Beaver Creek Township near Higgins Lake in Crawford County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
North Higgins Lake State Park
Welcome to beautiful Higgins Lake!
Photographed by Joel Seewald, July 4, 2025
1. North Higgins Lake State Park Marker
Originally a State Forest campground, camping began along the north shore of the lake around 1925. In 1963, the campground became North Higgins Lake State Park when it was transferred to the State Parks Division. The historic Higgins Lake tree nursery closed in 1964 and the property became part of the new state park. Today, the 210 site campground is your gateway to countless recreational opportunities in the beautiful Higgins Lake area. Enjoy your stay!
Higgins Lake
Higgins Lake is the source of the Muskegon River and connects to Houghton Lake by the Cut River, which was dredged during white pine logging days to accommodate floating logs. Higgins Lake is fed by several small streams and a number of springs which produce the lake's clear, almost pristine water.
Size and Depth - 9600 acres with a maximum depth of 135 feet. The average depth is 49 feet and over 50% of the lake is deeper than 50 feet.
Bottom - A combination of sand and gravel is found from the shoreline zone to a depth of 80 feet. Muck and marl is in deeper water. Areas of clay and gravel are found around Treasure Island.
Water - Extremely clear
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Higgins Lake is noted throughout Michigan for its outstanding coldwater fishery.
The Lake Trout population relies entirely on stocking. Lake Trout in the 3 to 5 pound range make up the majority, but trophies up to 25 pounds have been taken.
The Brown and Rainbow Trout are major coldwater species. Surveys have shown that growth rates are above the State average, with lengths averaging 18 to 20 inches with many reaching the 30 inch range.
Yellow Perch abundance has remained stable despite heavy angling pressure. The bulk of the population is in the 8 to 12 inch range.
Lower middle images captions
Top: The historic Higgins Lake Nursery as it appeared in 1938.
Middle: North Higgins Lake State Park
Bottom: South Higgins Lake State Park
Michigan's second largest campground, the 400 site park, also features the Marl Lake Nature Area, boating access sites and great shallow water swimming.
Right image captions
Top: The Michigan Forest Visitor Center, at Hartwick Pines State Park, offers exhibits, guided hikes
Photographed by Joel Seewald, July 4, 2025
2. North Higgins Lake State Park Marker
Back side of the marker.
Second from top: Old growth white pines at Hartwick Pines State Park.
Second from bottom: The historic Beal Plantation near Grayling, site of one of the nations first experimental forests.
Bottom: Nesting ospreys can be seen at the viewing area near Houghton Lake.
Erected by Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1925.
Location. 44° 30.711′ N, 84° 45.512′ W. Marker is near Higgins Lake, Michigan, in Crawford County. It is in Beaver Creek Township. It can be reached from North Higgins Lake Road 0.4 miles east of Old U.S. 27, on the right when traveling east. Marker is near the restrooms between the day use area parking lots and the beach at North Higgins Lake State Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Roscommon MI 48653, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Northern Michigan Lower Peninsula. It is also in the American Midwest. Globally, it is in North America, the Great North Woods, the Western Hemisphere,
Photographed by Joel Seewald, July 4, 2025
3. North Higgins Lake State Park Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Packing House (approx. Ό mile away); Ice House (approx. Ό mile away); Michigan's First Fire Tower (approx. Ό mile away); Cone Barn (approx. Ό mile away); Beginning of State Reforestation (approx. Ό mile away); The Hale Fire Tower (approx. Ό mile away); Civilian Conservation Corps (approx. 0.3 miles away); Seed Beds (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Higgins Lake.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 21, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2025, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 141 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 21, 2025, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
