North Higgins Lake State Park

11747 N. Higgins Lake Drive
Roscommon MI, 48653

989-821-6125
TTY/TDD711 (Michigan Relay Center)

449 (Acres)

Required

North Higgins Lake State Park – located along the north shore of Higgins Lake at the former site of the world's largest seedling nurseries – is home to a modern campground, mini cabins, a boating access site, a designated swim beach, a picnic area and trails popular for hiking and cross-county skiing
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Event Information

Explorer Programs: Seasonal naturalists offer weekly nature-based nature programming Memorial Day through Labor Day. View weekly programming calendar (PDF).

More Information

North Higgins Lake State Park – located along the north shore of Higgins Lake at the former site of the world's largest seedling nursery – is home to a modern campground, mini cabins, a boating access site, a designated swim beach, a picnic area and trails popular for hiking and cross-county skiing. Higgins Lake, the park’s namesake, is the 10th largest lake in Michigan and is popular with anglers, paddlers and boaters.

Nestled within the 449-acre state park is the Higgins Lake Nursery and CCC Museum. This Michigan History Center museum commemorates Michigan’s first tree nursery and the hard work of the Civilian Conservation Corps.

track chair iconThe park's track chair – is capable of handling trails, snow, sand and shallow water – expands access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chair is available for visitors to borrow at no cost.

Campgrounds

North Higgins Lake-Mini Cabins
800-447-2757
(2)
North Higgins Lake-Modern Campground
800-447-2757
(174)

Trails

North Higgins-Beaver Creek Trail
Trail Length: 6.50 (Miles)
North Higgins-Bosom Pines Trail
Trail Length: 3.80 (Miles)
North Higgins-Upland Nature Trail
Trail Length: 1.60 (Miles)

About the Area

View Online Visitor's Guide

The Village of Roscommon and downtown Grayling are each within a 15-minute drive.

Activities (Display as List)

Biking Item is accessible.
Biking: The Iron Belle Trail – considered the longest state-designated trail in the nation – travels through the park and along Old U.S. 27.
Boat Rental Item is accessible.
Boat Rental:

Load 'N Go offers kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals in the day-use area. For more info, call 989-821-1717.

Cross-Country Skiing Item is accessible.
Cross-Country Skiing
Fishing Item is accessible.
Fishing: Higgins Lake, which stretches 7 miles and can reach 135 feet in depth, is best known for its perch and lake trout.
Hiking Item is accessible.
Hiking
History Programs Item is accessible.
History Programs:

The Higgins Lake Nursery and CCC Museum tells the story of the Civilian Conservation Corps and its role in providing work to young men during the Great Depression. Historical interpretation is provided by the Michigan History Center.

Mountain Biking Item is accessible.
Mountain Biking
Nature Programs Item is accessible.
Nature Programs: Seasonal naturalists offer weekly nature-based nature programming Memorial Day through Labor Day. View weekly programming calendar (PDF).
Paddlesports Item is accessible.
Paddlesports: Higgins Lake is popular with paddlers.
Pet-Friendly Area Item is accessible.
Pet-Friendly Area: There is a designated pet beach east of the day-use area. Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles.
Snowshoeing Item is accessible.
Snowshoeing
Swimming Item is accessible.
Swimming:

A designated swim area is in the park’s day-use area. There is an accessible walkway to the water and a beach wheelchair available to borrow.

Winter Camping Item is accessible.
Winter Camping

Facilities (Display as List)

Beach House Item is accessible.
Beach House: An accessible beach house, located in the day-use area on Higgins Lake, includes restrooms.
Boat Launch Item is accessible.
Boat Launch: A boating access site is in the day-use area. There are two skid piers and channel markers (red and green) for the safe ingress and egress of boat traffic.
Electrical Service Item is accessible.
Electrical Service
Mini Cabin Item is accessible.
Mini Cabin
Modern Restrooms Item is accessible.
Modern Restrooms
Picnic Area Item is accessible.
Picnic Area: The picnic area is in the day-use area and includes picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first served.
Picnic Shelter Item is accessible.
Picnic Shelter: There is a picnic shelter located in the day-use area that includes picnic tables, charcoal grills, electrical service (reservations only) and modern toilets. Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MiDNRReservations.com.
Playground Item is accessible.
Playground: There are two playgrounds in the day-use area featuring a digging feature, a slide, swings and climbing bars.
Sanitation Station Item is accessible.
Sanitation Station: The park’s sanitation station is in the modern campground, toward the east loop. There is potable water available and two lanes.
Some Campsites with 50 amp Service Item is accessible.
Some Campsites with 50 amp Service
Vault Toilet Item is accessible.
Vault Toilet
Water Access Item is accessible.
Water Access: The park is set along the north shore of Higgins Lake.