On the north shore of Higgins Lake lies a long history of the landscape: the first state tree nursery was established here in 1903. Roscommon County connects traces of this past with lakes, forest trails and protected areas. You can explore nature by the water, trails through the forest and regional history as distinct focuses for your trip.

Higgins Lake: Shoreline, Boating and Forest Trails

South Higgins Lake State Park includes one mile of shoreline on Higgins Lake. The park’s Higgins Lake access area has a protected boat basin with nine slips. The lake is seven miles long and reaches depths of up to 135 feet. From mid-May through September, the park shop rents kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and flotation devices. Rentals are seasonal; check the dates before your trip. Forest trails covering 5.5 miles circle Marl Lake in the park.

Forest Trails and Nature Observation

The Red Pine Natural Area Pathway is 1.4 miles long and passes through the Roscommon Red Pines Natural Area in the Au Sable State Forest. There are 16 interpretive stops along the trail for hikers. The Marguerite Gahagan Nature Preserve covers 115 acres and is open to the public for hiking, biking and nature observation. School field trips use the property’s forest, wetland and pond areas. Roscommon County shares the Au Sable Birding Trail with Crawford County.

Tree Nursery, Conservation Corps and Regional History

North Higgins Lake State Park sits on the north shore of Higgins Lake, on the former site of the world’s largest tree nursery. The Higgins Lake Civilian Conservation Corps Camp began operating at the nursery in 1933. The Higgins Lake Nursery and CCC Museum explains how the Civilian Conservation Corps provided jobs for young men during the Great Depression. Allow about an hour for the museum and its grounds. Opening hours are seasonal; check the schedule before your visit.

The Houghton Lake Area Historical Society preserves and protects buildings and artifacts that reflect the history of the Houghton Lake Area. The AuSable River Center is housed in a historic building constructed in 1936 during the Great Depression as an administrative building for the Michigan Department of Conservation. It features cultural heritage, artifacts, and materials about the wildlife and environment of the Great AuSable River. The center also displays 32 works from the original collection of a self-taught artist from the Roscommon area.

Houghton Lake and Winter Activities

Houghton Lake is Michigan’s largest inland lake and is known for fishing in all seasons and for boating. Ice fishing at Houghton Lake yields walleye, bluegill, crappie and sunfish; at Higgins Lake, anglers catch lake trout, smelt, Arctic grayling and pike. The two lakes therefore also differ in the fish species mentioned for ice fishing. The Observation Deck (Old 27) at Houghton Lake Flats is a habitat restoration project that provides replacement habitat for waterfowl and other wetland species.

Tip Up Town USA is an annual ice fishing and family festival held at Houghton Lake on the last two weekends of January. Dates and admission requirements vary from year to year; check the latest information. Roscommon County also offers winter trails for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

Market and Regional Remembrance

The Roscommon Farmers Market takes place every Saturday from mid-May through mid-October, with an average of more than 30 vendors. Since you should check the schedule and vendor participation before your trip, it’s a good idea to review the latest information.

The Michigan Firemen’s Memorial honors firefighters who have died in the line of duty. A wall bears the names of those who died protecting their communities. The Michigan Firemen’s Memorial Festival features a parade, a display of antique equipment, a memorial service, a parade of lights, music, dancing and emergency responder competitions. The festival is held each year, usually during the third week of September; exact dates and program details may vary from year to year.

For travel, Roscommon County is located along the I-75 corridor and is easily accessible for travelers to and from Northeast Michigan.

Discover More Destinations

Roscommon Township, Roscommon, Clinton County, Chippewa County, Crawford County, Mason County, Jackson, Midland County

For the broader travel overview: Michigan.