Boat Launches on Higgins Lake
Gerrish Township Community Park Marina
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Higgins Lake West Boat Launch
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Kelly Beach Boat Launch
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North Higgins Lake State Park Boat Launch
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North Higgins Lake State Park
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South Higgins Lake State Park Boat Launch
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South Higgins Lake State Park
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Good to Know
Food & Drink
Park store at South Higgins Lake SP — food, souvenirs, ice cream, firewood, rentals. Nearest towns: Roscommon and Grayling (15 min drive each direction).
Bait & Tackle
Sports Barn (near Higgins Lake). Tackle shops in Roscommon, Houghton Lake, and Grayling.
Picnic Areas
Picnic shelters with tables, grills, and electrical service at South Higgins Lake SP day-use area. Reservable 12 months in advance.
Fuel on the Water
Gerrish Township Community Park Marina (southwest shore) — docking, fuel, boat launch.
Connected Waterways
Drains into Marl Lake via the Cut River, then into Houghton Lake, and eventually to Lake Michigan via the Muskegon River. Half the lake's water comes from submerged springs.
Winter & Ice Safety
Higgins Lake freezes reliably in winter and is extremely popular for ice fishing — smelt, lake trout, perch, and whitefish are the main winter targets. Ice thickness varies across the lake due to springs and depth. Always check local conditions before heading out. The DNR West launch stays open year-round (no gate). North and South State Park launches may be gated in winter.
Local Watercraft Rules
Plain English Summary
| Speed limit | No specific lake-wide speed limit beyond standard Michigan 100-ft slow-no wake zone near shore, docks, and swimmers |
| PWC restrictions | No PWC operation between sunset and 8 AM. Standard Michigan PWC rules apply — must be 16+ to operate, no wake jumping within 150 ft of another vessel |
| Towing (ski, tube, wake) | Stay 100 ft from shore, docks, rafts, swimmers, and anchored vessels. Designated observer required in addition to driver. No towing before sunrise or after sunset |
| State park launches | Michigan Recreation Passport required ($15/year). No daily pass option for Michigan residents |
| Full legal text | DNR watercraft controls → |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim in Higgins Lake?
Yes. Higgins Lake has excellent swimming at both state parks. South Higgins Lake State Park has a mile of shoreline with buoyed swim areas and a beach house. North Higgins Lake State Park also has a designated swim beach. The water is exceptionally clear — Higgins Lake is one of Michigan's cleanest inland lakes, fed by submerged springs that supply half its water.
How much does it cost to get into Higgins Lake?
Access to the state park beaches and boat launches requires a Michigan Recreation Passport. For Michigan-registered vehicles, it costs $15/year when purchased at license plate renewal through the Secretary of State ($29 for two years). A $5 convenience fee applies if purchased separately at the park. The Gerrish Township Community Park Marina has its own launch fee. There is no daily pass option for Michigan residents — the Recreation Passport is the only option.
Is there a town in Higgins Lake?
The unincorporated community of Higgins Lake sits along the western shore. It has basic services but is not a large town. The nearest full-service towns are Roscommon (south, about 15 minutes) and Grayling (north, about 15 minutes). The lake straddles Lyon Township on the west and Gerrish Township on the east.
Is Higgins Lake clean?
Higgins Lake is one of Michigan's cleanest inland lakes, known for its deep, clear water. It was voted the best inland lake in Michigan by Detroit Free Press readers in 2017 and has been ranked among the most beautiful lakes in the world. However, increased residential development has raised concerns about nutrient loading from septic systems and fertilizer runoff. Zebra mussels have also been introduced, affecting the lake's ecology.
Does Higgins Lake still have swimmer's itch?
Swimmer's itch has been significantly reduced on Higgins Lake thanks to an active control program run by the Higgins Lake Swimmer's Itch Organization (HLSIO). The program targets common merganser ducklings — the primary carriers of the parasite — through trap and relocation. Snail infection rates dropped from 3.9% in 2015 (epidemic level) to 0.14% by 2017, and the program continues annually. Cases still occur occasionally since other bird species can carry the parasite, but most swimmers are now itch-free. Report sightings or cases at swimmersitchsolutions.com.
What is Higgins Lake known for?
Higgins Lake is known for its exceptionally clear, deep water and natural beauty — it was ranked the 6th most beautiful lake in the world by National Geographic. The lake is a premier fishing destination, especially for lake trout and smelt (both open water and ice fishing). It has two large state parks, a thriving ice fishing culture, and is a popular summer vacation destination. The nearby Au Sable River is world-class for fly fishing.
How big is Higgins Lake?
Higgins Lake covers 9,900 acres (about 15.5 square miles), making it Michigan's 10th largest inland lake. It is 7 miles long and 4 miles wide with 21 miles of shoreline. The lake reaches a maximum depth of 135 feet with an average depth of about 44 feet.
How many acres is Higgins Lake?
Higgins Lake is approximately 9,900 acres, making it the 10th largest inland lake in Michigan. The lake's watershed covers 19,000 acres. Half the lake's water comes from submerged springs.
Where is Higgins Lake on the map?
Higgins Lake is in Roscommon County in the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan, roughly centered between Roscommon to the south and Grayling to the north. It sits between US-127 and I-75, making it easily accessible from both highways. It's about 200 miles north of Detroit and 85 miles east of Traverse City.
Is there a fee to launch a boat on Higgins Lake?
The state park launches (South Higgins Lake SP and North Higgins Lake SP) require a Michigan Recreation Passport ($15/year). The Higgins Lake West DNR launch also requires the Passport. Gerrish Township Community Park Marina on the southwest shore has its own launch with docking and fuel. Kelly Beach launch is a smaller access point.
How did Higgins Lake get its name?
The lake is named after Sylvester Higgins, the first chief of the topographical department of the Michigan Geological Survey. It was originally called Forginson Lake from an 1839 survey, but was renamed to honor Higgins in an 1852 survey by William A. Burt. Before European settlers, the Ojibwe people called it Majinabeesh, meaning "start of the waters."
How deep is Higgins Lake?
Higgins Lake reaches a maximum depth of 135 feet with an average depth of about 44 feet. The twin-lobed lake holds almost 20 billion cubic feet of water. Its depth and clarity make it one of Michigan's premier coldwater fisheries.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel
Higgins Lake covers 9,900 acres in Roscommon County and reaches 135 feet deep. National Geographic once ranked it the 6th most beautiful lake in the world. Half the lake's water comes from submerged springs, which contribute to its exceptional clarity. The twin-lobed shape and deep, cold water support a strong coldwater fishery — lake trout, rainbow trout, and whitefish are the marquee species.
Two large state parks anchor the north and south shores, making Higgins one of Michigan's most accessible destination lakes. South Higgins Lake State Park has a mile of shoreline with buoyed swim areas, while North Higgins Lake State Park occupies former CCC nursery grounds. Ice fishing is a major draw — smelt, lake trout, and perch through the ice bring shanty cities each winter. WinterFest during President's Day weekend is an annual family event. The nearby Au Sable River is world-class for fly fishing. Swimmer's itch, once epidemic, has been dramatically reduced by an active merganser control program.
Sources: DNR data, Google Reviews, local research, ShorelineScout enrichment