Ongoing

2026 Cruise Ship Schedule

This will be Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary’s (TBNMS) fifth year welcoming Viking Expedition ships into the port of Alpena.  The 665-foot cruise ships carry 378 guests and 256 crew members. The sister-ships Polaris and Octantis each anchor in Thunder Bay and use tender boats to bring guests to shore. They come ashore at The [...]

HANDMADE WOODEN KAYAK RAFFLE

This is your chance to win a gorgeous 17-foot long wooden kayak with seat and two hatch covers, handcrafted by Heritage Coast Sailing and Rowing, Inc., Community Boat Builders in Tawas, Michigan. Tickets are $5 each or 5 tickets for $20. Proceeds support Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Heritage Coast’s Community Boat [...]

Sanctuary Cider Release Party

Join us at the Sanctuary Cider Release PartyWhen: Thursday, June 4 at 6:00 PMWhere: Presque Isle Farms Cidery (Downtown Alpena) The newest English cider, celebrating the rich maritime history of Northeast Michigan, will finally be available! The latest Sanctuary Cider highlights a piece of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: the historic schooner William H. Rounds, [...]