Things To Do
Houghton Lake is less than one mile from the Springbrook Inn. Convenient boat launch and parking for trailers is available. Pontoon boat rentals are available.
Public beaches are located nearby at Houghton Lake and Higgins Lake.
More information can be found at www.houghtonlakechamber.net or www.visithoughtonlake.com.
Golf
The Houghton Lake area offers many championship golf courses, all within 20 minutes of the inn. Some are; Pineview Highlands, The Quest Golf Club, Forest Dunes (ranked #5 in the state by Golf Weekly), The Dream, Burning Oak Country Club,and White Deer Country Club. Also within 30 minutes is the famed Treetops Resort located in Gaylord.
Snowmobile Rentals
There are miles of snowmobile trails and rentals are available in the Houghton Lake area.
Canoeing
Campbell's Canoeing is family owned and operated. Campbell's is located on the South Branch of the AuSable, one of Northern Michigan’s most scenic rivers and offers canoe, kayak and tube rentals. www.canoeatcampbells.com
Cross-Country Skiing
A day on the trails at cross-country ski headquarters located in the Higgins Lake area is just 20 minutes from Springbrook Inn. Your trail fee will be taken care of by the inn. Rental equipment is available.
www.cross-country-ski.com
Snow Tubing, Downhill Skiing, Snowboarding & Zip-Lining
(All within 30 miles of Springbrook Inn)
Snow Snake:
Downhill skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, Golf & zip lining -- all available at www.snowsnake.net
Hanson Hills Recreation Area:
Downhill skiing, snow tubing, Nordic skiing, archery, mountain biking, disc golf
All available at www.hansonhills.org
Hiking
Lost Twin Lake Trail
This trail is located 7 miles south of Houghton Lake on Reserve Rd (County Road 400). 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.
Lost Twin Lake Pathway Map
Hartwick Pines State Park
4216 Ranger Road - Grayling, (989)348-7068
With an area of 9,672 acres, Hartwick Pines is the largest State Park in the Lower Peninsula. The park's rolling hills are built of ancient glacial deposit and overlook the valley of the East Branch of the AuSable River. It also has four small lakes and unique timberlands. The principal feature of this park is the 49-acre forest of Old Growth Pines, which gives the park its name. There is also a logging museum ¼ mile away from the Visitor Center which brings the logging industry into new light from one of Michigan’s largest remaining stands of virgin white pine.
Marguerite Gahagan Nature Preserve
Off M18 and Southline Rd. directly behind Compost Center - Roscommon Peaceful hiking trails amongst mature white and red pine forest and cedar swamp. This is an area working to protect habitat and wildlife forever. The Preserve is open to the public from dawn until dusk. One trail is paved and wheelchair accessible. www.gahagannature.org
Lansing Road
A gravel road between Highway 18 and County Road 100 just about 12 minutes north of Prudenville. It contains a large tract of natural white birch (which is believed to be the largest in Michigan). This large tract of land is traversed by the quietly flowing Cut River.
A small bridge on Lansing Road allows fishing along the Cut River.
North Higgins Lake State Park Trails
Consists of 3 loops through scenic wooded areas. The hiking trails are located across the road from the camping and beach areas behind the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum area.
An Upland Nature Trail is a 1.5 mile trail which consists of hardwoods, pine and meadow areas. It also contains 27 fitness stations which describe a defined set of fitness activities that can be done along the trail.
Bosom Pines Trail is a 3.8 mile trail that winds through gently rising uplands areas of pine and hardwoods.
The Beaver Creek Trail is 6.5 miles of trail similar to the Bosom Pines Trail, offering a range of scenery.
Marl Lake
In the area around Marl Lake there are three loop trails: Green Trail - 2 miles of trail, Red Trail - 3.5 mile loop much of it on the edge of the lake, Blue Trail - 5.5 mile loop with ½ of it along the edge of the lake. Marl Lake Map | Marl Lake Website
Mason Tract
North entrance - 15 miles east of Grayling on M-72. South entrance - about 5 miles north of Roscommon on Chase Bridge Rd. just off of M-18. (989) 348-6371
The trail is about 11.5 miles long, created for hiking and biking. This trail is part of the Mason retreat, which was donated to the state by the family of George Mason with the stipulation that this area remains forever a wilderness area. The Mason tract contains the ruins of the Durant Castle; it also contains a beautiful wilderness chapel.
North Higgins Lake State Park
11252 N. Higgins Lake Drive - Roscommon, (989) 821-6125
Located on what was once the world's largest seedling nursery. With a variety of trees, plants, birds and animal species, these features make the park attractive for outdoor activities.
Tisdale Triangle
½ mile from Roscommon via M-18 and Tisdale Road
Woodland areas of natural-groomed trails, the Tisdale Triangle is This stretch of trail is 8.5 miles and designed for mountain biking, hiking and cross-country skiing.
Red Pine Natural Area
Eight miles north of St. Helen via F-97 & Sunset Road
It has 1.5miles that can be hiked, biked and skied. This is also an interpretive foot trail.
Skinner Park
On Knapp Rd. in Houghton Lake (at Roscommon Twp hall)
New half mile trail through the pine trees - also nice for snowshoeing and cross country skiing.
Local Events & Organizations
Located at 10775 N. St. Helen Road on the campus of Kirtland Community College. This theatre offers visitors the chance to see many different types of entertainment, shows that range from ballet and modern dance to big band, orchestral, folk, country, ethnic, ’50s/’60s music.
Kirtland Center For The Performing Arts
Houghton Lake sponsors many festivals each year.
We are proud members
of the following organizations: