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Michigan
27

Michigan State Parks

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USA Parks
Michigan
Northeast Region
Higgins Lake State Park
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Higgins Lake State Park © Notorious4life (talk) (Uploads) / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
North Higgins Lake State Park
Higgins Lake State Park © Notorious4life (talk) (Uploads) / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Beginning of State Reforestation Information Site
Higgins Lake State Park © Notorious4life (talk) (Uploads) / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
CCC Museum Higgins Lake.jpg
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HIGGINS LAKE STATE PARK
HIGGINS LAKE STATE PARK
106 State Park Drive
Roscommon, Michigan   48653

Phone: 989-821-6374
Reservations: 800-447-2757
Located on the north shore of Higgins Lake, the park has 174 modern campsites. Located on what was once the world's largest seedling nursery, the variety of tree, plant, bird and animal species make the park attractive for outdoor activities.
Passes
The Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. Details and information on how to obtain your Michigan Recreation Passport can be found by visiting the MICHIGAN RECREATION PASSPORT web page.
Meeting Rooms
The Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center is located adjacent to the park. This educational center serves state and federal agencies, educational groups and other nonprofit organizations in a natural setting away from the distractions of home and the work place.
Swimming
1. Higgins Lake State Park offers two sandy public beaches for swimming.
2. The South Shore beach is popular and often crowded during summer months.
3. North shore's smaller, quieter beach provides a more relaxed atmosphere for swimmers.
4. Lifeguards are not provided at either location; swim at your own risk policy applies here.
5. Both beaches have shallow areas suitable for children or inexperienced swimmers to enjoy safely.

6. Swimming hours typically run from 8 am until sunset daily in the summertime.

7. Picnic tables, grills and restroom facilities are available near both swimming locations.

8. Rental options like paddleboards or kayaks offer different ways to experience water activities on Higgins lake besides just swimming.

9. Alcohol consumption is prohibited within all designated bathing areas of the park.


Boating
The park offers two boat launches, one on each side of the lake. These are suitable for both motorized and non-motorized boats such as canoes or kayaks. Boat rentals including paddleboards, rowboats and pontoon boats are available at a concession stand near the South State Park beach area during summer months.
Fishing
You can enjoy fishing in two main areas: South Higgins Lake and North Higgins Lake. Species include trout, pike, perch, smallmouth bass and walleye. Ice fishing is popular during winter months. Boat rentals are available for deep water angling experiences.


Location
Higgins Lake State Park is located near Roscommon

Picnicking
Higgins Lake State Park offers numerous picnic areas with tables and grills. Some spots have lake views, others are forested.
Trails
Eleven miles of marked hiking, biking and cross-country ski trails are adjacent to the park on state-forest managed land. The Upland Nature Trail includes a series of fitness stations.

Trails in the park:

North Higgins-Upland Nature Trail - 1.5 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski

North Higgins-Bosom Pines Trail - 3.8 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski

North Higgins-Beaver Creek Trail - 6.5 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski
Bicycling
In this Michigan location, biking enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of trails. However, caution is advised due to varying terrain.

The park offers several miles of multi-use paths suitable for cyclists but be aware that some areas may have heavy foot traffic.

Mountain bikers will find challenging routes with steep inclines and uneven surfaces; helmets are strongly recommended here.

For families or casual riders, there's an easy 3-mile loop trail offering scenic views - remember to ride slowly and safely!

Bike rentals aren't available on-site so ensure you bring your own equipment along with necessary safety gear like lights if riding late in the day.

Cyclists should respect all posted signs regarding bike use as well as other visitors by maintaining safe speeds at all times.

Remember: always stay hydrated during rides especially under hot weather conditions!
Area Attractions
The Civilian Conservation Corps Museum documents the efforts to "put Americans back to work" during the Great Depression. The CCC enrolled more than 100,000 young Michigan men to perform a variety of a conservation and reforestation efforts. Between 1933 and 1942, the Michigan CCC planted 484 million trees, spend 140,000 days fighting forest fires and constructed 7,000 miles of truck trails, 504 bridges and 222 buildings. The DNR state park system still carries many examples of their work still in use today.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
February 3 amazing by alison
park review stars; one to five it was so nice the staff were awsome and in genral a really fun place
February 16 Best Park The State Has. by Schmidt
park review stars; one to five This is the best family park Michigan has. I have been going to South Higgans Lake for over 20 years and im 34. The Firemans Mem. is right down the road from there. The town of Houghton has a ton of family activities. The little town of Roscommon is sweet and have the best canoe livery. Go if you have a chance.
July 20 DNR trouble by Alfonso
park review stars; one to five Let put it this way. 11pm all music needs to be turned off even if you have the volume at 1 out of 100. I talked louder than the music. Wood 5bucks per bundle. it burns for about hour and half 2 max. bring your own wood. KOA park a mile away was 10x better. you can play music loud even after midnight. Buffet in morning. the best part about higgins park was the walk to the beach. other than that dont dont bother.
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Area Campgrounds
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park
370 West Four Mile Road
Grayling, MI
989-348-2157
Houghton Lake Travel Park
370 Cloverleaf Lane
Houghton Lake, MI
West Houghton Lake Campground
9371 West Houghton Lake Drive
Houghton Lake, MI
989-422-5130
Wooded Acres Family Campground Inc.
997 Federal Avenue
Houghton Lake, MI
989-422-3413
Higgins Lake Family Campground
2380 West Burdell
Roscommon, MI
989-821-6891
Higgins Lake KOA
3800 West Federal Highway
Roscommon, MI
989-275-8151
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
I-75 exit 244, turn left, W. 5 miles to park on left. US- 27 Military Rd. exit, go 1 mile E.

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Michigan
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Michigan State Parks

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