TIP-UP TOWN USA is Michigan’s longest running winter festival, this year our event is January 24th, 25th and 31st and the theme is "Spirit of 76." The festival is held at the southern DNR boat launch, off of M-55 near the Pines theater and Pineview Golf Course. Free parking is available at the High School and library with free shuttle service to and from Tip Up Town. Badge is required. Festivities usually include: Side by Side Racing, Polar Bear Dip, Games on Stage and in the Village, Snowmobile Drag Racing, Poker Run, Live Entertainment, Ice Fishing Contest and more!

The aim of the Tip-Up Town USA Fishing Contest is to promote ice fishing on Houghton Lake. We wish to provide a family-friendly, good-natured competitive event that rewards both dedicated fishermen and novices alike. Contestants must have a Tip-Up Town USA 2026 badge to enter the Fishing Contest. Pre-registration is not required. Only fish caught from Houghton Lake during the contest timeframe will be eligible. First weekend is open to everyone of all ages. Second weekend is a kids only fishing contest. Prizes awarded following weigh-in.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Copper Kettle is a small craft distillery located in Houghton Lake. Home of Michigan Spirits Distilling. Stop in and enjoy an enchanting variety of expertly crafted cocktails and a menu featuring an extensive array of smoked BBQ delights and more. Get ready for an immersive culinary experience that will leave you craving for more.