March 24, 2024
City Of Alpena

Discovering the Steamer City of Alpena: A Historic Voyage on the Great Lakes

Embark on a nostalgic journey back to the 1890s as we uncover the fascinating story of the Steamer City of Alpena, a luxurious 285-foot, 2,000-horsepower sidewheel paddlewheel that serviced the Great Lakes for decades. Carrying up to 400 passengers and freight along the D&C’s “Coast Line to Mackinaw” run, this magnificent vessel was the epitome of elegance and sophistication, shaping how we perceive Michigan’s tourism and resort areas today.

The Steamer City of Alpena and the City of Mackinac were sister ships conducting service as part of the Detroit and Cleveland line. This sidewheel paddlewheel started service in 1893 and could carry up to 400 passengers and freight.

Steamer City of Alpena

Steamer City Of Alpena
City of Alpena Underway- Image Library of Congress

The ship ran the Lake Huron Route for 28 years. In 1921 she was moved to Lake Michigan and renamed the City of Saugatuck. By the late 1930s, the once-proud ship was reduced, being rebuilt as a pulpwood barge hauling pulpwood and other freight. It was owned by several paper companies in its final years of service.  The ship was broken up for scrap in 1957.

D&C – Detroit and Cleveland Navigation Company

Handbill Detroit And Cleveland Steamer Co.

Detroit and Cleveland Navigation Company, often abridged as D&C, was a passenger and freight shipping company on the Great Lakes. It operated a line of 10 ships from 1868 to 1951 and was known for its opulent ships. In 1924 the company built one of the largest steamships in the world. At 538 feet, Greater Detroit was launched on September 15, 1923, primarily sailing overnight from Detroit to Buffalo. It stayed in service until 1950.

The Start of Going up North

City Of Alpena Loc 2
City of Alpena at Dock – Image Library of Congress

 Steamship Traveling on the Great Lakes in the 1880s gave rise to the term “Going Up North”. Before the railroads and automobiles. Travel by steamship has gotten luxurious. Michigan’s tourism and resort areas began to grow because steamships could take a businessman from Chicago or Detroit to join families in northern Michigan Friday afternoon and return him Monday morning rested and refreshed and ready to work.

FAQ on the Steamer, City of Alpena

What happened to the Steamer City of Alpena after it was retired from service?

After 28 years of service on the Lake Huron Route, the Steamer City of Alpena was moved to Lake Michigan in 1921 and renamed the City of Saugatuck. In the late 1930s, the once-proud ship was repurposed and rebuilt as a pulpwood barge, hauling pulpwood and other freight. It underwent several ownership changes among paper companies during its final years of service. Ultimately, the ship was broken up for scrap in 1957, marking the end of its storied history.

How did the Detroit and Cleveland Navigation Company contribute to the development of steamship travel on the Great Lakes?

The Detroit and Cleveland Navigation Company (D&C) played a significant role in developing steamship travel on the Great Lakes. Established in 1868, D&C operated a line of 10 ships until 1951, providing passenger and freight shipping services across the lakes. The company was known for its opulent ships, including the Steamer City of Alpena and the City of Mackinac, which served as a benchmark for luxurious steamship travel.

D&C helped popularize the concept of “Going Up North,” as steamship travel on the Great Lakes in the late 1800s and early 1900s became an enjoyable and luxurious passenger experience. The company’s steamships connected major cities like Detroit, Cleveland, and Buffalo, making it easier for people to travel to Michigan’s burgeoning tourism and resort areas.

In 1924, D&C built one of the largest steamships in the world, the 538-foot Greater Detroit, which primarily sailed overnight from Detroit to Buffalo. The company’s innovations in steamship design, service, and travel routes contributed to the growth of tourism and commerce in the Great Lakes region, leaving a lasting impact on the region’s transportation landscape.

What was the significance of the term “Going Up North” in relation to steamship travel in the late 1800s and early 1900s?

The term “Going Up North” gained prominence in the late 1800s and early 1900s with steamship travel on the Great Lakes. It referred to the popular practice of traveling from major cities like Detroit and Chicago to the northern regions of Michigan using steamships. During this time, steamship travel became increasingly luxurious and enjoyable, enabling many people to explore northern Michigan’s beautiful resort areas and tourist destinations.
The term also highlights steamships’ important role in the development of Michigan’s tourism industry. The ease of travel provided by steamships allowed for the growth of resort areas, contributing to the region’s economic prosperity and shaping how people perceived and experienced Michigan’s vacation destinations.

Final Thought on The Steamer City of Alpena

The Steamer City of Alpena’s rich history serves as a reminder of the golden age of steamship travel on the Great Lakes. With its opulent design and elegant service, this remarkable vessel left an indelible mark on the region’s tourism and transportation landscape. As we reflect on the bygone era of steamships like the City of Alpena, we appreciate the enduring legacy they have left behind, forever engrained in the hearts and minds of those who experienced the allure of “Going Up North.”


  • Michigan’s Flint Water Crisis and Its 3 Impacts on the Community

    The Flint Water Crisis unveils a tragic blend of environmental negligence and public health debacle. Delving into this crisis reveals not just water contamination but deep societal impacts. Discover how Flint faces these challenges today.

  • Top 7 Best Areas in Michigan To Own A Cottage

    Owning a cottage in Michigan is like having a slice of paradise. With its stunning lakes, forests, and a plethora of recreational activities, Michigan offers a variety of options for …

  • Michigan Gaming Control Board Cracks Down on Illegal Online Gambling

    Protect yourself from Illegal Online Gambling with Michigan’s laws and safe betting practices. Stay informed and secure.

Michigans Thumb Banner
Avatar Of Paul Austin

Paul Austin

Living in Michigan for almost 60 years has given me a lot of insight. I'm a contributing writer for Thumbwind Publications. His most recent project is developing edgy stories and content for Spice2Vice.com.

View all posts by Paul Austin →

Leave a Reply