  houghton lake is a large lake in roscommon county. the unincorporated community of prudenville is at the southeastern end of the lake, while the unincorporated communities of houghton lake and houghton lake heights are on the southwest and west shores. it is the largest inland lake in the state of michigan, and one of the largest natural inland lakes in the united states (many man-made impoundments are much larger). the lake is approximately  north to south, and about  at it widest point. houghton lake has c.  of total shoreline and its waters cover . it is an extremely popular resort and fishing area year round. houghton lake is the site of tip-up-town usa, a large ice fishing and winter sports festival with several events on the frozen waters of the lake itself. houghton lake is named after the first state geologist, douglass houghton who explored the area. houghton county, in the upper peninsula of michigan is also named after douglass houghton. the name of the lake is pronounced by michigan citizens as "hote'n". the lake receives the waters of spring-fed higgins lake through the cut river and, in turn, is the headwaters for the muskegon river, which flows out of the north bay in the northwest corner of the lake. the lake is partially within four townships: markey township on the northeast, denton township on the southeast, roscommon township on the southwest, and lake township on the northwest. the lake is mid to late mesotrophic in profile, and is considered to be a warm water, shal
Lakes_of_Michigan Landforms_of_Roscommon_County,_Michigan