Situated in Denton, Lake, and Roscommon townships, Houghton Lake is an unincorporated community in Roscommon County, in the central-north part of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan.
As a census-designated place (CDP), Houghton Lake has defined boundaries, at least for the purpose of the census. It is located on the southern shores of Houghton Lake, east of US-127, which serves a small portion of the CDP's western boundary. M-55 intersects US-127 and passes through the community, mostly following the contours of the lake, where it is also known as West Houghton Lake Drive. The only incorporated place within twenty miles of Houghton Lake is the village of Roscommon. The unincorporated community of Houghton Lake Heights, about one-mile southwest, and Prudenville, about five miles to the east.
The Houghton Lake CDP includes Houghton Lake Heights, so we will include that community here, as well.
Both Houghton Lake and Houghton Lake Heights were named for the body of water by that name, which is the largest inland lake in Michigan, and one of the largest natural inland lakes in the country. First known as Muskegon Lake, later as Red Lake, and sometimes Roscommon Lake, the body of water is about ten miles north to south, and about five and a half miles at its widest point. It is a popular year-round resort destination and fishing lake. The lake was named for Douglass Houghton, Michigan's first geologist, who explored the area.
Houghton Lake Heights is on the western shores of Houghton Lake, within Roscommon Township. As an unincorporated community, Houghton Lake Heights has no defined boundaries of its own, but it does have its own post office.
Founded by the S.C. Hall Lumber Company in 1883, the community was originally known as The Heights, due to its elevation. In September of 1913, Morris J. Brown, William Cooper, Charles F. Meyers, and Fred Russel purchased the 180-acre William Houghton farm. They formed the Houghton Heights Corporation, subdividing the parcel closest to the lake, and platted the townsite. On November 24, 1923, a post office was established as The Heights, with William H. Parks as postmaster. The post office was renamed Houghton Lake Heights in 1956.
The first European-American settlers in the area that was to become Houghton Lake were the Augustus Emery family, who came with seven children, including three adult sons (Augustus, Jr., William, and Harvey) in 1873 to homestead 160-acres south of the lake.
Like Houghton Lake Heights, Houghton Lake was part of the S.C. Hall Lumber Company operations. A post office was established on November 8, 1875, with Henry H. Woodruff as its first postmaster.
When the lumbering industry declined in the early 1900s, the railroads that transported lumber transitioned into passenger lines bringing outdoorsmen to hunt and fish in the area, and others to vacation along the lake. By the mid-1900s, Houghton Lake was a resort area. Today, seasonal cottages, year-round homes, and businesses border the lake, still attracting thousands of visitors every year.
Although it does not seem to have an identity today, a community was founded on the northern shores of Houghton Lake in 1845 by Jack H. Howe, who became the postmaster of Houghton Point on November 1, 1949.
The focus of this category is on the unincorporated communities of Houghton Lake and Houghton Lake Heights, Michigan. Online resources pertaining to either of these two communities, or to any businesses, industries, schools, churches, organizations, attractions, events, or recreational opportunities within the area are appropriate for this guide.
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Hance Family Chiropractic Care
Emphasizing an improvement in health to reduce the risk of pain and illness in the first place, the chiropractic clinic in Houghton Lake, Michigan is on West Houghton Lake Drive, where, where general chiropractic care, nutritional counseling, corrective exercises, spinal and postural screenings, physiotherapy, and lifestyle advice are offered. An introduction to the facilities and services is provided, including a photographic tour and new patient forms and documentation.
https://www.hancefamilychiro.com/
In business for more than fifteen years, Heights Marina offers a large inventory of pontoon boat rentals for individuals and groups, with daily and weekly rates available. The large marina offers boat slips, in and alongside the marina, refueling at the dock, an on-site store, and a full-service storage option that can include winterizing, shrink wrapping, and both indoor and outdoor storage of any type of watercraft. Its location is shown on a map and contacts are posted.
http://heightsmarina.com/
Open every day but Sunday, the Houghton Lake, Michigan library's hours of operation, address, contacts, and policy information are published on the site, which includes the names of library board members and staff. Other resources include a calendar of events, annual reports, a newsletter, and job openings. The library catalog, e-books, digital magazines, and other online resources are available, and cardholders may access their accounts and register for library events online.
https://hlpl.org/
Family owned and operated since 1969, the recreational and amusement facility is on West Houghton Lake Drive in Houghton Lake, Michigan, where it offers go-karts, mini-golfing, batting cages, a 3-story haunted mansion, gas-powered bumper boats, a football kicking challenge, air-powered bazooka guns, arcade games, and rides and activities for younger children. Its location is shown on a map, its rates, group discounts, and special offers are posted, and employment opportunities are included.
https://www.lakelandrecreation.com/
Built in 1994, the golf course in Houghton Lake, Michigan was designed by PGA Tour Professional Ken Green, and is an 18-hole course situated on a rolling terrain, each hole featuring five sets of tees so that players can play according to their ability. Other features include a practice facility that includes a full grass driving range, two practice putting greens, and a practice sand bunker and chipping area. Its location, policies, tee times, average pricing, and online booking.
https://www.questgolfcourse.com/
Associated with Rotary International, an international service organization that brings business and professional leaders together for humanitarian service, and to advance the cause of worldwide peace, the Houghton Lake, Michigan club meets at noon on Tuesdays, except for the last Tuesday of the month, which includes an off-site evening social or service event, as announced on its site. Club directors and members are acknowledged, club news is published on the site, and contacts are available.
https://www.hlrotary.org/
Maintained by the Houghton Lake Tourism Bureau and Great Sand Bay Productions, the tourism guide includes a directory of guest accommodations in the Houghton Lake, Michigan region, along with area dining facilities, seasonal recreational opportunities, local events, amusement centers, shopping venues, beaches, picnic areas, libraries, and historic resources. Also featured is a fishing contest in which eligible anglers can win prizes for catching tagged fish. The rules are stated.
http://www.visithoughtonlake.com/