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» Last Two Weekends In January |
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!
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» Tip-Up Town USA [Houghton Lake Area Tourism Bureau] |
» Lyman's On The Lake [Facebook]
» Houghton Lake Fishing
» Ice Fishing [Houghton Lake Area Tourism Bureau] |
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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
» Canoeing & Kayaking [Houghton Lake Area Tourism Bureau] |
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The St. Helen Motor sport Area is 1,280 acres, and is only one of five scramble areas in the state. It is operated by The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and maintained by volunteers from the Michigan Recreation Vehicle Association of Michigan. A scramble area is a "designated area" in which an ORV operator is NOT restricted to the use of the existing trails or pathways. The operator is able to travel wherever they wish, unless of course the area is posted closed. If you are looking to do some winter trail riding Roscommon County is the place to go.
They have an extensive trail system and you will find that an ordinance has been passed to make it easier for riders to get back and forth from the trails. This ordinance allows ORV riders to ride on streets and highways in Roscommon County. We encourage you to become familiar with the ordinance as well as familiarize yourself with the trails maps in the area. |
» [PDF 1.76 mb]
» St. Helen Trail Map & Route [PDF 1.71 mb] [Michigan DNR] |
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Location: 465 N. St. Helen Rd. St. Helen, MI 48656
Phone: (989) 389-1000 |
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. |
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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. |
» Snowmobiling [Houghton Lake Area Tourism Bureau] » Snowmobiling in Michigan [Michigan DNR] |
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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.
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» Snowshoeing [Houghton Lake Area Tourism Bureau] » Lost Twin Lake Pathway |
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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.
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» Cross Country Ski Headquarters
» Cross Country Skiing [Houghton Lake Area Tourism Bureau] |