Alpena is a city where travelers can accomplish some tasks on foot, especially if they are based near the downtown area. This part of the city offers a concentrated mix of restaurants and shops, making it feasible to walk to various destinations. However, beyond the downtown core, the city is spread out enough that additional forms of transportation, such as a car, might be necessary to fully explore and access certain services.

Public transportation in Alpena is available but quite limited. The Thunder Bay Transportation Authority offers basic bus services and a Dial-A-Ride program, the latter requiring reservations in advance. While it's a useful resource for certain planned trips, the lack of flexibility and spontaneity makes it less ideal for travelers who rely heavily on public transit for getting around.

Alpena offers a reasonably bike-friendly environment for travelers, with the Alpena Bi-Path providing a convenient route to explore the city. This paved, 18.5-mile trail connects various parks and attractions, and the city's flat terrain makes cycling easier. However, some parts of the city may lack sufficient bike infrastructure, and cyclists might find sharing the road with traffic less comfortable in certain areas.