MLive says: “Speaking of crystal clear water, you'll also find an ample supply of it here at Higgins Lake. There are many who would argue this is the most beautiful lake in Michigan. It's actually been referred to as one of the most lovely lakes in the entire world. You'll find plenty of beachgoers enjoying their favorite lake activities here during the summer months.”
February 23, 2020
Growing up, I knew lots of friends and families who spent holiday weekends on Higgins Lake in the summer; I think I even had extended family with cabins and property on the lake, as well. Somehow, I didn’t make it to Higgins Lake until my 24th year of life, in the middle of Michigan winter - it was worth the wait.
Bill and I arrived at Ralph A. Macmullan Conference Center (North Higgins Lake State Park) on Saturday morning, February 22. We spent our day on Saturday building Ojibwa-style snowshoes at a workshop led by the Michigan DNR in the education building, and enjoyed a lantern-lit night hike that evening. When we woke up on Sunday, the sunshine lured us out to explore the rest of the park. We found a trail and set off toward the lake.
The sun was still on its way up, making some gorgeous shadows through the trees and gently waking us up. The path to the lake was remarkably short, though, and in just a few minutes we were poured out into full sun on the lake front.
I spent some time basking in the sun before setting off on a short trail with Bill along the shore. I listened to the sound of moving water and let the sun hit my face, and it almost felt like summer despite the cold wind coming off the ice.
The path was icy and slippery, so we took our time weaving between the trees and exploring the shoreline. There were places where tree branches had frozen into the surface of the lake, where ice had melted back just enough to reveal a rocky and sandy lake bottom, and where deer tracks were visible in thicker ice. It was an entire array of magical icy gifts. As we made our way back from the lake shore, we found a short boardwalk toward the conference center where we started - we listened for bird calls, admired snowy trees, and enjoyed the bright blue sky.
After spending part of the morning admiring North Higgins Lake, we got in the car and drove down to South Higgins Lakes State Park. The Southern part of the Park had a gorgeous snowy beach and was set up for lots of family summer fun: a camp store, kayak rentals, a playground…a bit different of a vibe from the North Park, but equally as gorgeous on the same amazing lake. My favorite part were the three giant white pine trees right on the beach front, standing proud and tall as can be right on the shoreline.
I absolutely adored walking around the snowy/icy lake front in the sunshine - it’s so rare to get a truly sunny day in Michigan in the winter, and we made sure to soak it up. With how gorgeous Higgins Lake is in the winter, I can’t decide if I should return in the summer or not; an icy beach can steal my heart in a way sand and waves just can’t. A picture-perfect freshwater sunset might bring me back, though. We’ll see!