Houghton Lake, one of Michigan’s most beloved all-season getaways, is best known for its magnificent waters, beautiful, forest draped landscapes and exhilarating recreational activities. Located on the lakefront with beautiful views, the Beachfront Hotel is the perfect destination for experiencing the many attractions and things to do in this scenic region.
Below are just a few of the more popular things to see and experience. Our staff is always happy to offer more recommendations and assist with tour arrangements. |
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Local Attractions​
stay minutes from higgins lake & the best things to do in houghton lake
Tip Up TowN
Tip Up Town USA in Houghton Lake is Michigan’s largest winter festival. It has been held annually on the last two weekends in January for the past 62 years and counting. Family friendly activities range from our hometown annual parade, the ice fishing contest where you can catch that trophy walleye, softball on ice, rides on antique snowmobiles and the always popular polar bear dip in Michigan’s largest inland lake! Children will have a blast going down the ice slide, as well as the many other festival themed rides and even a petting zoo. To top off a fun-filled day, there are fireworks the whole family can enjoy over the lake. The hotel is located just a half mile away from the festival site so come stay with us and enjoy Tip Up Town USA!
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Pines TheaterThe Pines Theater of Houghton Lake was completed in 1941 and has seen well over 2 million patrons. Developed by the Famous Architect C. Howard Crane of the Kellogg and Crane firm, who is best known for designing the Fox Theatre in Detroit as well as many other Michigan theatres. He designed the theater in a hunter’s chalet style with nearly 100 trophies from all over the United States. The main attractions include an Elk with a six foot spread, a Moose with a five foot spread, a 27 point Whitetail Buck, a Buffalo, a Timber Wolf, two Wolverines, as well as many other animal displays. Some other unique features of the theatre include the ground water air conditioning system, Dolby Digital Surround System, Simplex XL 35mm film projector, a Cretors Hollywood 48 popcorn popper, ability to run stage shows, cry room for families with young children and Owners on staff every night. So come catch a show tonight at the Pines Theater where they continue to strive to be the best theater in Michigan while giving its patrons a one of a kind experience!
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Cross Country Ski HeadquartersCross Country Ski Headquarters have made skiing affordable since opening in 1974. They have over 10 miles of groomed trails, from flat to hilly with molded track set and corduroy skating lanes. Check out the latest in ski gear and demo the newest models of poles, boots and bindings. Finish up your trip while warming up by the huge stone fireplace, while enjoying a selection off their very own menu ranging from their famous homemade chili, hot Panini sandwiches, muffins and cookies. Come out and enjoy a day with the Cross Country Ski Experts!
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AuSable River Canoeing, Rafting & KayakinGCome to Roscommon County and enjoy some of the finest canoeing, kayaking and tubing in the world. Nestled in gently rolling hills and valleys, our gently flowing rivers will treat you to a special experience. Blanketed with forest and captivating water, we are here waiting to share the wealth of wildlife and wilderness with you. Float the Muskegon and the South Branch of the world famous AuSable River with us. Each of these rivers has its own unique characteristics, but all of them gently take you through the cool shaded forests in and near Roscommon County.
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Arnie’s Arts and CraftsArnie’s Arts and Crafts located in Houghton Lake has been supplying crafters products since 1975, offering customers over 30,000 sq. ft. of shopping convenience. They provide art supplies, crafts, needlework, scrapbooking, framing, classes and so much more! Inside their store you’ll find their very own coffee shop, where they have specialty coffees, Chai tea, smoothies and more. With free Wi-Fi, a big screen TV and a cozy “Up North” atmosphere, you’ll always feel welcome when stopping in for any of your arts and crafts needs.
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Houghton Lake Area Historical Village and Playhouse
Houghton Lake Area Historical Village and Playhouse invites you and your family to see history come alive with 13 historical buildings and a 1920’s playhouse. These buildings include a schoolroom, museum, town hall, dress shop, general store, doctor’s office/pharmacy, barber shop, a homestead, a chapel and others. They hold an annual August Village Day festival with demonstrations, guides in period costumes, all buildings and open and operating. The playhouse, located next to the Historical Village which was built in the 1800’s, has been recently restored and now the host of plays, dances on the wooden floor, Vegas nights, Santa’s Workshop and other community events.
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Fireman’s MemorialMichigan’s annual Fireman’s Memorial Festival joins Fire Chiefs, Fire Fighters, EMS and thousands of family and friends across the United States to gather in September to commemorate the fallen fire fighters who gave the ultimate sacrifice while protecting their communities. It is a weekend full of activities for the entire family, including the annual Fireman’s Parade that displays bands, floats and the largest display of firefighting and rescue equipment in Northern Michigan. The public is welcome, free admission and free parking. So come and join us to support our firefighters!
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Tanger Outlet MalL
Take the short drive down I-75 and get off at exit 212 and you will find Tanger Outlet mall, where it’s all about Guilt-Free shopping. The Tanger Outlet Mall offers shops for everyone’s shopping needs. Stores include stops for accessories at the Coach Factory, apparel at stores such as Rue 21 and Polo Ralph Lauren Factory and shoes at Reebok or Easy Spirit Outlet. There are also specialty stores like Bath and Body Works Outlet and you can even find housewares and home furnishings at Kitchen Collection. After working up an appetite while shopping, you can go and get a meal at Applebee’s or get a cup of coffee to recharge at Java Junction. There really is something for everyone in the family to enjoy at Tanger Outlet Mall in beautiful Northern Michigan!
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Fun Land Amusement ParK
Looking for something fun to do with your family? Come to Fun Land Amusement Park located off of M-55 in Houghton Lake, where you’ll find something to do for everyone! For children ten and under, they can enjoy Kiddieland, an amusement park with a roller coaster, merry-go-round, two Ferris wheels, a “bug ride”, canoe ride, tank ride, fighter jets, bounce house, a jumbo inflatable slide and an arcade room with games and indoor rides. For the “older” kids, they can enjoy go-karts, bumper boats, miniature golf, batting cages and sliding down the waterslide on a hot summer day.
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S. Higgins Lake State ParK
South Higgins Lake State Park is a 1,000 acre park with almost one mile of shoreline along Higgins Lake, a large spring-fed body of water known for its clarity and fishing potential. The park first opened as a campground in 1927 with fifteen campsites. In 2002, the park marked its 75th Anniversary with the dedication of three new toilet/shower facilities, new electrical systems and water upgrades. As the second largest campground in a state park, the park has 400 modern hardwood-shaded campsites, a mini cabin, sandy beach, fishing, boat launch, picnic area, and metal detecting area. They offer rowboat, canoe, paddleboat, small motorboat and pontoon rentals and a place to ice fish. They are very popular during the summer months and reservations must be made early to book a spot in this beautiful park!
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Higgins LakeHiggins Lake is a small unincorporated community along the southern and western shores of Higgins Lake, a recreational and fishing lake in Roscommon County. The area has two state parks, South Higgins Lake State Park and North Higgins Lake State Park, located on opposite ends of the lake. On Higgins Lake you can enjoy fishing for perch, walleye, small mouth bass and much more. Boating enthusiasts can enjoy a day full of tubing, skiing or cruising the beautiful shoreline. It also offers excellent swimming with its shallow sandy shores and distinctive drop-offs for a divers dream come true. Higgins Lake is one of the deepest inland lakes in the United States outside of the Great Lakes and has been voted sixth most beautiful lake in the world by National Geographic. Check out local boat rental businesses to plan your beach getaway today, the hotel offers private docking space for your boat free of charge!
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North Higgins Lake State ParK
The North Higgins Lake State Park is located on what was once the world’s largest seedling nursery, providing the variety of tree, plant, bird and animal species that makes the park attractive for outdoor activities. The 9,900 acre lake is known for its deep, clear waters and is named after Sylvester Higgins, Michigan’s first chief of the topographical department of the Michigan Geological Survey.
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