Episode: 1115 "THE BIGGEST WINTER CARNIVAL IN MICHIGAN" Travel Planner / 1202 "ICE IS NICE"
Ice, Ice everywhere and we are going to snowmobile on it, fish on it and enjoy the biggest winter carnival in Michigan. Don’t miss this ice is nice on the largest inland lake in Michigan, Houghton Lake.
We have collected information and web links related to the area and combined them here with photos we took and video clips from the show in what we hope will be a helpful guide as you plan your trip. Feel free to select only one or two activities per day according to your family’s interests. For assistance or for more information, call Houghton Lake Area Tourism & Convention Bureau @
1 (800) 676-5330 Have fun!
Location: Houghton Lake When: January 16-18 & 23-25, 2015 Phone: (989) 366-5644
2015 is the 65th year for Tip-Up Town USA, a family festival held on Houghton Lake. Activities for all ages that include parade, ice fishing contest, ice slide, family fun tent, carnival, outdoor games, snowmobile drag races and more.
Experience the excitement of winter fishing on Houghton Lake, Higgins Lake and Lake St. Helen. Here you will find perch, crappie, small and large mouth bass, northern pike, walleye, pike, bluegill and more. Shanties MUST be removed by March 15 from all bodies of water.
Location: 565 W West Branch Road (M55) - Prudenville, MI Winter Hours: Thur - Sat Open at 4pm Phone: (989) 366-6347
The Caribbean comes to Houghton Lake! The Frog outdoor tiki bar has a great grill menu and the décor makes you feel like you are on an island somewhere in the Caribbean. Throughout the year they host many events: trivia, comedy, beer & wine tasting, annual Cheeseburger party and more. Many great memories have been made and everybody leaves with a new friend or two!
4 miles of Lansing Road between M18 and Flint Road - Dedicated as a Natural Beauty Road. It contains a large tract of natural white birch (which is believed to be the largest in Michigan). This large tract of land is traversed by the quietly flowing Cut River. A small bridge on Lansing Road allows fishing along the Cut River.
Cross Country Ski Headquarters
Location: 9435 N Cut Rd (Cty Rd 100) - Roscommon, MI Phone: (800) 832-2663
Mason Tract Pathway Location: M-72 and Chase Bridge Road, AuSable State Forest - Grayling, MI Phone: (800) 937-8837
The Cross Country Ski Headquarters is a charming Nordic Skiing / Snowshoeing center that includes 18 km of trails, has facilities for night skiing, a cozy lodge with food and hot beverages available. There is a complete store with sale or rental of cross county and snow shoeing equipment, clothing and accessories. Cross-Country Ski Headquarters has snowmaking equipment and frequently groomed trails.
Tisdale Triangle (AuSable State Forest - .5 Miles E of Roscommon via M-18 & Tisdale Rd) and the
Mason Tract (AuSable State Forest - M-72 & Chase Bridge Road, Grayling) are located near Roscommon and offer a combined total of nearly 20 miles of pristine trails.
Location: 3900 West Houghton Lake Drive - Houghton Lake, MI Phone: (989) 366-5568
Joe and Penelope VanDevelder would like to welcome you to the newly renovated Joe's Coney Island (Formerly Ron's Coney Island) in beautiful downtown Houghton Lake. Re-opened January 13, 2011, with a new roof, complete new heating and air conditioning system, refinished dining area and carpeting, and completly new kitchen (Recently given a 100% inspection from the Roscommon County Health Department). Along with the building improvements the 1947 Crowsley car also recieved some fresh paint, and is planned to be raised as part or a new sign. We are open seven days a week for breakfast and lunch, carry-outs are always welcome!
Ann's Water-N-Woods Motel / Don's Rent-N-Ride Location: 114 Devonshire Drive - Prudenville Phone: (989) 366-7664 *Don's Rent-N-Ride is Now Closed
With roughly 200 miles of groomed snowmobile trails in Roscommon County, Houghton Lake is the perfect stop for the snowmobile enthusiast. It is clear to see why Houghton Lake attracts thousands of snowmobile enthusiasts each winter. With northern Michigan's extensive trail system, abundant snow and exciting terrain, it is the perfect setting for a snowmobiling adventure for all ages. The Houghton Lake area also offers plenty of lodging and snowmobiling friendly pubs and taverns and terrific dining as well. Houghton Lake is the perfect base for accessing Michigan's 6100 miles of snowmobile trails. Maps are available at various locations throughout the county, including Houghton Lake Tourism Bureau, Chamber of Commerce offices in Houghton Lake and Roscommon/Higgins Lake.
Location: 209 Maplehurst Road - Roscommon (
Where Southline Road turns to Maplehurst Road about 1/4 mile West of M18) Phone: (989) 275-3217
Snowshoeing is fast becoming one of winter's most popular activities. Just minutes from your hotel room you will find a wide variety of state forest trails on which to experience the best that winter has to offer. Marguerite Gahagan Nature Preserve is off of M18 and Southline Rd. directly behind the Compost Center in Roscommon.
Peaceful hiking trails amongst mature white and red pine forest and cedar swamp. This is an area working to protect habitat and wildlife forever. The 60-acre preserve is open to the public for hiking, snowshoeing, birding and many other uses from dawn until dusk. One trail is paved and wheelchair accessible.
From appetizers to entrees, soups and burgers, Anchor Inn serves great food and drinks and is known as one of the friendliest and cleanest places in town. It is tucked off the beaten path in the heart of the Historical Old Town District of the Heights. It is family friendly and hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including live entertainment, and some not so live… The Spears House of Fright Haunted Hotel has been voted #3 as one of the Top Of Michigan Haunted Attractions. On select nights in October patrons are treated to live spooks, special effects, strobe lights, areas of complete darkness, fog, and stairs to climb.
The South Branch of the AuSable River is world renowned for canoeing, kayaking and tubing. The South Branch of the AuSable River flows northward out of St. Helen to Roscommon (This section is floatable only at certain times of the year). Out of Roscommon the AuSable River flows north and east through the George Mason Wilderness Retreat. There are no homes or roads in the 3,500 acres between Chase Bridge and Smith Bridge; this stretch of the river is preserved as a wilderness. Here the river's depth ranges from one to four fee; a few places are deeper. A moderate current will take you steadily downstream. The Roscommon Canoe Liveries can help you plan trips from 1-4 hours to overnight trips.
We have had a wonderful time in this winter wonderland – snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice fishing and cross country skiing. What is your favorite activity? Breaking trail on the fresh fallen snow with your snowshoes? A thrilling ride on the trails on your favorite snowmobile? A day in a warm, cozy ice fishing shack catching your dinner? Or, strapping on your skis and gliding through the enchanted winter woods? Let us know what your favorite winter activity is in Snow Country. Whatever you enjoy, be sure to make a great getaway to the crisp and sparkling winter sports land of Roscommon County.
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