Houghton Lake

Houghton Lake is right off the freeway.

Indian Trailsbus service between St. Ignace and East Lansing

Houghton Lake does have a small airstrip, but only small one or two engine planes land here. No commercial airlines operate out of Houghton Lake. There isn't actually an airport either. Unless you own a small plane, this method is not suggested for getting into the area. You can, however fly in through Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City (TVC ^IATA), rent a car, and drive to Houghton Lake.

Boats are welcomed in Houghton Lake, but don't try to get there by one. The Muskegon River is the big river connecting to the lake, and it goes through a lot of shallow, swampy areas, not to mention a few dams that make traveling in anything larger than a canoe a real challenge, if not impossible.

If you drive here, just use a car. Boats can also be rented.

Rent a snowmobile for the nearby trails, and make sure your car can drive through the sometimes-not-snow-removed streets during the winter. Sometimes it may take the snow removal crews a little while to clear the roadways.

• Fast Food Of course, there are numerous fast-food eateries right off the freeway: McDonalds, Burger King, KFC, Wendy's and Arby's.
• Garret's Place This is a small restaurant with a log cabin like decor. They serve the usual mom-and-pop type food, including fish, burgers, and soup. The food's really good here.

• Coyles. Also deserving mention is Coyles Restaurant. They have an extensive gift shop as well as buffets. Go during the week and before four o clock pm to get the best deals. This is family friendly also, but be sure to keep little hands off the glass and porcelin stuff in the gift shop.

• Blue Bayou. For those at the Comfort Suites Lakeside, they have an on-site restaurant, the Blue Bayou. But this is a quiet restaurant, and we don't suggest bringing small children to the restaurant, and suggest room service. The prices are also not that friendly to those on a budget. This is the closest thing to a "fancy restaurant" Houghton Lake has. It sports a New Orleans type atmosphere with jazz music playing. They also have patio seating, and a full bar area, as well as a little room to play pool and a private drinking room.

• Poplars, on West Shore Drive. Recommended. They are family-friendly and have ample space for RVs.
• Houghton Lake Campground. Great if you brought an RV. This park is for all camping with trailers and RVs if you don't want to stay at a hotel or resort.
• Songer's Log Cabins Resort, 3931 E. Houghton Lake Dr, ☏ +1 989 366-5540. Located on the East shore of beautiful Houghton Lake. This lovely year-round family resort has eight 2-bedroom completely modern housekeeping log cabins with screened porches. Some with natural stone fireplaces all have gas heat and Cable TV. The resort also has a Pontoon available for rent. 
• Vacation Station, 5422 W. Houghton Lake Dr., ☏ +1 989 944-5896. Vacation Station is a six cabin resort on the beautiful South shore, close to everything and perfect for gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. Our cabins range in sizes of one, two, and three bedrooms, all with full kitchens. The new owners have begun making many improvements as well as making it a four-season resort with cable and internet. 

• Comfort Suites Lakeside, 100 Clearview Dr, ☏ +1 989 422-4000, fax: +1 989 422-4600, info@comfortsuiteslakeside.com. For those looking for something a little less rustic. With indoor waterpark and small cruise boat that takes guests on dinner cruises. Comfort Suites also sports a fancy restaurant. Even though it is lakeside, it does not have a beach. 
• Best Western Beachfront Houghton Lake, 4990 W Houghton Lake Drive, ☏ +1 989 366-9126, fax: +1 989 366-1547. 
• Holiday Inn Express, 200 Cloverleaf Lane, ☏ +1 989 422-7829. 
• Motel 6 This is just off the freeway, and good for those just passing through. But if you are planning on staying more than a night, try somewhere else.