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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 the Houghton Lake Area Tourism Bureau - 800-676-5330 Have fun!

Special thanks for contributions to this episode:

Houghton Lake Area Tourism Bureau
Debbie Martin - Houghton Area TVB
Jon & Jill Lamotte
Kevin Jacobs
Andrea Eisbrenner
Bethanae WoJey
Lyman Foster - Lyman's On The Lake

Jenny, Louis & Louis Jr. Boggs
Amanda Hoppe
Linda Ambrose - Houghton Lake Trailblazers
Robert Frye - X-Country Ski Headquarters
Tom & Anita Shepherd
Dale & Lucille Eisbrenner

Video Clips

Related Information & Links

Tip-Up Town USA
Michigan's largest winter festival is 60 years old in 2010. It's the Diamond Anniversary and promises to be bigger and better than ever before! The festival gets its name from an ice shanty community that springs up on Houghton Lake every winter. The "town" has its own by-laws, which state that “the purpose of the village on the ice is to promote bigger lies, hilarity, tom foolery and good will.” As you can imagine, the “lies” are usually related to those fish stories: the one that got away!
» Last Two Weekends In January
» Tip-Up Town USA

Ice Fishing
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. You can rent an ice shanty, get fishing information and more from one of the local tackle shops like Lyman's on the Lake.
» Lyman's On The Lake
» Houghton Lake Fishing
» Houghton Lake Area Tourism Bureau - Ice Fishing

Kayaking
The South Branch of the AuSable River is world renowned for canoeing, kayaking and tubing. Only about 1 percent of the summer kayakers will take the trip in the winter. When the wind blows puffs of powdery white snow are sent off of the trees and turns the river into a magical place. So much has been written on this river that pertains to the warmer months but very little is said about the winter time. It is truly a great experience. We advise recreational kayakers that if you would like to try some winter kayaking to get ready for chill paddling by getting: a spray skirt, a change of clothes and a paddling partner.
» Paddle Brave Canoe Livery
» Houghton Lake Tourism Bureau - Canoeing & Kayaking

The Firehouse Restaurant & Lounge
A great little restaurant decorated in a fireman motif from the bar to the firemens' suits on the wall. By all accounts, the food is fantastic. Tom loved the four alarm pizza.
» 465 N. St. Helen Rd. St. Helen, MI 48656
» (989) 389-1000

Snowmobiling
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.
» Houghton Lake Area Tourism Bureau - Snowmobiling
» Michigan DNR - Snowmobiling in Michigan

Snowshoes
Snowshoeing is fast becoming one of winter's most popular activities. Nothing is as exhilirating as snowshoeing in the beautiful forest and the Houghton Lake area has many to choose from. A lot of people like to cross-country ski in these areas, but with snowshoes you can actually get off the trail if you’d like and explore areas that would be too difficult to reach in boots and impossible in skis. The Lost Twin Lakes Pathway is located 7 miles south of Houghton Lake on Reserve Rd  This 3 mile loop trail winds through an old growth pine forest.   Designed for hiking and cross-country skiing this trail has several bridges, including a covered bridge.  The trail contains scenic overviews of pristine wetlands areas.
» Houghton Lake Area Tourism Bureau - Snowshoeing
» Lost Twin Lake Pathway

Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing is one Northern Michigan’s most popular sports. There are hundreds of miles of marked and well-maintained ski trails in Roscommon County. These include family-friendly trails and more demanding routes for experienced skiers. These ski trails are free for all to enjoy. We came to Cross Country Ski Headquarters in Roscommon for a few lessons. Proprietor Bob Frye has been enjoying this Nordic tradition for decades. His shop sells all the latest ski equipment, provides lessons for beginners and ongoing instruction for more experienced skiers.
» Cross Country Ski Headquarters
» Houghton Lake Tourism Bureau - Cross Country Skiing