Houghton Lake has 30 miles (48 km) of total shoreline and its waters cover 20,044 acres (81 km²). It is an extremely popular resort and fishing area 12 months of the year. 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 Lake is notable for the winter carnival, Tip Up Town USA. The name for the festival originated from the flag-like devices, "tip ups" used for ice fishing. The USA was added later. Buttons are sold annually at local businesses for about five dollars each and are a common collectable among residents.

See the Houghton Lake Chamber website for more information before planning your next vacation or trip to northern Michigan.