Episode: 1404 "STAY AND PLAY - A GREAT OUTING FOR ALL" Travel Planner
When guys and gals want a getaway of their own, when families want to create memories, when couples want some spark, they head to the playground known as Michigan's Other Great Lakes. It is a smorgasbord of fun - shopping, fishing, hiking, golfing and more.
We have collected information and web links related to the area and combined them here with video clips from the show and photo galleries that we took 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 the Houghton Lake Area Tourism and Convention Bureau @
(800) 676-5330 Have fun!
Fifth Street Market | 104 N 5th St - Roscommon, MI | (989) 275-1515
Antiques & Uniques | 105 N 5th St - Roscommon, MI | (989) 275-8288
Bloomers Flowers & Gifts | 704 Lake Street - Roscommon, MI | (989) 275-4855 Lake Street Artisans:
Bohn-Bohn Beads & Gallery | 407 Lake Street - Roscommon, MI | (810) 624-5657
The Mermaid Shop | 409 Lake Street - Roscommon, MI | (989) 280-8803
Fifth Street Market in Roscommon has been described as having a jaw dropping selection of craft beer and wines and a nice surprise in a small town. Across from Fifth Street Market is Antiques and Uniques, where your eye is drawn to every nook and cranny filled with a variety of the antique and unique. The uniqueness of shopping in the Village of Roscommon must include a visit to Bloomers. It is not just a flower shop or the place to go for flowers, but a place to find organic foods, gourmet confections and bath and body treats. To complete the walkable shopping experience of Roscommon the ladies found a series of places where local artisans met and shared their talents on Lake Street. The Mermaid shop had all sorts of new and used items of interest, all displayed with an artistic mermaid’s flair.
Whether you come to Roscommon County for a girlfriend getaway, as a couple or family, or with just the guys, fishing poles have to be packed for the trip. Roscommon County is known as the area of Michigan’s Other Great Lakes, with its three most popular lakes, Houghton, Higgins and Lake St. Helen.
Roscommon Village Market
211 N 5th Street - Roscommon, MI
Saturdays
Farmer's Market @ Houghton Lake Playhouse
1701 E Houghton Lake Drive - Houghton Lake, MI
Fridays
Market Place of St. Helen
1709 N St. Helen Road - Saint Helen, MI
Saturdays
Local crafts and foods are offered at weekly Farmer’s Markets in Roscommon, Houghton Lake and St. Helen. So different from the chore of grocery shopping at home, a visit to the Farmer’s Markets and talking with the local vendors is such a delight. Fresh, organic foods. Homemade breads and jams. Well-crafted jewelry, soaps and collectibles – you will soon fill your basket with tasty morsels and gifts.
Pine View Highlands | 4761 W Houghton Lake Drive - Houghton Lake, MI | (989) 366-7726
The Quest | 119 Questview Drive - Houghton Lake, MI | (989) 422-4516
12 Golf Courses: throughout Roscommon County
The Houghton Lake Area boasts an even dozen great golf courses for you to enjoy. The next time you get the urge to take a break from the daily routine and enjoy a golf getaway, we're here waiting to spoil you. Golf packages are available from a anumber of the hotels, motels and resorts in the area. Be sure to ask about golf packages when planning your next golf outing.
Trestle Park & The Stone Hall | 2378 S Gladwin Road - Prudenville, MI
Monthly summer concerts at the Park or in Denton Township’s Stone Hall
CRAF Center | 606 Lake Street - Roscommon, MI | (989) 295-4975
The Summer Concert Series has guest appearances by a variety of performers including Jazz, Country Western, Folk and Folk Rock. These musical events are held at the Gazebo rain or shine, on Wednesday nights, throughout the summer.
Markey Memorial Park & K-9 Corners | 3354 W School Road - Roscommon, MI
Throughout the summer free outdoor concerts are presented in Roscommon County. Trestle Park in Houghton Lake hosts concerts at the park or in the Stone Building in Denton Township, and Roscommon hosts concerts at the gazebo at the Craf Center. Bring a blanket, lawn chair and get ready for some toe tapping and sing along.
Richardson School & Gallimore Boarding House | 404 Lake Street - Roscommon, MI
Included in your family vacation should be plans to visit the Gallimore Boarding House and Richardson School House, preserved and hosted by the Roscommon Area Historical Society. The rooms are furnished in period style, and exhibits depict the history of the area. The Richardson School House served community from 1914-1955 and now displays an interior setting with many artifacts from Roscommon and surrounding area.
Enjoying the pristine beauty of Roscommon County and the great outdoors is a reason many visit the area. Another great way to experience the outdoors is enjoying its nature. We had a unique experience on our getaway there as we saw some of the county’s 25 osprey nests up close and personal.
South Higgins Lake State Park | 106 State Park Drive - Roscommon, MI | (989) 821-6374
Marl Lake is part of the South Higgins Lake State Park and located across the road. It is perfect for a day of exploration, quiet reflection or family fun. The non-motorized lake has a small dock and launching ramp to put in your canoe, boat or kayak. Anglers can don their waders and walk off shore for some great perch and panfish fishing. Make use of the grill and picnic table for a family picnic. For fun and games, there is a number of geocaches hidden along the trail. Binoculars are a must for bird watchers – osprey, eagles, kingfishers and warblers are a few of the species spotted here. In the area around Marl Lake there are three loop trails: Green Trail - 2 miles of trail, Red Trail - 3.5 mile loop much of it on the edge of the lake, Blue Trail - 5.5 mile loop with half of it along the edge of the lake.
» Hiking [Houghton Lake Tourism Bureau]
» Boating [Houghton Lake Tourism Bureau]