Houghton Lake Travel Guide

 
by Waalewiener
 
  •   Houghton Lake
    by Waalewiener
  • Janet & Parents Lori & Hansi
      Janet & Parents Lori & Hansi
    by Waalewiener
  • Good food  Wine and good company
      Good food Wine and good company
    by Waalewiener
  •   "I may be old, but I've outlived this...
    by janetanne
  • DNR - Wildlife Reserve
      DNR - Wildlife Reserve
    by janetanne
 

Explore Houghton Lake

Things to Do  

Pirates Cove

Pirates Cove, Houghton Lake

 stinkykay Says:  We all went up to Houghton Lake for the 4th of July and we were all bored, so I remembered that my daughter gave me a pamphlet for Pirates Cove, which is a mini golf place, so I took all of them up there and I was very pleased with the service and all of the fun my kids and... 

Tip Up Town in the winter

Tip Up Town in the winter, Houghton Lake

 HotRodEtte Says:  Tip Up Town is definitely not a party for those with a weak liver. This is northern Michigan’s biggest party of the winter, known to some as a “drunk fest,” and anyone will tell you to bring plenty of beer to your cabin. Majority of the visitors will come up with their... 

Summer In Houghton Lake

Summer In Houghton Lake, Houghton Lake

 HotRodEtte Says:  During the summer Michigan residents flock to their "second home" cabins as other take on cabin rentals for the weekend to enjoy fun in the sun. The lake is always busy with locals and visitors as it is a prime destination for boating and other water sports, or just lounging... 

Check out Taxidermied Wild Animals at the Pines

Check out Taxidermied Wild Animals at the Pines, Houghton Lake

 janetanne Says:  Even if you have seen the movie that is playing at the Pines, (each film tends to be shown for a much too long period of time in my estimation- which can be anywhere from 4-6 weeks!) you should at least go into the lobby and have a look at all the wonderfully preserved... 

Get your Body Painted

Get your Body Painted, Houghton Lake

 janetanne Says:  All most all of the local Arts and Crafts Fairs, have a booth for 'Body Painting.' The youngest spectators are usually the ones who love having this done...and don't they look cute??? In preparation for their teenage tatoos??? Don't get angry mom...you started... 

Junk Art

Junk Art, Houghton Lake

 janetanne Says:  Wondering what to do with all those old tools and junk that has been in your way for years in the garage where your poor car can't fit? Well, there is a guy at the Arts and Crafts Fair who has made the most unique yard art sculptures from old tools and found objects. I think... 

Sterling Wind Chimes from Forks and Spoons?

Sterling Wind Chimes from Forks and Spoons?, Houghton Lake

 janetanne Says:  One of my favourite things that I have found at the Arts and Crafts Fair, are these lovely wind chimes made from old silver forks and spoons. This man even takes the handles of old knives and makes key chain holders. His latest creation, were spoons sawn in the shape of... 

Hotels  

Restaurants  

Maple Valley Restaurant and Lounge: Great food, Great atmosphere
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mrsbruce77 1 reviews
Maple Valley Restaurant and Lounge

Maple Valley offers a large menu with food items ranging from filet mignon and lobster to the "Valley Burger" which has a huge, half-pound pattie. The house favorites are the all-u-can-eat walleye and cod, featured everyday and served broiled or fried. They have a wonderful salad bar that is included with any dinner entree' and features many homemade items including two fresh soups. The atmosphere is comfortable and reflects the beautiful wildlife found in much of northern Michigan and Canada. From the popular silver fox to the white tail deer and the 150 gallon fresh-water fish tank, this restaurant has much to offer...kids and adults alike will enjoy the great food, service and atmosphere.

Favorite Dish: My personal favorite is the all-u-can-eat Walleye, it is very tasty and, of course, you can always have more! It is also reasonably priced. I have also tried the black angus new york strip and the shrimp marinara, both wonderful. Oh, and escargot, yum!

Updated Oct 1, 2003

Address: Where I-75 and M-55 meet

Phone: 989-389-7005

Related to:
 National/State Park
 Golf
 Water Sports

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Nightlife  

LimberLost: The Biggest Party in Houghton Lake

LimberLost: The Biggest Party in Houghton Lake, Houghton Lake

 HotRodEtte Says:  LimberLost is a restaurant during the day and a nightclub during the evening. They normally carry a full menu but for Tip Up Town weekend they will limit the menu due to large crowds. A large dance floor with a catwalk for dancing is located in the center, and a live band... 

The Pines Cinema: Cinema in the Woods

The Pines Cinema: Cinema in the Woods, Houghton Lake

 janetanne Says:  Other than going to one of the local 'country' bars, there really isn't much to do at Houghton Lake in the evenings! One very popular "American Pastime" however, is going to see a movie. Like most places in the world today, unfortunately, going to see a movie at the cinema,... 

Shopping  

Michigan Souvenier Shopping
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4.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

janetanne 311 reviews
Looking for Wooden Nickles?

All along M55 at Houghton Lake, you can find souvenier shops with arts and crafts from Michigan craftsmen, especially those with Indian themes and using the local material, such as these wonderful Indian sculptures made of Pine. You will also find jewelry made from the State stone, Petoskey stone.

What to buy: Petoskey Stone jewelry, leather Indian moccasins, Wooden sculptures.

What to pay: $50.00-$300 and up

Written Aug 10, 2005

Related to:
 Arts and Culture

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Local Customs  

Frozen Stupid Filmed at Tip-Up-Town U.S.A.

Frozen Stupid Filmed at Tip-Up-Town U.S.A., Houghton Lake

 janetanne Says:  Houghton Lake may only be known by the locals and a few tourist who come every Freezing February to celebrate the annual week-long festival on the frozen lake, known as Tip-Up-Town, U.S.A. This may not be an unknown event for long! The world premiere of Michigan filmmaker... 

Artistic Creations and Cultural Awareness

Artistic Creations and Cultural Awareness, Houghton Lake

 janetanne Says:  Houghton Lake and the surrounding small towns, are renowned for their antique stores and flea markets, yard sales and church thrift stores. From these sources, one can find all sorts of objects that can cheaply be purchased and 'redone' in various Arts and Crafts projects.... 

Warnings and Dangers  

This IS winter in Michigan!

This IS winter in Michigan!, Houghton Lake

 HotRodEtte Says:  First and foremost, pack accordingly as winter in MI is COLD. Secondly if you are going to be bringing your snowmobile, be safe. If the lake isn't frozen enough due to exceptionally warm weather such as this winter, take caution, as the snowmobile may go through the ice--it... 

The Bear Barely Makes it to Other Side

The Bear Barely Makes it to Other Side, Houghton Lake

 janetanne Says:  This bear must have been very tired and hungry by the time he made his 7 mile swim to the other side of Houghton Lake on June 1, 2006! Maybe the fish just weren't biting on his side of the lakes!What you cannot see from this picture, are the many cottages and houses along... 

Beware of Bears

Beware of Bears, Houghton Lake

 janetanne Says:  When the temperatures reach 100 degrees F., it seems that bears at Houghton Lake go for a great, big, long swim across the lake! That's no mean feat for a Marathon Bear in training, because Houghton Lake is 7 miles wide! This little black bear was seen by boaters in the... 

The Bear Fact

The Bear Fact, Houghton Lake

 janetanne Says:  The Bear Fact is, I have never heard of anything stranger than a bear swimming 7 miles across Houghton Lake, or any lake for that matter! I wonder why the bear went to such lengths to get to the other side? Do you suppose his girlfriend lived 'on the other side of the... 

Bears In the Lake?

Bears In the Lake?, Houghton Lake

 janetanne Says:  On June 1, 2006, Bill Apostopoulos, a Houghton Lake resident, was casually floating around the lake in his fishing boat, when he saw what he thought was a dog! Much to his surprise, it was in fact a local lost black bear! Apparently, the poor bear just couldn't 'bear' the... 

Off The Beaten Path  

Wildlife Restoration Area - Houghton Lake Flats

Wildlife Restoration Area - Houghton Lake Flats, Houghton Lake

 janetanne Says:  Having grown up in Michigan, I have always been in awe when thinking about how Michigan must have been before the white settlers came to this wild land of many lakes, wild animals and Ancient Indian Tribes.Michigan was once covered in thick forests, and marsh lands, which... 

Beggar's Banquet

Beggar's Banquet, Houghton Lake

 janetanne Says:  Once you have found the blue delicacies, handle with care. Proper picking should be done with a light pull from beneath the berries allowing them to gently fall into your open palm. 

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Map of Houghton Lake