Mich-e-ke-wis Park

Right on the water in Alpena, this park pulls double duty as both a beach spot and a splash pad destination, which makes it genuinely useful for families with kids of different ages. The splash pad keeps little ones busy while older kids hit the swings or run the open grass field. Picnic tables are scattered around, restrooms are actually clean (not a given at a lot of parks), and you’re steps from the beach when everyone’s ready to migrate. Locals come back here all summer for a reason.