The Store
The Park Store has been a centerpiece of the South Higgins Lake State Park since being built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935 from local white pine timber logs. Through the years it has also been a local area landmark of Higgins Lake among vacationers & locals alike that visit the public beach here. Originally, the store housed the park's caretaker family residence for many years as well. The day-use public beach area of the park remains a popular place on the lake to picnic with family & friends- often filled to capacity during the summer. The picnic day-use area of the park features playground areas for the children, charcoal grills, picnic tables, horsehoe pits, a great natural beach and designated swim areas, plenty of shade beneath the scenic forest canopy, two large pavillions (rentable through the Park Headquarters), and a large boat launch basin with a designated parking area. Is it any wonder that it is such a popular place to spend an afternoon on beautiful Higgins Lake here at the South Park?
For your picnic grilling convienence...
The Park Store offers a convienent grocery section that is oriented towards 'I forgot...' and 'I ran out of...' when you are having a picnic outing. Kingsford charcoal, starting fluid, matches, camp lighters, grills, and even Coleman fuel. Coolers stocked with your favorite Pepsi & 7-up products, teas, juices, energy drinks, & dairy products. Don't forget about about the bread, buns, and fresh baked donuts.
Candy!
The candy isle is a near legend among the kids, the kids-at-heart, and the nostalgic 'grown-ups' that have been coming here for years- yes, even those huge softball-sized jawbreakers you can find nowhere else. Old fashioned Pensylvania Dutch 'penny candy' and even your favorite Mike & Ikes flavors you remember as a kid yourself.
Sweatshirts, t-shirts, souveniers and more...
We know how cool the mornings can be at the lake, and our sweatshirts & hoodies have become THE popular Higgins Lake themed vacation wear. We strive to keep the shelves stocked with your favorite styles and colors of t-shirts & sweatshirts, but they do go fast- so if you see your favorites, you better get them while you can. Also, we have a line of Panama Jack sunscreens, sunglasses, beach towels, lotions, and clothing too. Don't forget the souveniers to remember your time here at Higgins Lake... we have many unique items including coffee mugs, shot glasses, & jewelry items.
Beach Toys!
What is a day (or week) at the lake without beach toys? We feature an extensive line of your favorite beach toys, inflatables, matresses, floats, squirt guns, frisbees, sand castle tools, swim goggles & masks. Also toys for play away from the lake- travel games, foam balls, wiffle bats & balls, kites, gliders, and sand-box toys.
Bookstore?
Yes, we have a selection of novels from popular best selling authors, and local authors as well. Magazines, childrens books, Michigan nature books, Zoobooks, coloring books, puzzle books, and more. Detroit Free Press, Detroit News, Houghton Lake Resorter newpapers available in the store... and NEW this year- The Bay City Times will have a box in front of the store as well. Every bookstore has internet access, and we feature a free Wi-Fi hotspot as well so you can catch up on happenings while you are away, keep in touch with the 'office', or download your favorite reading.
DVD movie rentals.
For those 'movie nights', or those rainy blustery days- we offer a selection of recent release DVD movies from ET Video. Don't forget to try your luck at winning a movie poster with our gumball machine too!