Roscommon MichiganATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Roscommon, Michigan.
1. South Higgins Lake State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION PARADISE
South Higgins Lake State Park offers visitors access to one of the world's most beautiful lakes with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing. The park features modern camping facilities, picnic areas, and sandy beaches that attract families throughout the summer season. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty while taking advantage of well-maintained trails that wind through the surrounding forest landscape.
2. Roscommon Zoo
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Roscommon Zoo provides a unique opportunity to observe and interact with a variety of animal species in a charming small-town setting. Visitors can enjoy up-close encounters with both exotic and native Michigan wildlife while learning about conservation efforts. The zoo offers a perfect family-friendly outing with educational presentations and feeding opportunities that create memorable experiences for children and adults alike.
3. North Higgins Lake State Park
HISTORIC FOREST RETREAT
North Higgins Lake State Park combines natural beauty with rich forestry history, situated on the shores of the pristine Higgins Lake. The park was once home to one of Michigan's first forest nurseries, now offering visitors camping facilities, beach access, and hiking opportunities. History enthusiasts will appreciate the CCC Museum located within the park grounds, documenting the Civilian Conservation Corps' significant contributions to Michigan's forests.
4. Cross Country Ski Headquarters
WINTER SPORTS DESTINATION
Cross Country Ski Headquarters serves as the premier nordic skiing destination in the region, offering meticulously groomed trails for all skill levels. The facility provides equipment rentals, professional instruction, and a warm lodge where visitors can rest between runs on the scenic trails. During winter months, this attraction transforms the snow-covered landscape into an outdoor recreation haven that draws enthusiasts from across Michigan.
5. Michigan Fireman's Memorial
TRIBUTE TO FALLEN HEROES
The Michigan Fireman's Memorial stands as a solemn tribute to firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty throughout Michigan's history. The memorial features beautifully crafted monuments, a wall of names, and serene landscaping that creates a peaceful space for reflection and remembrance. Annual ceremonies held at this site bring together firefighting communities from across the state to honor their fallen colleagues and celebrate the bravery of these first responders.
6. AuSable River
SCENIC WATERWAY ADVENTURE
The AuSable River flows through Roscommon County offering one of Michigan's most celebrated waterways for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing enthusiasts. The gently flowing current takes paddlers through cool, shaded forests with abundant wildlife viewing opportunities along its scenic shores. Known worldwide for its exceptional trout fishing, the AuSable attracts anglers seeking the serene beauty and rich aquatic ecosystem that has made this river famous.
7. Civilian Conservation Corps Museum
DEPRESSION ERA HERITAGE
The Civilian Conservation Corps Museum preserves the important legacy of the CCC workers who shaped Michigan's forests and parks during the Great Depression. Interactive exhibits showcase original tools, photographs, and personal accounts that bring this pivotal era of conservation history to life. Visitors gain insight into the tremendous impact these young men had on Michigan's natural resources while developing infrastructure that continues to serve outdoor enthusiasts today.
8. Houghton Lake
MICHIGAN'S LARGEST INLAND LAKE
Houghton Lake stands as Michigan's largest inland lake, spanning an impressive 22,044 acres with 30 miles of shoreline perfect for boating, swimming, and fishing activities. During winter, the lake transforms into an ice fishing destination, hosting the famous Tip-Up-Town festival that draws thousands of visitors. Its sandy bottom and average depth of just over 8 feet create ideal conditions for recreational activities year-round, making it a cornerstone of Roscommon County tourism.
9. Kirtland's Warbler Wildlife Festival
RARE BIRD CELEBRATION
The Kirtland's Warbler Wildlife Festival celebrates one of North America's rarest songbirds that nests primarily in the jack pine forests of northern Michigan. This annual event features guided tours to potential warbler habitat, educational presentations, and interactive exhibits about local wildlife conservation efforts. Nature enthusiasts and birders flock to Roscommon for this unique opportunity to learn about and potentially spot the endangered Kirtland's Warbler in its natural environment.
10. Roscommon County Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Roscommon County Historical Museum preserves the rich cultural heritage and development of the region through engaging exhibits and historical artifacts. Visitors can explore displays chronicling the area's logging history, early settlement, and the evolution of tourism around the region's lakes. The museum offers an educational journey through time with photographs, tools, and memorabilia that tell the story of how Roscommon County has grown and changed over generations.
11. Shopping
LOCAL TREASURES AND FINDS
Shopping in Roscommon offers visitors a charming small-town retail experience with unique local shops and boutiques featuring handcrafted items and regional specialties. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the sporting goods stores that cater to the area's popular recreational activities with high-quality gear and expert advice. Visitors can discover everything from antiques and souvenirs to practical necessities while supporting the local economy and bringing home authentic northern Michigan treasures.
12. Dining
NORTHERN MICHIGAN FLAVORS
Dining in Roscommon presents a variety of culinary options including local favorites like Fred's of Roscommon and Matt's Lake Street Grill that serve hearty American fare in welcoming atmospheres. Restaurants around town offer everything from freshly caught local fish to comfort food classics that satisfy hungry travelers after a day of outdoor adventures. Visitors can experience authentic northern Michigan hospitality while enjoying meals that range from quick casual bites to relaxed dinner experiences with scenic views.
13. Hiking
FOREST TRAILS EXPLORATION
Hiking in Roscommon County provides access to over 200,000 acres of state forest with trails winding through diverse ecosystems from pine forests to wetland habitats. Nature enthusiasts can discover the region's abundant wildlife, native plants, and scenic vistas while traversing paths suitable for all experience levels. Seasonal changes offer hikers dramatically different experiences throughout the year, from spring wildflowers to spectacular fall foliage that peaks in late September through early October.
14. Fishing
ANGLER'S PARADISE WATERS
Fishing in Roscommon County presents exceptional opportunities across its renowned waterways including Higgins Lake, Houghton Lake, and the AuSable River. Anglers can target diverse species including walleye, yellow perch, northern pike, and the area's celebrated trout populations in settings of remarkable natural beauty. The region's fishing tradition spans all seasons, with ice fishing becoming a major winter attraction that transforms the frozen lakes into villages of shanties during the coldest months.
15. Camping
OUTDOOR OVERNIGHT ADVENTURES
Camping in Roscommon offers visitors exceptional opportunities to connect with nature at facilities ranging from rustic sites to modern campgrounds with amenities like Northern Nights Family Campground. The state parks surrounding Higgins Lake provide some of Michigan's most sought-after camping experiences with easy access to beaches, boat launches, and hiking trails. Campers can fall asleep under star-filled skies while being surrounded by the peaceful sounds of northern Michigan's forests and lakes.