North Higgins Lake State Park – located along the north shore of Higgins Lake at the former site of the world's largest seedling nursery – is home to a modern campground, mini cabins, a boating access site, a designated swim beach, a picnic area and trails popular for hiking and cross-county skiing.
Higgins Lake, the park's namesake, is the 10th largest lake in Michigan and is popular with anglers, paddlers and boaters.
Nestled within the 449-acre state park is the Higgins Lake Nursery and CCC Museum, which commemorates Michigan's first tree nursery and the hard work of the Civilian Conservation Corps.
An accessible beach house, located in the day-use area on Higgins Lake, includes restrooms.
There is a picnic shelter located in the day-use area that includes picnic tables, charcoal grills, electrical service (reservations only) and modern toilets. Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MiDNRReservations.com.
A buoyed swim area is in the park’s day-use area. There is an accessible walkway to the water and a beach wheelchair available to borrow.
The park's track chair expands access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chair is available for visitors to borrow at no cost.
The Iron Belle Trail – considered the longest state-designated trail in the nation – travels through the park and along Old U.S. 27.
A boating access site is in the day-use area. There are two skid piers and channel markers (red and green) for the safe ingress and egress of boat traffic.
Higgins Lake, which stretches 7 miles and can reach 135 feet in depth, is best known for its perch and lake trout.
The Higgins Lake Nursery and CCC Museum tells the story of the Civilian Conservation Corps and its role in providing work to young men during the Great Depression. Historical interpretation is provided by the Michigan History Center.
Seasonal naturalists offer nature-based programming at the park during the summer and/or fall. Check the park's explorer program calendar for dates, locations and topics.
Load 'N Go offers kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals in the day-use area. For more info, call 989-821-1717.
Higgins Lake is popular with paddlers.
There is a designated pet beach east of the day-use area. Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles.
The picnic area is in the day-use area and includes picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first served.
There are two playgrounds in the day-use area featuring a digging feature, a slide, swings and climbing bars.
The park’s sanitation station is in the modern campground, toward the east loop. There is potable water available and two lanes.
The park is set along the north shore of Higgins Lake.
There are two mini cabins located in the west loop of the modern campground. Each cabin sleeps four people and includes a mini refrigerator, microwave and electric wall heater. Each cabin includes a table, a bench and two bunk beds (one with single and full mattress and the other with two single mattresses).
A picnic table, a fire pit and a charcoal grill can be found outdoors. The cabins have electricity. You must provide your own linens and cooking supplies.
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There are two mini cabins located in the west loop of the modern campground. Each cabin sleeps four people and includes a mini refrigerator, microwave and electric wall heater. Each cabin includes a table, a bench and two bunk beds (one with single and full mattress and the other with two single mattresses).
A picnic table, a fire pit and a charcoal grill can be found outdoors. The cabins have electricity. You must provide your own linens and cooking supplies.
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While there aren't any upcoming park events listed at this time, you can check out the DNR's calendar of events.
The park also offers weekly nature programs not listed in the online calendar.
