Higgins Lake is a small township located in north central Michigan between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Primarily a fishing community, Higgins Lake also offers boating, swimming and various other water activities. Vacation rentals range from small beachfront cottages with docks and full lake access to downtown homes in established neighborhoods. Enjoy beautiful sunrises from the deck before heading to Higgins Lake State Park for a day of hiking, picnicking and family fun. This guide details 12 popular vacation rental locations where you can find the perfect Higgins Lake vacation rental for your family.
1. Gold Coast, Higgins Lake
Relax on the southern border of Higgins Lake where you and your family can enjoy a variety of watersports in the summer and cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. Considered the prime location for fishing in the area, the southern border of Higgins Lake is often referred to as the Gold Coast. Travel to nearby Gaylord in July for the annual Alpenfest where artists from all over the country display their talents. You can also find a variety of excellent eats, and the town is decorated with carnival lights at night.
2. Detroit Point, West Higgins Lake
Located near the center-western shore of Higgins Lake, Detroit Point offers a large dock where you can have fun on your boat and go fishing or swimming. Home of Detroit Park, the point has a landmark tree that sits out near the water’s edge. This large hardwood offers a shady place to have a picnic lunch or to escape the heat of the day in the summer. Vacation rentals near the point include cozy family cabins and single-family homes. Head to the Old Point Comfort Marina to rent a boat for skiing or kayaking and then stop at a local restaurant for a bite to eat.
3. South Higgins State Park
Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life with a rustic cabin rental near South Higgins State Park on the southern part of the lake. The 1,000-acre park offers a mile of shoreline on the crystal clear water. Here, you’ll find fishing, picnicking, a nature trail and plenty of space for skiing in the winter. The park is pet-friendly so you can bring your dogs. There is also a dedicated metal detecting area at the park for those who like to explore. Start off your day at the South State Park Market for snacks and drinks and then head to the GarLyn Zoological Park to see the bears and other animals in their natural habitat.
4. Roscommon
Put your feet up and relax on your vacation when you choose a rental in Roscommon. This tiny village has a long strip of shops at the Fifth Street Market for locating gifts and keepsakes, or you can stop by one of the local cafes for an ice cream or a cup of coffee. Rent a canoe at Campbell’s Canoe Livery and spend the day on Higgins Lake. You can also sign the family up for a guided kayak tour of the area. If you’re looking for a good history lesson you should visit the Michigan Fireman’s Memorial and pay tribute to fallen heroes.
5. Forest Dune Drive, Golf Course Area
For those who love golf, choose a vacation rental near Forest Dune Drive at the Forest Dune Golf Course. Vacation rentals include immaculate country club homes with well-manicured lawns and swimming pools for family fun. Visit nearby Wakely Lake in the winter for cross-country skiing, or take a long hike in the Huron National Forest where you can view wildlife, watch for birds or fish for bluegill, bass and northern pike.
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6. North Higgins Lake State Park
Home of the Annual Michigan Ski for Light, the North Higgins Lake State Park offers a variety of vacation rentals in the area. The annual event is dedicated to raising money for the visually impaired. The family can take part in a bonfire, eat a tasty pizza and salad dinner and enjoy a weekend of skiing. Schedule special events at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, and then adults can stop by the Silver Dollar Saloon in the evening for drinks and a bite to eat.
7. Houghton Lake
Located to the south of Higgins Lake, Houghton Lake is the largest lake in Roscommon County. Rent a pair of jet skis and spend an afternoon on the water with family, or take part in the annual fishing contest in March. Take the kids to the Great Getaways Funland Amusement Park for go-kart racing and video games, or tour the Houghton Lake Historical Village, which features fully-restored buildings from the 1800s, including a schoolroom, town hall, dress shop and general store.
8. Prudenville, Denton Township
Prudenville is a small town in the Denton Township located on the east bay of Houghton Lake. Bring your kayaks to your vacation rental and take the kids out on the water. Afterward, play a game of putt-putt golf, or sign up for a round of real golf at the White Deer Country Club. Bowl a few strikes at Goodyear Lanes then have a steak dinner at the local steakhouse. Vacation rentals include cozy cabins in the woods and quaint country homes.
9. Au Sable River
You’ll feel like you are far away from the world when you plan your stay along the Au Sable River. Located in Oscoda, this river has long stretches of white water that are perfect for kayaking, rafting and tubing. Take a hike at Largo Springs or head to the Oscoda Beach Park where you can enjoy a picnic lunch under the trees. There is a splash park for the younger kids, and the park is within walking distance to several restaurants and an ice cream stand.
10. Lake Margrethe, Grayling
With over 300 vacation rentals in the area, Lake Margrethe is the perfect place to plan a family getaway. Rent a boat and go fishing for bass and panfish, or travel to Torch Lake for swimming. Sign up for a canopy tour with Wildwood Rush Canopy Tours or take the kids to the GT Butterfly House and Bug Zoo to get a glimpse of an array of critters in the area.
11. Richfield Township
Richfield Township is a small neighborhood in Roscommon County just south of the Saint Helen airport. Take a hike along the Reedsburg Dam where you can go fishing or canoeing. Rent a boat and go waterskiing or take your ATVs and dune buggies to the Saint Helen Sand Pitt where you will find tall dunes to explore.
12. Fife Lake
Crystal clear waters and luxurious lake homes make Fife Lake an ideal location to take the family. Visit the local library for a book to read from the deck of your rental and stop by Gordy’s place after for a bite to eat and a cup of coffee. The water provides swimming, fishing and boating or you can dry your feet and visit one of the local shops for gifts and specialty items like candles.
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