South Higgins Lake State Park reopens today with new boat launch, boat wash and roadways

DNR photos

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Higgins Lake Foundation (HLF) has announced that South Higgins Lake State Park will host its official grand reopening today (Friday, July 11). A public celebration will be held in honor of the park’s new boat launch, boat wash and roadways, which park visitors began using in mid-June.

The day begins with check-in at 10 a.m. and an optional site tour at 10:15 a.m. A ribbon-cutting ceremony follows at 11 a.m.

“We are pleased to complete these needed improvements to this heavily used boating access site," said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. "Higgins Lake is an iconic place that makes for Pure Michigan outdoor recreation experiences.”

Funding for this project was provided by the Waterways Fund from boating registration fees and a portion of the fuel taxes. In addition, the new boat wash was funded by more than $70,000 in donations from the Higgins Lake Foundation and the EnTrust fund.

“The foundation is committed to preventing the spread of invasive species,” said HLF Chair Vicki Springstead. "We're pleased to sponsor this landmark structure which will help protect the natural resources in one of Michigan’s most popular state parks.”

Boaters are encouraged to use this boat wash to clean, drain and dry their boats before and after launching. The boat wash will be free and available to the public on a seasonal basis.

Dale Shagena, supervisor at South Higgins Lake State Park, said some finishing touches (including final grass seeding and stairway handrails) are still in progress but will be completed soon.

South Higgins Lake State Park is located at 106 State Park Drive, in Roscommon, Michigan. The park contains almost 1 mile of shoreline along the clear waters of Higgins Lake. For camping reservations, visit www.midnrreservations.com or call 1-800-44-PARKS (1-800-447-2757).