Now that I have a tribe of my own, I have attempted to instill in my kiddos just how important a place like Higgins Lake is to our tribe’s history. So when we visit my parents’ each summer we head to the welcoming waters of Higgins to remember she is a part of us just as much as we are a part of her!
Higgins Lake lies in the northern heart of Michigan, just north of Houghton Lake (another great inland lake in MI) and just south of Grayling. You can use either of the major expressways (I-75 or US-127) to reach this beautiful lake. It is an oddly shaped inland spring-fed freshwater lake with two distinct sections – the north and the south (simple enough). Check out this link of Google Images of Higgins to see for yourself! These sections are separated by a narrow gateway, so to speak, of the lake with Detroit Point to the west (one of the most photographed parts of Higgins) and Flag Point to the east. Treasure Island lies in the northern section of the lake – some residents live there year-round. Sunken Island, in the south, is a must-visit site when boating due to its shallow waters that are perfect for anchoring and hanging out with fellow lake-goers for the day.
At one time, Higgins Lake was known, at least to us locals, as the 6th most beautiful lake in the world. Now, I have traveled to several continents and have visited many lakes outside of Michigan and there are some beauts out there, but Higgins holds my heart like no other. The crystal clear blue waters, the shallow shores perfect for swimming and splashing, and the deep waters that provide a chilling refreshment on a hot summer’s day – ah, Higgins.
Growing up as a Higgins Lake native, I spent my earliest days of childhood heading down to the [eafl id=”1638″ name=”South Higgins Lake State Park” text=”South State Park,”] known for its great camping, boating accessibility, and its natural beaches. It was at South State that my family and friends would splash and swim or play on the playground or enjoy a yummy hand-dipped ice cream from the [eafl id=”1636″ name=”South State Park Store” text=”Park Store”] each summer. If we wanted to beat the summer crowds of ‘downstaters’, we would walk or ride our bikes to other beaches and parks close by – Kelly Beach and Higgins Township Beach were two of our favorites – and still are to this day! Ironically, I am now one of those ‘downstaters’ – but it doesn’t really count since I am from Higgins, right?! My family was not one of the ‘lucky ones’ who actually lived on the lake (#lifegoals), but we couldn’t complain as the parks and beaches were within walking distance and/or a short ride/drive from our home.
Higgins, over the years, has become well-known for being a boating lover’s dream (among other things, like a fishing lover’s dream – seriously, the trout, pike, and perch are divine). I was the child always dreaming of having a boat, but my dad wasn’t one to spend money on frivolous things, at least not boat things (we certainly did not go without). Instead, we mooched off of our generous friends with boats (Thanks, friends! You know who you are!). Some of my fondest memories on Higgins are of waking up at 5 am to go waterskiing with my friend David – the lake, a mirror: clear, reflective, still, calm; or boating with my friends Angela and Alexis, where we would drive out to the middle of the lake and just sit, sunbathe, and dive into the frigid water (Higgins is not known for being very warm due to the great depths of the lake); and catching the glorious sunset while chatting with friends on shore. Even now we try to get to Higgins at least once every summer to enjoy all she has to offer – boating, tubing, waterskiing, fishing, sunset viewing, and of course, swimming. My children know Higgins is our home away from home, and I hope they always will.
With Higgins Lake being my first ‘lake experience’ and then the Great Lakes being my next, I feel I have been ruined by the transparent waters, just a tad! Swimming in any water that is murky or brownish from natural tannins is not on my priority list – I like to see where my feet are stepping. I like to know if I am in any grave danger while swimming. If you have ever had the opportunity to swim in Higgins Lake, you will know exactly what I am talking about – even at 40 feet deep, you can see the bottom! Spoiled? Ruined? I guess I will go with blessed! To have grown up with Higgins Lake in my backyard (figuratively speaking), I have lake standards that many cannot meet and I have memories that I hope to share with my children and their children, always remembering that Higgins Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world!
Here are 8 MUST DOs when visiting Higgins Lake:
- Stop in at [eafl id=”1640″ name=”The Loom Room” text=”The Loom Room”] on the west side for Higgins Lake specialty items, clothing, souvenirs, and some of the best homemade fudge you will ever consume. My friends Rob and Renée will take great care to help you find exactly what you are looking for!
- [eafl id=”1641″ name=”BearNorthCreamery” text=”Bear North Creamery”] has a wonderful assortment of hand-dipped ice cream to indulge in after a day on the lake! My mom, a purist, is convinced their vanilla is divine! I haven’t tasted a flavor I haven’t enjoyed!
- Take a yoga class at [eafl id=”1642″ name=”Stone Turtle Yoga” text=”Stone Turtle Yoga”] from Mariah or one of the other instructors. You will not be disappointed in the care you receive, nor will you regret the care you gift yourself in choosing to take the class!
- If you haven’t had your fill of ice cream just yet, stop in at [eafl id=”1643″ name=”Nibbles Ice Cream” text=”Nibbles”] near the South State Park for some good old-fashioned ice cream sundaes!
- Take a stroll through the trails of Marl Lake, a quaint lake known best for its fishing and bird viewing – different seasons bring different birds. If you are lucky enough you may see an eagle, among others!
- If you have a little time to run and play, check out Markey Memorial Park. Kids and animals (there is a separate dog park) of all ages can enjoy a game of catch, a stroll around the park on a paved path, a ride on a zip-line, time climbing and jumping on the newly installed playsets, or some more intentional exercise using the fitness stations around the park. There is even a [eafl id=”1646″ name=”Gaga Pit” text=”Gaga Pit”]!
- If you find yourself on the north end of the lake, which I recommend, check out [eafl id=”1648″ name=”North Higgins Lake State Park” text=”North Higgins Lake State Park”]. There are many opportunities to hike, explore, and to enjoy nature!
- There are not many restaurant options around the lake, but for good pizza check out [eafl id=”1649″ name=”Andy’s Pizzeria” text=”Andy’s Pizzeria”]. If you want to feel like a local, check out [eafl id=”1650″ name=”Fred’s Restaurant” text=”Fred’s”] in Roscommon (just a short drive into town from the lake) where you can get a drink at the bar, enjoy one of their nightly specials or eat some pizza while bowling.
I hope you find Higgins Lake as magical as A Traveling Tribe finds it!
**Disclaimer – this post may contain affiliate links, which means that at no cost to you, I may receive compensation! Cheers!
