Gouin, Deborah I (for the Les Cheneaux Historical Association)

Houghton Lake Gouin, Deborah I (for the Les Cheneaux Historical Association)

Nestled among northern Michigan's pine trees in Roscommon County is the state's largest inland lake, Houghton Lake. Lumbermen made use of its 20,044 acres to move timber. They banked logs on the lake, the headwaters of the Muskegon River, during the winter cutting season and drove them downriver in the spring to southwestern lumber yards. As Houghton Lake's reputation for good fishing grew, visitors came to try their luck. By the mid-20th century, Houghton Lake became one of the most popular destinations in Michigan. Now, the area is known for its bars, resorts, and winter festival Tip-Up Town USA. Water sports, summer cottages, and nightlife still attract thousands of visitors from Lower Michigan and surrounding states today.