ABOUT HOUGHTON LAKE
Houghton Lake is truly Michigan's year round vacation wonderland offering excellent fishing and boating, numerous top rated golf courses, a virtual fantasy of snowmobile trails and ice fishing fun, as well as a variety of excellent restaurants, activities and shops.
Perfectly said, "Houghton Lake has it all!”
Houghton Lake is Michigan's largest inland lake with over 32 miles of beautiful shore line and 22,000 acres of sandy bottom water. average depth of Houghton Lake is approximately 8 feet, with the deepest spots being approximately 22 feet.
Located in the center of Michigan's lower peninsula, Houghton Lake is easily accessible by the two main north-south corridors; I-75 (exit 227) to the east and US-27 (exit M-55) to the west. LAGOON RESORT AND MOTEL is located on the south end of Houghton Lake in the main business district for easy access to local restaurants, shops, events, and activities.
Houghton Lake enjoys a rich cultural history and is recognized for its many top rankings by the State:
2nd in combined area of natural/artificial lakes and ponds,
3rd in number of miles designated for off-roadvehicle trails,
7th in number of natural heritage sites and
9th in number of historical attractions open to the public.
Home of Tip-Up Town USA, one of the country’s largest Winter Festivals since 1951, Houghton Lake offers many festivals and events throughout the year including: the Pumpkin Run custom car show; power boat, jet ski, motorcycle and snowmobile races; dinner theatre; music festivals; craft shows; and more! Visit the Houghton Lake Chamber for more event information!
FISHING
Houghton Lake's sparkling water covers 22,000 acres and is filled with northern pike, walleye and large and small mouth bass. Its huge weed beds team with pan fish too; bluegill and crappies offer great sport to fishermen year round. Ice fishing rivals summer fishing to make Houghton Lake a true four season fun area for the entire family. LAGOON RESORT AND MOTEL offers boat motors, outboard, and pontoon rentals to get you out on the lake. We offer boat slips and our lagoon is an excellent fishing spot!
Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate that LAGOON RESORT AND MOTEL is conveniently located right next door to Houghton Lake's largest and oldest bait and tackle shop, Lyman's on the Lake.
SNOWMOBILING
Snowmobiling in Houghton Lake is like a visit to a winter playground. Houghton Lake is the center for numerous snowmobile trails.
View the Roscommon County Trail Map 
of over 80 miles of groomed state land trails.
SKIING 
For the cross country enthusiast, located at Higgins Lake is the Cross Country Ski Headquarters with 8 Snowcat groomed trails 12 miles of trails with one lighted for night skiing. Ski lessons and rentals available. Day lodge with fireplace and picnic area/restaurant are available.
HUNTING
The approximately 175,00 acres of state land surrounding Houghton Lake offer a variety of cover to accommodate all types of hunting. County maps which identify state land are available at the Houghton Lake Chamber office. Houghton Lake’s businesses and residents welcome hunters, providing numerous sporting goods stores and an excellent variety of retail stores to satisfy all your equipment needs.
GOLF
White Deer Country Club offers 18 holes of relatively open, flat play with enough obstacles to challenge both the new and seasoned golfer. Large greens, four water holes and a tree in the green on #3 are a few of the challenges to experience at this resort-style course, as well as a fine clubhouse with refreshments and snacks. Watch for the signs on M-55.
Pineview Highlands sits 150 feet above Houghton Lake. This 18 hold golf course offers the most spectacular lake views. The well maintained, watered, and contoured fairways are surrounded by 60 to 100 year old red and white pines. The clubhouse offers sandwiches and refreshments with a pro shop and reserved tee times are also available. Pineview Highlands is located at M-55 across from the Elks Lodge.
SWIMMING –
BOATING –
WATER SKIING -
TUBING
Being the largest inland lake in Michigan, Houghton Lake has long been renowned for its excellent water sports. With its relatively shallow waters near shore and sandy bottom, Houghton Lake can be enjoyed by the experienced and non-swimmer alike.
A WEDDING DESTINATION
Every year brides and grooms flock to Houghton Lake to bind their lives in an ‘up north’ wedding on the romantic shores of Michigan’s largest inland lake – Houghton Lake. Whether amongst the romantic waves along Houghton Lake's beautiful shore or nestled in a serene setting amongst our grand northern Michigan pines, or anything inbetween, our friendly community has all the accommodations and vendors to make your 'Up North' themed wedding your perfect day.
SHOPPING – ATTRACTIONS – PARKS
Visit the summer Indian Pow-Wows at Zublers, 
the Merritt Speedway
the Houghton Lake’s Historical Village 
the DNR Wildlife Gazebo and Fishing Platform.
Attend one of the area's many Arts & Crafts shows. Visit the Houghton Lake Chamber for more information.
Browse through our many unique antique, gift and souvenir shops
or just
Relax and Enjoy a movie at Houghton Lake's historic Pines Theatre
displaying numerous wildlife mounts
Take a short ride to the Ogemaw Nature Park near St. Helen. The Nature Park is open to the public, exhibiting penned deer. The park also offers a picnic area for your relaxation.
Experience the past at Wellington Farm Park near Grayling. The park is a working replica with many special events of typical mid-American 1930's farmstead.
