South Higgins Lake State Park

South Higgins Lake State Park is a public recreation area covering 1,000 acres (400 ha) on the southern shore of Higgins Lake five miles southwest of Roscommon in Roscommon County, Michigan. The state park occupies one mile of shoreline on Higgins Lake and entirely surrounds Marl Lake and portions of the Cut River.[3]

South Higgins Lake State Park
IUCN category III (natural monument or feature)[1]
Beachfront area along Higgins Lake
Location in Michigan
LocationGerrish and Markey townships, Roscommon County, Michigan
Nearest cityGrayling, Michigan
Coordinates44°25′33″N 84°40′08″W[2]
Area1,000 acres (400 ha)
Elevation1,152 feet (351 m) [2]
DesignationMichigan state park
Established1927
AdministratorMichigan Department of Natural Resources
WebsiteSouth Higgins Lake State Park

Description

County Road 100 runs through the park, dividing it into north and south sections. Most park development is in the 300-acre (120 ha) north section between Higgins Lake and CR 100. The 700-acre (280 ha) Marl Lake section is less developed and has 5.5 miles (8.9 km) of hiking trails. The park has a mixed pine, oak and maple forest. Bird species include nesting bald eagles, migratory loons, kingfisher and turkey.[3]

History

Originally covering 100 acres (40 ha), the park opened in 1927 with a 15-unit campground that has since expanded to 400 units, making it the second largest camping area in the Michigan state park system.[3] The park saw a major increase in size in 1984 when the state acquired the 700-acre portion of the park surrounding Marl Lake after development efforts by private interests failed.[4]

Activities and amenities

The park offers swimming, boating, fishing, five miles of trails for hiking and cross-country skiing, hunting, picnicking and a 400-site campground.[3]

References
  1. "South Higgins Lake State Park". IUCN. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  2. "South Higgins Lake State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey.
  3. "South Higgins Lake State Park". Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved March 19, 2018.
  4. "DNR chief dedicates improvements at South Higgins Lake campground". Houghton Lake Resorter. June 13, 2002. Retrieved March 19, 2018.
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