Many argue that Higgins Lake is the “Prettiest Lake in Michigan“, even over Torch Lake. (National Geographic once listed Higgins among the most beautiful lakes in the world, and locals will absolutely remind you of that.)

But really, that turquoise color is no joke. It sparkles and dances in the sunlight at every depth.

And since about half of the lake’s water bubbles up from underground springs, the water is as clear as can be. You can spot fish with your bare eyes before they even know you’re there.

The Chippewa called it Majinabeesh, which means “sparkling water.” Not gonna argue with that.

Fill your cooler, drop anchor and float the day away if you’d like!

Higgins Lake’s sandbar turns into a float-up hangout when the sun’s out.

The biggest, most packed sandbar days at Higgins are Fourth of July weekend and other holiday weekends, when boats raft up with music and floating coolers. Unlike some lakes, there’s no official “sandbar party schedule.” It’s all word-of-mouth, group texts, and the occasional social post.

Otherwise, most of the action happens on hot Saturdays and Sundays from late June through August, especially midday to late afternoon.

If you’d rather have space to breathe, hit it on a weekday or non-holiday Sunday.

Higgins Lake Youtube

Most Michigan inland lakes are lucky to have one state park. Higgins has two, one on each end of the lake, and they each bring something different to the table.

South Higgins Lake State Park is the bigger, more social option with around 400 campsites, a mile of sandy shoreline, modern restrooms and showers, and a very popular beach area.

North Higgins Lake State Park is smaller and quieter, with mini-cabins, a swim beach, picnic areas, boat access, and hiking/ski trails. It also connects to Marl Lake for paddling and has the Tree Nursery (more on that below).

South Higgins tends to be busier. North Higgins and Marl Lake are a little more low-key. Either way, both have boat launches and you’ve got public beach access to some of the clearest water in the state.

The water here is way more than “oh, nice, I can see my feet” clear.

You can seriously see 20 to 30 feet in to the water on a calm summer day and might even catch a glimpse of fish cruising by. The sandy bottom helps make things pop and lends itself to some great snorkeling.

Grab a basic mask and snorkel, wade in from South Higgins Lake State Park or along one of the quieter stretches of shoreline, and you can see hundreds of fish without diving deep.

The sandy shallows are perfect for kids with goggles, and if you’re more adventurous, the drop-offs near Flag Point are where people go to spot bigger fish and whatever “lost stuff” boaters have donated to the lake floor over the years.

Divers use Higgins regularly too. It’s not a Great Lakes shipwreck destination, but there are sunken boats, man-made fish habitats, and structure near the Amvets Lodge area that inland dive shops use for training and fun dives. The clear water makes it one of the go-to freshwater dive spots in the Lower Peninsula.

Tip: Stay safe – swim and snorkel along the edges of swim buoys rather than crossing boat lanes. This is a busy boating lake in summer.

The pine trees around Higgins Lake look like they’ve always been there, but they were actually planted as part of a CCC project that helped keep wildfires from ravaging Northern Michigan.

Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, this area was smack in the middle of Michigan’s logging boom. Lumber companies came through and leveled all of the trees and left the stumps behind. Turns out that was a perfect recipe for wildfires, and when they came, they were massive. It was a huge problem.

To fix it, Michigan founded its first state tree nursery on the north side of Higgins Lake in 1903. That nursery grew millions of pine seedlings and became one of the world’s largest. During the Great Depression, Civilian Conservation Corps crews at Camp Higgins Lake planted those trees, built trails, and fought fires to bring the forest back from the dead.

What you see today when you walk through North Higgins Lake State Park are the remnants and relics left from that era, plus a swath of towering pines that is a part of that comeback story. And, Bob Ross’s Happy Little Trees.

The Higgins Lake Nursery & CCC Museum at North Higgins tells the whole story with exhibits and artifacts, and it’s free to check out. Worth a stop even if museums aren’t usually your thing.

Higgins is one of those lakes where you can usually stop by on a whim and get a spot on the beach.

It’s easy to roll up to South Higgins Lake State Park, enjoy the beach and warm water for an hour or two, grab an ice cream at the concessions, and head on out.

(You will need a Michigan Recreation Passport to get in, though. Annual or day-use works.)

Boat, tube, ski, or cruise: You can bring your own or rent pontoons and small motorboats from local marinas and park concessions.

Kayaking and paddleboarding along the shoreline and into quieter Marl Lake are popular and genuinely easy for beginners. The water is calm, the scenery is yes ma’am, and you don’t need any experience to have a great time.

As for fishing, Higgins Lake is great for those looking to catch trout, perch, pike, walleye, and smallmouth bass, probably because the deeper water and inlets make a nice habitat for the fish.  (In the colder months, Higgins is known as one of the top ice fishing lakes in northern Michigan, with lake trout, perch, and smelt being the impetus for shanty towns. The ice fishing scene in winter is a whole separate obsession.)

B & B Sports Center & Marina: Long‑running, family‑owned full-service marina and large boat‑rental operation serving Higgins Lake since 1953. Rentals include pontoon boats and fishing boats.

GO FAST Rentals: Higgins lake rental business that specializes in boat rentals (pontoon, fishing, ski) as well as kayak rentals, wave runners, water trampolines and more.

Paddle Higgins LLC: Paddle board and kayak rentals delivered to your door,

South Higgins Lake State Park: The park’s concessioner (South State Park Store) offers an array of on‑site rentals right at the main swim/beach area on Higgins Lake, so you can park, walk to the beach, and rent kayaks, SUPs and other gear right at the park.

Campbell’s Canoe & Kayak Livery: This paddle sport outfitter in Roscommon runs kayak, canoe, tube, and SUP rentals for nearby rivers and lakes, including Higgins Lake.

Pioneer Hills Marine: No boat rentals here; they are a full‑service boat and powersport dealer and repair shop located at the northeast corner of Higgins Lake.

Gerrish Community Park Marina: Township‑owned public park and 133-slip marina located on the southwest side of Higgins Lake. No boat rentals here, but they do provide a gas dock, boat launch, restrooms and playground.

June through August at Higgins Lake is peak season, with warm water for swimming and everything up and running at the parks (rentals, concessions, programs, the whole deal).

Weekends, especially in July and early August, fill campgrounds and beaches fast. Locals recommend weekdays or early mornings and late afternoons to dodge the crowds.

Pro tip: Book state park camping or popular rentals several months in advance. South Higgins in particular is known for selling out in summer. If you show up on a July Saturday hoping to snag a campsite, you’re not going to be happy.

No proper Up North lake is complete without a few stories that get better every time someone tells them around a campfire and Higgins Lake doesn’t want to be left out.

One local legend says there’s an underwater underwater lake monster lurking in Higgins.

There’s also rumor of buried treasure from the 1800’s on somewhere near the lake, usually tied to old lumber or fur-trade money. It’s probably why the island in the middle of the lake is called Treasure Island.

@jessshimmy Have you found this hidden treasure at #higginslake #michigan? So fun! #northenmichigan #higginslakemi #lakelife #top10lakes #beautifullakes #greatlakesstate #treasurehunting #sunkenship #puremichigan #midwestisbest #michigansummer #traveltiktok #laketok #lakelife ♬ Trampoline – SHAED

Where to Stay (if you’re not Camping at the State Parks)

Campground and resort-style stays:

• Northern Nights Campground (just a bit from the lake): Wooded family campground with RV sites, cottage rentals, and boat/kayak rentals. Quiet, clean, and close to Higgins.
• JR Resort (near Higgins Lake): Small lakes-area resort with a handful of units if you want more of a cottage/resort feel. Free kayak, paddle boat, and kayak use.
• North Winds Lodge at Higgins Lake: Small, family‑run motel/lodge a short walk or very quick drive from Higgins Lake. It’s your classic “up north” mom‑and‑pop lodge that’s been a local staple for 40+ years.
• The Higgins Lake Campground: Private campground/outdoor resort (formerly a KOA), located about 1 mile from Higgins Lake’s sandy beaches. Offerings include Full‑service RV sites with water, electric (including 50‑amp), sewer, and Wi‑Fi in addition to cabins and lodges, plus rustic tent sites.
• Great Escape Motor Lodge: If you want a budget‑friendly, old-school motor‑lodge feel with an indoor pool and don’t mind driving a few extra minutes to the lake, this is a good spot for you.

Higgins Lake Vacation Rentals Map

Use the map to find vacation rentals on Higgins Lake for the dates you’re interested in.

Nearby Towns

• Roscommon (about 10 miles away): Small downtown, shops, restaurants, tubing and kayak outfitters on the Au Sable River, and basic services.
• Houghton Lake (15 miles south): Larger vacation area with chain stores, more dining and entertainment options, and access to Michigan’s largest inland lake. You’ll find more motels, bars, and marinas here.
• St. Helen (east of Higgins): Small town with ORV trails and lake access; another option for supplies or a side trip.
• Grayling (to the north): Larger town with full services, restaurants, breweries, and Au Sable River access, often used as a bigger hub because it has easy access off I-75.