operations is as follows:

• 44% military
• 40% general aviation
• 20% air taxi

As of August 31, 2021, there were 23 aircraft based at the airport:

• 23 single-engine
• 4 multi-engine airplanes

The airport offers services such as cargo handling, charter flights, flight instruction, and aircraft sales.

Things to do in Alpena

Alpena, Michigan, is a great place to visit, with plenty of attractions and activities to keep you entertained. Here are some of the best things to do when you're in the area:

Explore the Great Outdoors

Alpena is surrounded by natural beauty, with plenty of parks, trails, and waterways to explore. Load up your kayak, bike, or hiking boots and head to Rockport State Park, where you can discover a quarry filled with fossils. Or, take a stroll along the Alpena Bi-Path, an 18.5-mile paved trail that winds through the city and connects several scenic parks and beaches along the Thunder Bay River and Lake Huron. If you're looking for a relaxing day by the water, Thomson Park and Bayview Park offer swimming beaches and beautiful views of Lake Huron.

Discover the Maritime History

Alpena has a rich maritime history, which you can explore at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. This museum offers over 10,000 square feet of exhibit space and is a great attraction for families, tour groups, and students. While you're there, purchase tickets for the Alpena Shipwreck Tours, where you can board the "Lady Michigan," a 65-foot glass-bottom boat, and explore the shipwrecks of Lake Huron.

Enjoy Local Arts and Culture

Alpena is home to a thriving arts and culture scene. Check out Art in the Loft, a fine arts center and gallery located in the Center Building downtown, featuring works by local, regional, and national artists. For performing arts, catch a show at the Thunder Bay Theatre, the only year-round professional theatre in Northeast Michigan. If you're visiting during the summer, the Thunder Bay International Film Festival is a must-attend event.

Sample Local Wines and Brews

Alpena is also known for its local wineries and breweries. Stop by the Thunder Bay Winery, located in the Center Building, to sample their special blends, ciders, fruit wines, and dessert wines. For beer enthusiasts, Austin Brothers Beer Company is the place to go for a taste of local craft brews.

Get Your Adrenaline Pumping

If you're an adrenaline seeker, Alpena has plenty of activities to get your heart pumping. Try out the Laser Team Challenge, an exciting laser tag experience in the historic National Guard Armory, or perfect your swing at the Rusty Petunias Golf Simulator. For some old-school fun, head to Two Bit Operation at Bob's Bullpen to play classic arcade games.

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