Houghton Lake

Houghton Lake is a large lake in Roscommon County. The unincorporated community of Prudenville is at the southeastern end of the lake, while the unincorporated community of Houghton Lake and Houghton Lake Heights is on the southwest and west shores. It is the largest inland lake in the state of Michigan, and one of the largest natural inland lakes in the United States (many man-made impoundments are much larger). The lake is approximately 7 1/2 miles north to south, and about 4 1/2 miles at it widest point. Houghton Lake has 30 miles of total shoreline and its waters cover 20,044 acres. It is an extremely popular resort and fishing area 12 months of the year.

Houghton Lake is the site of Tip-Up-Town USA, a large ice fishing and winter sports festival with several events on the frozen waters of the lake itself. Houghton Lake is named after the first state geologist, Douglass Houghton who explored the area.

The lake receives the waters of Higgins Lake through the Cut River and, in turn, is the headwaters for the Muskegon River, which flows out of the North Bay in the northwest corner of the lake. The lake is partially within four townships: Markey Township on the northeast, Denton Township on the southeast, Roscommon Township on the southwest, and Lake Township on the northwest. The lake is considered a warm water, shallow lake, with the average depth being 7 1/2 feet. The lake is a prolific fish factory, offering almost every species of game and panfish found in Michigan with the exception of the trout/salmon families, the sturgeon, and white bass. Common catches include northern pike, bluegill, walleye, crappie, yellow perch and largemouth bass.

Michigan State Highway 55 follows the southern shore, while U.S. Highway 27 passes just to the west. Michigan State Highway 18 and Interstate 75 pass just to the east.

The Houghton Lake Community School district covers over 500 square miles and provides exceptional educational opportunities. Houghton Lake High School is a four year secondary school and fully accredited by the University of Michigan. Houghton Lake is a year-round resort community offering four seasons of activities. The area has become a community of choice for many year-round residents. Numerous service facilities, social organizations, twenty plus churches, several fine golf courses, amusement parks and a variety of shopping opportunities, make Houghton Lake a comfortable place to call home.