Nestled along the sunrise coast of Michigan’s northeastern Lower Peninsula, Alcona County is a tranquil haven of pristine Lake Huron shoreline, expansive timberlands, historic maritime lighthouses, and inland lakes. Whether you are charting a coastal road trip along the scenic Heritage Route (US-23), planning a wilderness retreat into the Huron-Manistee National Forests, researching rural land boundaries, or tracking genealogy records, this in-depth Alcona County Map guide provides essential geographical insights. Explore township layouts, public boat launches, and landmark attractions with our detailed maps.
Interactive Alcona County Map Michigan
Key geographic and community landmarks featured on the Alcona County map include:
- Principal Communities: City of Harrisville (County Seat), Village of Lincoln, and lakeside communities of Greenbush, Black River, and Glennie.
- Scenic Roadways & Corridors: US Highway 23 (US-23 / Lake Huron Sunrise Coast National Scenic Byway), M-72 (Michigan’s coast-to-coast highway terminating at Harrisville), and County Road F-41.
- Maritime & Historic Landmarks: Sturgeon Point Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, historic Harrisville Harbor of Refuge, and the Alcona County Courthouse.
- Public Lands & State Parks: Harrisville State Park, Negwegon State Park (renowned for dark sky stargazing and remote sandy beaches), and Huron National Forest.
Looking for a statewide perspective? Explore our master Interactive Michigan County Map covering all 83 Michigan counties.
Alcona County Geographic Data & Overview
Originally designated in 1840 as Negwegon County (after a prominent Chippewa chief) and renamed Alcona in 1843 (a Native American-inspired coinage by scholar Henry Schoolcraft), Alcona County was officially organized in 1869.
| Geographic Metric | Data / Details |
|---|---|
| County Seat | Harrisville, MI |
| Region | Northeastern Lower Peninsula (Sunrise Coast) |
| Established | April 1, 1840 (Organized 1869) |
| Total Area | 1,791 sq miles (4,639 km²) |
| Land Area | 675 sq miles (37.7% of total area) |
| Water Area | 1,116 sq miles (62.3% of total area) |
| Population (Census) | ~10,167 residents |
| Population Density | 15.1 people per sq mile |
| FIPS Code | 26-001 |
| Major Highways | US-23, M-72, F-41 |
| Bordering Counties | Alpena (North), Iosco (South), Oscoda (West), Montmorency (Northwest) |
Alcona County Townships Breakdown
Alcona County is organized into 11 civil townships, each with distinctive landscape features ranging from sand dunes to dense hardwood timberlands:
Coastal & Lake Huron Townships
- Harrisville Township: Encircles the county seat, featuring popular municipal parks, full-service marina slips, and beachfront residences.
- Alcona Township: Located north of Harrisville along Lake Huron, home to Sturgeon Point Lighthouse and the historic commercial fishing village of Black River.
- Greenbush Township: Situated along the southern shoreline bordering Iosco County, known for serene coastal beaches and wooded residential subdivisions.
- Sanborn Township (Bordering): Bordering Alpena County to the north with secluded shoreline access.
Inland Lakes & Forest Townships
- Caledonia Township: Home to the southern portion of Hubbard Lake (one of Michigan’s premier inland fishing lakes), offering year-round angling for walleye, perch, and smallmouth bass.
- Hawes Township: Centered around the village of Lincoln and Brownlee Lake, featuring agricultural rolling fields and local commerce.
- Curtis Township: Encompasses the unincorporated village of Glennie and multiple inland lakes, serving as a popular hub for snowmobiling, ORV trail riding, and seasonal camping.
- Gustin, Haynes, Mikado & Millen Townships: Primarily timberland and farming communities that provide direct access to the Au Sable River basin and the Huron National Forest.
Outdoor Recreation & Landmark Attractions
A detailed Alcona County Michigan map is especially valuable for outdoor enthusiasts exploring the natural resources of northeastern Michigan:
- Sturgeon Point State Park: Visit the 1869 lighthouse tower, historic lifesaving station, and accessible gravel shores ideal for stone-hunting.
- Negwegon State Park: Over 4,000 acres of undeveloped wilderness with pristine, low-traffic beaches and rustic walk-in campsites.
- Hubbard Lake: Over 8,850 acres of deep, clear water with public boat launches on the south and east shores.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Alcona County Map
What is the county seat of Alcona County, Michigan?
The county seat of Alcona County is Harrisville. Situated directly on Lake Huron at the intersection of US-23 and M-72, Harrisville is one of Michigan’s smallest incorporated cities, serving as the civic and tourism heart of the county.
Why is over 60% of Alcona County listed as water?
Like many Michigan shoreline counties, Alcona County’s official jurisdiction extends east into Lake Huron to the international boundary between Michigan and the Canadian province of Ontario, totaling 1,116 square miles of water territory.
What major highways access Alcona County?
The primary route is US-23, which runs along the Lake Huron coastline. State highway M-72 connects Harrisville west across the entire Lower Peninsula through Grayling and Traverse City to Empire on Lake Michigan.
Explore Other Michigan County Maps
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