I’ve visited these Michigan lakes for more than 15 years. Here are 6 stops I’d recommend

Michigan’s Houghton and Higgins lakes are year-round outdoor destinations. Summer brings swimming, boating, off-roading and fishing, while winter offers snowmobiling, ice fishing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. I’ve been visiting the area for more than 15 years. These are some of my favorite places to camp, eat and explore.

Camping: South Higgins Lake State Park in Roscommon

There’s no shortage of camping options around these two lakes, but my favorite is South Higgins Lake State Park. The park sits along Higgins Lake, with shaded campsites and beautiful lake views. I also like the campground facilities, which have been clean and well maintained during my visits.

The campground is a little farther from the area’s main towns, which I’ve found makes for a quieter experience, especially in spring and fall. There’s also a large boat launch that makes getting out on Higgins Lake easy.

Check campground availability through Michigan’s state park reservation system before planning your trip. The park’s campground sections have different operating seasons.

Sightseeing: Michigan Firemen’s Memorial in Roscommon

Just south of Roscommon, the Michigan Firemen’s Memorial honors firefighters who died in the line of duty. Located at 1337 Robinson Lake Road, it’s a bit off the beaten path but worth the detour. The centerpiece is a large statue of a firefighter rescuing a child, while nearby monuments bear the names of fallen firefighters.

Roscommon also hosts the annual Michigan Firemen’s Memorial Festival, which features a parade, door prizes, a cornhole tournament and displays of antique firefighting equipment.

Dining: Matt’s Lake Street Grill & Pizzeria in Roscommon

Matt’s Lake Street Grill & Pizzeria is one of my favorite restaurants around Houghton and Higgins lakes. It serves hearty breakfasts, lunch and dinner, with a menu of traditional American comfort food and pizza.

The dining room is small and often busy, so I usually order takeout to avoid the wait. I go out of my way to Matt’s a few times a year for its deep-dish pizza. Personally, I think it’s the best pizza in Michigan.

Wildlife viewing: Houghton Lake Flats near Houghton Lake

Between U.S. 127 and Old U.S. 27 sits the unexpected wilderness of Houghton Lake Flats. This extensive wetland is home to a variety of wildlife, and it might be the best place in the area to go bird-watching. It’s an excellent place to look for osprey, trumpeter swans and other wetland birds.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced improvements to the South Unit’s water-control system in 2026. The gazebo and fishing platform are expected to close during construction, so check the DNR’s project update before visiting. The North Unit remains an alternative for wildlife viewing.

Dining: M55 Pour House in Houghton Lake

There are plenty of places to eat along Houghton Lake’s south shore, but the M55 Pour House has a charm of its own. It’s a good spot for pub food and drinks, and I especially recommend the burgers.

The restaurant also hosts live music, often featuring local cover bands that I’ve found surprisingly talented.

Off-roading: St. Helen Motorsports Area near St. Helen

There are plenty of off-road trails around Houghton and Higgins lakes, but the sand pit at St. Helen Motorsports Area is one of my favorite places to ride. The sandy terrain is tucked into the forest, with hills and open riding areas for off-road vehicles such as Jeeps, ATVs, dirt bikes and UTVs.

One of the more unusual features is the round “mixing bowls,” bowl-shaped depressions in the sand that make for a memorable ride. Keep an eye out for other riders and changing terrain, especially when navigating the bowls.

Before heading out, check Michigan’s ORV maps and license and trail-permit requirements. Not all trails allow every type of vehicle.