Houghton Lake, Michigan
Houghton Lake is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Roscommon County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The CDP is located within Denton, Lake, and Roscommon townships. The population was 5,294 at the time of the 2020 census.
Houghton Lake, Michigan | |
|---|---|
Looking west along M-55 | |
Location within Roscommon County | |
Houghton Lake Location within the state of Michigan Houghton Lake Location within the United States | |
| Coordinates: 44°18′53″N 84°45′53″W / 44.31472°N 84.76472°WCoordinates: 44°18′53″N 84°45′53″W / 44.31472°N 84.76472°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Roscommon |
| Townships | Denton, Lake, and Roscommon |
| Settled | 1873 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 12.38 sq mi (32.07 km2) |
| • Land | 10.75 sq mi (27.84 km2) |
| • Water | 1.63 sq mi (4.22 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,145 ft (349 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
| • Total | 5,294 |
| • Density | 492.47/sq mi (190.14/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code(s) | |
| Area code | 989 |
| FIPS code | 26-39400[2] |
| GNIS feature ID | 0628665[3] |
The CDP is situated on the southwest shore of Houghton Lake, which at 22,000 acres[4] is Michigan's largest inland lake, and also includes the unincorporated community of Houghton Lake Heights. The community of Prudenville borders on the east. M-55 runs through the communities, and U.S. Route 127 is the western boundary of the Houghton Lake CDP.
History
The Houghton Lake area's first white settlers were said to be the Emery family in 1873. Augustus Emery, his wife, and their 7 children left their home in Chesaning, Michigan, and made their way on foot to an area three miles south of the lake via the well-known Saginaw Trail. It was here that Mr. Emery and his three sons, Augustus, Jr., 21, William, 19, and Harvey, 17, would construct the family home on 160 acres of homesteaded property.
Lumbering had a profound impact on the early development of Houghton Lake. In the mid-1800s, lumber camps in the area were abundant, and roads, towns, and railways were established to support the lumber trade. Logs were floated from Houghton Lake down the Muskegon River to sawmills and shipping facilities in Muskegon. It has been estimated that in 1860 alone, mills on the Muskegon River produced 75,000,000 board-feet of lumber.
By the late 1800s, lumbering became the primary industry in the area. As lumber camps sprung up around saw mills, more settlers arrived. Around 1883, a community at Houghton Lake had been created.
Houghton Lake was originally called "Roscommon Lake". However, in 1879, after the untimely death of famous physician, explorer, and Michigan's first state geologist, Douglass Houghton, Roscommon Lake was honorably renamed Houghton Lake.
With the decline of the lumbering industry in the early 1900s, railways that had been used to transport lumber were transformed to passenger lines to bring outdoorsmen to fish, hunt, and experience the beauty of the "north country". The Houghton Lake fishery became legendary and attracted visitors from far and wide.
By the mid-1900s Houghton Lake had become known as a prime resort area. Today, thousands of seasonal cottages, year-round homes, and businesses border the lake. Houghton Lake remains one of Michigan's top resort and vacation destinations and attracts thousands of visitors to its shores each year.
In 1927, the "Johnson Dance Hall," presently known as "The Playhouse," was erected and served for many years as the entertainment center for the area. The Playhouse and the surrounding property are now home to The Houghton Lake Historical Society, as well as the yearly event "Historic Village Days"
The town was struck by a windstorm on June 11, 1932, which killed four people.[5] During a snowstorm that caused reduced visibility, two married couples died when they drove their cars into the frozen lake on New Year's Day, 1957.[6] The Limberlost Hotel, situated on the shore of Houghton Lake, was destroyed by a fire in 1968 causing one injury but no deaths.[7][8] Two men drowned in a snowmobile accident during a carnival on the frozen lake in 1980.[9]
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 12.38 square miles (32.06 km2), of which 10.75 square miles (27.84 km2) is land and 1.63 square miles (4.22 km2) (13.17%) is water.[1]
Climate
| Climate data for Houghton Lake, Michigan (Roscommon County – Blodgett Memorial Airport), 1991–2020 normals,[a] extremes 1913–present | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 58 (14) | 64 (18) | 85 (29) | 89 (32) | 96 (36) | 107 (42) | 107 (42) | 100 (38) | 100 (38) | 88 (31) | 77 (25) | 64 (18) | 107 (42) |
| Mean maximum °F (°C) | 45 (7) | 47 (8) | 62 (17) | 75 (24) | 84 (29) | 90 (32) | 90 (32) | 89 (32) | 85 (29) | 76 (24) | 60 (16) | 48 (9) | 92 (33) |
| Average high °F (°C) | 26.9 (−2.8) | 29.6 (−1.3) | 40.4 (4.7) | 53.8 (12.1) | 67.2 (19.6) | 76.7 (24.8) | 80.5 (26.9) | 78.3 (25.7) | 70.6 (21.4) | 56.8 (13.8) | 43.1 (6.2) | 32.1 (0.1) | 54.7 (12.6) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 19.1 (−7.2) | 20.3 (−6.5) | 29.7 (−1.3) | 42.2 (5.7) | 54.7 (12.6) | 63.9 (17.7) | 67.8 (19.9) | 65.8 (18.8) | 58.3 (14.6) | 46.8 (8.2) | 35.5 (1.9) | 25.6 (−3.6) | 44.1 (6.7) |
| Average low °F (°C) | 11.4 (−11.4) | 11.0 (−11.7) | 19.1 (−7.2) | 30.7 (−0.7) | 42.3 (5.7) | 51.1 (10.6) | 55.0 (12.8) | 53.3 (11.8) | 46.1 (7.8) | 36.8 (2.7) | 27.9 (−2.3) | 19.0 (−7.2) | 33.6 (0.9) |
| Mean minimum °F (°C) | −11 (−24) | −12 (−24) | −5 (−21) | 16 (−9) | 28 (−2) | 37 (3) | 42 (6) | 39 (4) | 30 (−1) | 23 (−5) | 13 (−11) | 0 (−18) | −16 (−27) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −32 (−36) | −48 (−44) | −25 (−32) | −15 (−26) | 12 (−11) | 23 (−5) | 26 (−3) | 27 (−3) | 19 (−7) | 7 (−14) | −14 (−26) | −28 (−33) | −48 (−44) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 1.70 (43) | 1.41 (36) | 1.78 (45) | 3.10 (79) | 3.15 (80) | 3.22 (82) | 2.74 (70) | 2.86 (73) | 2.59 (66) | 3.08 (78) | 2.20 (56) | 1.76 (45) | 29.59 (752) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 16.4 (42) | 13.6 (35) | 8.3 (21) | 4.4 (11) | 0.1 (0.25) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.5 (1.3) | 7.5 (19) | 15.1 (38) | 65.9 (167) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 14.0 | 11.4 | 10.5 | 12.0 | 11.7 | 10.9 | 10.0 | 9.5 | 10.9 | 13.5 | 13.2 | 13.5 | 141.1 |
| Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) | 12.8 | 10.6 | 5.9 | 2.9 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 5.8 | 10.6 | 49.0 |
| Source: NOAA[10][11] | |||||||||||||
Demographics
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1990 | 3,353 | — | |
| 2000 | 3,749 | 11.8% | |
| 2010 | 3,427 | −8.6% | |
| 2020 | 5,294 | 54.5% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[12] | |||
As of the census[2] of 2000, there were 3,749 people, 1,646 households, and 1,030 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 633.6 inhabitants per square mile (244.6/km2). There were 3,057 housing units at an average density of 516.6 per square mile (199.5/km2). The racial makeup of the CDP was 97.95% White, 0.35% African American, 0.64% Native American, 0.19% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.13% from other races, and 0.72% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.91% of the population.
There were 1,646 households, out of which 23.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.7% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.4% were non-families. 32.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.78.
In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 21.4% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 23.3% from 25 to 44, 26.7% from 45 to 64, and 21.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.5 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $27,443, and the median income for a family was $30,735. Males had a median income of $23,346 versus $16,111 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $16,862. About 10.2% of families and 16.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.6% of those under age 18 and 7.7% of those age 65 or over.
Transportation
Bus
- Indian Trails provides daily intercity bus service between St. Ignace and East Lansing, Michigan.[13]
- Greyhound Lines provides daily bus service to the Greyhound network from Houghton Lake. [14]
Major highways
- US 127 runs north to south, west of Houghton Lake. The highway begins at I-75 south of Grayling, and runs into central and southern Michigan via the cities of Mt. Pleasant, Lansing, and Jackson, before entering Ohio.
- M-55 runs east and west through Houghton Lake. The highway begins near Lake Michigan in Manistee, and runs east through Cadillac and Lake City before entering Houghton Lake. The highway continues eastward through nearby Prudenville and into West Branch before ending near Lake Huron in Tawas City.
Airport
- Houghton Lake State Airport is located in the northwest corner of Houghton Lake near the intersection of M-55 and Old U.S. Highway 27.
Public transit
Recreation
Tip Up Town USA
Houghton Lake is home to Tip Up Town USA, Michigan’s oldest-running and largest winter festival. Tip Up Town has events throughout the month of January starting with a kick off and ending with a polar plunge. All of these events are included with the purchase of a 10 dollar badge, and children under 5 are free. These are sold at many local businesses as well as the Chamber of Commerce. The events start with the Tip Up Town Kick Off held at the Houghton Lake Playhouse. At the kick off, there are auctions for the first 10 Tip Up Town badges, first 10 polar bear dippers, and several signature tip ups. The event ends with the campaigns and voting for the Queen, Mayor, and Marshal. The following weekend is the fundraiser at Shenanigan’s Pub and Grub where items donated by many local businesses are auctioned off. The third and fourth weekend in January is the main event. The weekend starts off with a parade through town ending at the site which is the DNR boat launch by the Pines Theater. The two weekends are packed with family fun such as ice fishing, egg tosses, pie eating, hula hoop contests, carnival rides, snowmobile drag races, and so much more. For the adults, there is an adult beverage tent, snowmobile and side by side races, beard and antique snowmobile contests. Tip Up Town ends with a splash at the Polar Bear Dip. Tip Up Town is a month full of fun that brings a lot of much needed business to the Houghton Lake area.[17]
For more information about Tip Up Town you can go to https://www.houghtonlakechamber.net/tip-up-town-usa/
Fishing
At 22,000 acres, Houghton Lake is Michigan's largest inland lake and has been called a "Fish Factory" by many sources.[18] [19] It is relatively shallow with a maximum depth of 24 feet and heavy weed bed cover, making an ideal fish habitat. There are 7 public access sites evenly distributed around the lake for easy access, as well as a good number of supporting businesses like bait and tackle shops, marinas, and boat dealers for fishermen.[20]
Golf
There are three golf courses in Houghton Lake. They are:
- Pine View Highlands, which has won several awards, including “One Of The Gems Of The North” by The Detroit News, “One Of The Top Picks Of Michigan Courses” by AAA Michigan Living Magazine, and “#1 People’s Choice Award” by Roscommon County[21]
- The Quest Golf Club, a championship course designed by PGA professional Ken Green.[22]
- White Deer Country Club[23]
Historic Village Days
A weekend event takes place at the Historic Playhouse and the recreated village featuring 13 historical buildings that have been restored or rebuilt to reflect life in the logging-era of the late 1800s. A museum is housed in a hand-hewn log school house that was built in 1876. The village also features, as of August 2012, a General Store, Chapel, Cook Shack, Print Shop, Barber Shop / Pharmacy / Doctor's Office, Blacksmith, Dress Shop, Town Hall, Carriage Shop, and two homes.
Historic Village Days features many events and activities, from educational to recreational. Popular events and activities include a Pig Roast, Live Music (2012's music included a dulcimer band and a barbershop quartet), Liar's Contest, Story Telling, and more.
The Village is open every Friday and Saturday in June, July and August from 12-4, and Historic Village Days event takes place the first weekend in August.
Arts and crafts shows
Shows take place on Houghton Lake Middle School grounds in Houghton Lake on various dates throughout the year. The Houghton Lake Arts & Crafts Shows features artists & vendors with a wide variety of items for sale.
As of July 2013, the shows take place on weekends around Memorial Day, July 4 (the "Summer Show"), and Labor Day.
Pumpkin Run
Car cruises, car shows, antique, classic, and vintage vehicles, competitions, DJ, karaoke, and more.[24][25][26][27][28]
References
- ^ Mean monthly maxima and minima (i.e. the highest and lowest temperature readings during an entire month or year) calculated based on data at said location from 1991 to 2020.
- ^ a b "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
- ^ a b "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Houghton Lake, Michigan
- ^ "Houghton Lake Area Tourism Bureau". www.visithoughtonlake.com. Retrieved 2022-06-17.
- ^ "Michigan Storm is Fatal To Four". The Milwaukee Journal, June 12, 1935. p. 4.
- ^ "Auto Plunges Through Ice On Lake, 4 Die". The Spokesman-Review, January 2, 1957, p 2.
- ^ "Fire Razes Hotel At Houghton Lake". The Toledo Blade. September 3, 1968. p. 15.
- ^ "Houghton Lake Hotel Burns."The Owosso Argus-Press. September 3. 1968. p 14 Web March 29. 2011
- ^ "Bodies of drowned snowmobilers recovered from Michigan lake". Lakeland Ledger, January 27. 1980, p 4A.
- ^ "NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved May 22, 2021.
- ^ "Station: Houghton LK Roscommon AP, MI". U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved May 22, 2021.
- ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2016.
- ^ (PDF). Indian Trails. January 15, 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 29, 2014. Retrieved 2013-02-27.
- ^ "Greyhound Bus Stations in Houghton Lake, Michigan". www.greyhound.com. Retrieved 2022-06-16.
- ^ "Roscommon County Transportation Authority". Roscommon County Transportation Authority. Retrieved 2022-06-16.
- ^ "Rates". Roscommon County Transportation Authority. Retrieved 2022-06-16.
- ^ "Tip Up Town USA". Houghton Chamber of Commerce. Houghton Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved 23 April 2020.
- ^ columnist, BOB GWIZDZ Outdoors. "Bob Gwizdz: Houghton Lake Overtime: Michigan's largest inland lake is 'fish factory'". Traverse City Record-Eagle. Retrieved 2022-06-17.
- ^ "Houghton Lake, MI". Freshwater Therapy Fishing Guide Service. Retrieved 2022-06-17.
- ^ "Houghton Lake Area Fishing". www.visithoughtonlake.com. Retrieved 2022-06-17.
- ^ "Pine View Highlands Houghton Lake, Michigan". Pine View Highlands. Retrieved 2022-06-17.
- ^ "The Quest Golf Club | Lake Golf Courses | Lake Public Golf". The Quest Golf Club. Retrieved 2022-06-17.
- ^ "Prudenville, MI Golf - White Deer Country Club - 989 366 5812". www.whitedeercc.com. Retrieved 2022-06-17.
- ^ Official Tip Up Town Website 2012-11-15 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Houghton Lake Area Tourism & Convention Bureau
- ^ Houghton Lake Happenings Blog
- ^ Houghton Lake Events Calendar
- ^ Houghton Lake Arts and Crafts Association
Further reading
- Carman, Bulah. Capsules of Time: A Saga of Houghton Lake. Houghton Lake, Mich.: Bankov Printing, 1987.