Topics in this portion of our guide include attractions and events in Rogers City, Michigan.
Significant among these are those associated with the maritime nature of the Rogers City community. Rogers City is situated on the shores of Lake Huron, within the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Although the Sanctuary is based in nearby Alpena, Rogers City hosts the Port of Calcite, one of the largest shipping ports on the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes Lore Maritime Museum in Rogers City specializes in the maritime history of the Great Lakes. Of particular importance is the SS Carl D. Bradley. Once the largest vessel carrying bulk freight on the Great Lakes, the Bradley sunk off Gull Island in Lake Michigan on November 18, 1958. Of the thirty-five crew members, all but two died, and twenty-three of them were from Rogers City, while the others were from nearby communities. Recovered and restored, the bell from the Bradley is on display at the museum.
In keeping with its nautical history, the Rogers City Nautical Festival is held during the first complete week in August, and the Rogers City Salmon Tournament takes place on the second weekend in August. During the annual Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival, Forty Mile Point is open for tours during all four days of the event.
Documenting the history of Rogers City and Presque Isle County, the Presque Isle County Historical Museum is also located in Rogers City.
Besides museums and historical places in Rogers City, other resources appropriate for this category include local art galleries, libraries, theaters, and theatre groups, as well as parks, hiking or biking trails, entertainment venues, sports and recreational programs and facilities, concerts, fairs, and other events.
Recommended Resources
Forty Mile Point Light is a lighthouse near Hammond Bay, on the western shore of Lake Huron, north of Rogers City, Michigan. Completed in 1896, the Light was automated in 1969 and is still operational. Now a county park, the lighthouse is owned by Presque Isle County, while its museum and gift shop are operated by the 40 Miles Point Lighthouse Society. The site includes its history, a photo gallery, a calendar of events, membership information, and the Goest Keeper's Program.
https://fortymilepointlighthouse.org/
Great Lakes Lore Maritime Museum
Located in Rogers City, on Lake Huron, the museum specializes in the history of the Great Lakes, from Native American traders to 21st-century captains, Great Lakes commercial craft, lighthouses, and Coast Guard presence, and others. Its hours of operation, group tour policies, admission prices, and contacts are set forth, along with membership levels, a calendar of events, and special projects. Museum inductees are listed, and an online gift shop offers a variety of items.
http://gllmm.com/
Offering open bowling hours, glow bowling, leagues, tournaments, birthday parties, and other special events, the Rogers City, Michigan bowling center. Its address, directions, and hours of operation are published on the site, which includes schedules for glow bowling, information on its policies for birthday or holiday parties, group outings, its availability for fundraising opportunities, an online party request form, and contact information.
https://nauticallanes.com/
Presque Isle County Historical Museum
The first Presque Isle County historical society was founded in 1954, but went dormant two years later, to form again in 1964, acquiring the former Emma Schmekel home in 1971, which opened as a museum in 1977. In 1980, the Society acquired the Bradley House, opening in that location the following year. Its locations, hours of operation, exhibits, and memberships and membership levels are set forth, and an online gift shop offers books and other products for sale.
https://pichmuseum.org/
Incorporated as a non-profit organization in 2009, RCCT offers educational opportunities in the theater arts through at least three productions each season, generally one play, one musical, a summer youth musical, and sometimes a dinner theater or an additional play. A profile of the group is presented, along with a schedule of upcoming productions, ticket information and admission prices, volunteer opportunities, and sponsorship opportunities and acknowledgments. Contacts are also posted.
http://www.rcctheatre.org/
Rogers City Nautical City Festival
Held at the Rogers City Marina in Rogers City, Michigan each August, the events might differ somewhat from year to year, but it usually includes a parade, live music, food, softball, and other games, tournaments, antique and classic car shows, and other activities for adults and children. Schedules and hours are published on the site, and application, registration forms, and information are available for download. Other resources include photos of past events and a list of stakeholders.
https://rogerscitynauticalcityfestival.com/
Originally built in 1937, the theater is owned and operated by the Presque Isle District Library. The historic Art Deco structure hosts new and classic movies, live music, presentations, stand-up comedy, and live plays from Rogers City Community Theatre. Its location, a map, and a schedule of upcoming events are posted on the site, with descriptions, costs, and other information on upcoming shows. Projects are outlined and job applications are available when there are openings.
https://www.rogerscitytheater.com/
