//
Census-designated place & unincorporated community in Michigan, United States
Photo: H.G. Judd, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Houghton Lake is a city in Rosscommon County in the state of Michigan. Home of Tip Up Town, USA, the largest winter carnival in the United States, the site of the movie Frozen Stupid, and amazing vacation spot for those on a budget or with children.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Shows how things were done in old Houghton Lake. Bring kids of all ages to the hands-on exhibits.
Restaurant, bowling, bar, catering and party hall.
After you've rented a pontoon, take it on a slow ride down the Muskegon River. The fancy country club at the river mouth used to be a lighthouse, before it burned down. Oooh and aaah at the wealthy homes on the riverside, but turn around once you get a little bit past the bridge, for a little ways beyond that is swamp.
Fishing is allowed near the dam, so take a day trip here.
This rustic, log-cabin style movie theater shows only one movie at a time for about three weeks. It is usually the highest-grossing film at the box office or the one with the largest promotional team. Movies show at 7:30PM and 9PM nightly. Be sure to get there at least half an our before the show starts to grab a good parking spot, buy refreshments, and make sure all the little ones go "potty".
This is a small restaurant with a log cabin like decor. They serve the usual mom-and-pop type food, including fish, burgers, and soup.
The classic Houghton Lake bar. Leave the kids with a babysitter and visit here.
Family-friendly and has ample space for RVs.
Great if you brought an RV. This park is for all camping with trailers and RVs if you don't want to stay at a hotel or resort.
Located on the East shore of beautiful Houghton Lake. This lovely year-round family resort has eight 2-bedroom completely modern housekeeping log cabins with screened porches. Some with natural stone fireplaces all have gas heat and Cable TV. The resort also has a Pontoon available for rent.
Six cabin resort on the beautiful South shore, close to everything and perfect for gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. Our cabins range in sizes of one, two, and three bedrooms, all with full kitchens. The new owners have begun making many improvements as well as making it a four-season resort with cable and internet.
For those looking for something a little less rustic. With indoor waterpark and small cruise boat that takes guests on dinner cruises. Comfort Suites also sports a fancy restaurant. Even though it is lakeside, it does not have a beach.
This is the classic Houghton Lake gift shop, selling t-shirts, knick-nacks, and all related Houghton Lake memorabilia.
By bus
Indian Trails bus service runs between St. Ignace and East Lansing.
By plane
Houghton Lake does have a small airstrip, but only small one or two engine planes land here. No commercial airlines operate out of Houghton Lake. There isn't actually an airport either.
By boat
Boats are welcomed in Houghton Lake, but don't try to get there by one.
Winter
Rent a snowmobile for the nearby trails, and make sure your car can drive through the sometimes-not-snow-removed streets during the winter.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Traverse City · Regional · TVC
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Houghton Lake and United States.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
Travel tipsFind the best time to visit Hawaii in 2026. Compare whale seasons, big-wave surf, dry shoulder months, hotel rates, and island microclimates.
8 min read
InspirationDiscover the best places to visit in April. Compare Dutch tulip fields, Thailand's Songkran water festival, Roman spring gardens, and cherry blossoms.
6 min read
Travel tipsA practical guide to travelling with medication and refrigerated drugs like insulin and GLP-1s. Learn airline rules, customs papers, and cooling tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.