Need a peaceful Up North escape surrounded by nature? Head to Roscommon! Tucked in the heart of Northern Michigan, Roscommon is a gateway to forests, rivers, and outdoor adventure. Whether you're paddling the Au Sable, exploring trails, or relaxing by the lake, this charming town offers rustic beauty year-round.
Roscommon, MI Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Canoe or kayak the Au Sable River – Paddle through crystal-clear waters, peaceful forests, and scenic bends.
- For History Buffs: Visit the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum – Learn about Michigan’s CCC legacy in a beautiful riverside park.
- For Shoppers: Explore downtown Roscommon – Find antiques, artisan gifts, and cozy cafés along the town’s charming streets.
- For Couples: Picnic at South Higgins Lake State Park – Stroll the beach, rent a paddleboat, or watch a lakeside sunset together.
- For Families: Hike trails at Hartwick Pines State Park – Old-growth pine forests, a logging museum, and kid-friendly nature paths nearby.
Best Time to Visit Roscommon, MI
The best time to visit Roscommon is from late spring through early fall (May to October) for hiking, paddling, and lake activities. Autumn offers spectacular foliage, while winter is perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
How to Get to Roscommon, MI
- If you are traveling by car: Roscommon is located near I-75 and M-18, about 2.5 hours north of Lansing and 3.5 hours from Detroit.
- By Air: The closest airports are Cherry Capital Airport (Traverse City) and MBS International (Saginaw), both about 1.5–2 hours away by car.
- By Bus: Indian Trails Bus Service connects Roscommon to other towns in northern Michigan.
Where to Stay in Roscommon, MI
- Recommended for Families: North Higgins Lake State Park Cabins – Rustic cabins and camping with lake access and nature programs.
- For Couples: Woodland Motor Lodge – Cozy lodge-style stay with a rustic vibe and convenient access to town and trails.
- For a Budget Stay: Coyote Crossing Resort – Affordable cabins with outdoor amenities, ideal for travelers who love nature.
Best Things to Do in Roscommon, MI
1. South Higgins Lake State Park
Swim in crystal-clear waters and walk along sandy shores during a summer trip.
South Higgins State Park is a 1,000-acre park in Roscommon, Michigan, with County Road 100 running through it. The park is mostly covered by oak, maple and pine and is surrounded by lakes: larger, spring-fed Higgins Lake to the north and much smaller and less developed Marl Lake to the south. Clear Higgins Lake offers almost a mile of shoreline and is known for great fishing. There are 400 modern, shaded campsites in the park, a small cabin, sandy beach, boat launch, a picnic area and self-guided nature trails for hiking and cross-country skiing. Both lakes are used for boating, canoeing and paddleboarding, all available for rental. Ice fishing is popular in the winter.
106 State Park Drive, Roscommon, MI 48653, Phone: 989-821-6374
2. North Higgins Lake State Park
Go boating or hike forest trails on an affordable weekend family adventure.
North Higgins Lake State Park is a 449-acre park located in Crawford County, just northwest of Roscommon, Michigan. The park is located on the north shore of Higgins Lake, on what was once the largest seedling nursery in the world. The park offers swimming, boating and picnicking and playing in the picnic areas, picnic shelters and kids playground. There are eleven miles of hiking trails through the park and state forest located next to the park. The park also offers access to 11 miles of well-groomed ski trails for cross-country skiing. The park has 174 modern campsites in two campgrounds and two small cabins.
11747 N Higgins Lake Dr, Roscommon, MI 48653, Phone: 989-821-6125
Unique Attractions
3. Cross Country Ski Headquarters
Ski groomed trails and savor cozy lodge vibes during a fun winter outing.
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, located in Roscommon, Michigan, offers everything you need for an authentic, fun winter getaway. It is a world-class retail store specializing in winter clothing, cross country skis, equipment and cross country ski packages. What started in 1974 as a small cross country ski rental operation open by Bob Frye out of the shed of a snowmobile repair shop grew into one of Michigan’s premier sources of top-of-the-line service, clothing, equipment and facilities. The business includes a huge retail store, a large, carefully maintained trail network, a big rental and demo facility, and a full-service café and day lodge – everything you need for cross country skiing and snowshoeing adventure.
9435 N Cut Rd, Roscommon, MI 48653, Phone: 989-821-6661
4. Fred's of Roscommon
Enjoy classic American eats and bowl a few frames on a cheap night out.
“Fred’s” restaurant and bar was established in 1956 by Fred Martindale with only 14 tables and 8 bar stools. It grew into one of the most popular places in Roscommon, Michigan, to bring a family for an afternoon of fun and a great meal. It now includes a restaurant, bar, pool table, bowling center and banquet facilities, all under one roof. It is also a great place to celebrate birthday or any other occasion – they have something for everyone. Covered in logs on the outside and paneled in wood on the inside, Fred’s has a cozy log cabin vibe. Fred’s bowling center is “state of the art,” with eight synthetic lanes built in early 2009 with AMF equipment. The menu is huge and focuses on comfort food made using local seasonal ingredients. There is a full bar and a small but respectable wine list.
Fred's of Roscommon, 422/430 N. Fifth St. , Roscommon, MI 48653, Phone: 989-275-6565
If you are interested in local events:
- For Summer Fun: Firemen’s Memorial Festival (September) – Honors fallen firefighters with a parade, carnival, and community activities.
- For Nature Lovers: Au Sable River Canoe Marathon (July) – Watch elite paddlers begin their 120-mile overnight race from nearby Grayling.
- For Holiday Cheer: Roscommon Christmas in the Village (December) – Lights, parades, and festive activities for all ages.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Roscommon, MI:
- For Nature Lovers: Hartwick Pines State Park (25–30 min) – Towering pines, peaceful trails, and historic exhibits in Grayling.
- For Water Enthusiasts: Houghton Lake (20–25 min) – Michigan’s largest inland lake, great for boating, fishing, and dining on the water.
- For Wildlife Watching: Marl Lake (15–20 min) – Quiet hiking and paddling in a lesser-known section of South Higgins Lake State Park.
- For Shoppers: Grayling (30 min) – Local art shops, outfitters, and cafes in a quaint nearby town.
- For Fishing Fans: Reedsburg Dam Recreation Area (15–20 min) – A local hotspot for birdwatching, shoreline fishing, and peaceful nature walks.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Roscommon located?
- Roscommon is a village in Roscommon County, Michigan, situated on the shores of Higgins Lake.
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What is South Higgins State Park known for?
- South Higgins State Park is surrounded by two lakes, Higgins Lake and Marl Lake.
- The park is covered with pines, oaks, and maples, making it a beautiful outdoor destination.
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What outdoor activities are available in Roscommon?
- The South Branch of the Au Sable River flows through the village and offers opportunities for:
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Fishing
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When is the best time to visit Roscommon?
- The best time to visit Roscommon is in September, during the annual Michigan's Firemen's Memorial Festival.
- This event commemorates firefighters who lost their lives while protecting their communities.
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What state parks surround Roscommon?
- The village is surrounded by stunning nature, protected by three state parks:
- South Higgins Lake State Park
- North Higgins Lake State Park
- Hartwick Pines State Park
- Additionally, it is near the Au Sable State Forest.
Plan Your Trip