S. Higgins Lake State Park

08/28/2026

We’re excited to invite you to a fun-filled Harvest Festival weekend at South Higgins Lake State Park! Come celebrate the season with two days of family-friendly activities, community favorites, and autumn traditions.

(All events take place on the ball field unless otherwise noted.)

Friday, September 25
• Hayrides: 4–7pm
• Bounce House: 4–7pm
• Outdoor Movie: 8pm (weather permitting)

All events are free and open to the public. Donations are appreciated. A Recreation Passport is required for park entry.
Friendly reminder: Campground roads will be closed during trick‑or‑treating on Saturday from 5:30–7pm.

Saturday, September 26
• Pancake Breakfast: 9–11am (available for purchase, courtesy of The Store)
• Pumpkin Painting: 10am–12pm (pumpkins available for purchase at the big tent or bring your own)
• Hayrides & Bounce House: 12–3pm
• Touch‑a‑Truck: 1–3pm (boat launch parking lot)
• Kids’ Craft: 1–3pm
• Face Painting: 2–4pm
• Costume Contest: 4:30pm
• Trick‑or‑Treating: 5:30–7pm (campground roads closed to traffic)
• Outdoor Movie: 8pm (weather permitting)

Bring your family, friends, and fall spirit—there’s something for everyone! We hope to see you there and celebrate the season together!

08/27/2026

It has come to our attention that there was a missing plane in one of our trees. Good news, two of our Park Rangers were able to retrieve the plane with a very accurate throw of a football 😏

Unfortunately, we are not able to tag the owner of the plane. So if you all can get the message out, it will be safe and sound in our headquarters!

08/25/2026

We wanted to let everyone know that, due to limited staffing and fewer volunteers than usual, we won’t be able to offer the Spooky Walk at this year’s Harvest Festival. While we’re sad to pause this tradition, we’re excited to focus our energy on making the rest of the festival fun and memorable for all.
We truly appreciate your understanding, and we’d love to bring the Spooky Walk back next year—with your help! If you or someone you know might be interested in volunteering, even a little support can make a big difference and help keep beloved traditions going strong.
Please check back soon for our full schedule of events. We’ve got plenty of great activities planned, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

08/21/2026

Friendly reminder!
If your site doesn’t have full hookups, please don’t dump your gray or black water tanks on the campsite.
Swing by the sanitation station instead — it’s easy, clean, and keeps the campground happy for everyone.
Thanks a bunch for keeping things fresh out there! 🌲🚐💧

Send a message to learn more

08/13/2026

This Friday, August 14th is your last chance to hang out with explorer guide Chad before he goes back to school. Check out his last two programs:

Fishing at Marl Lake 10:00 A.M.

Join Explorer Guide Chad across the street at Marl Lake for some informal fishing. Poles and Bait are provided, limited space and supplies. 17 and under fish free, all others must have a license.

Digging Up Bones!
Discovery Table 2-3:30 P.M.
at The Day Use Near the Camp Store

Come check out the skulls of mammals, the skins of snakes and the chance to excavate your own findings.

08/05/2026

🥺It's Explorer Guide Chad's last week! Don't miss his last few programs. We hope to see him again next summer! 🤞

Wednesday, August 5th
PATRIOTIC BIKE PARADE
10:30 a.m. at Host Site #147

Our wonderful hosts at S. Higgins have planned a Patriotic Bike Parade for our guests. Decoration at 10:30 and Parade starts at 11 a.m.

“Where do they hang out?” Discovery Table
2-3:30 p.m. at Day Use near the Park Store

Ever wonder where some of your favorite Michigan Animals hang out? Come by the Discovery table and see!

Friday, August 7th
Fishing at Marl Lake 10:00 A.M.

Join Explorer Guide Chad across the street at Marl Lake for some informal fishing. Poles and Bait are provided, limited space and supplies. 17 and Under fish free all others must have a license.

Invasive Species Discovery Table
2-3:30 P.M. At The Day Use Near the Camp Store

We discuss the Sea Lamprey, Emerald Ash Borer and other species that are making our lives a little tougher at the park and around our state.

Click to open a schedule of nature programs across the state.

07/29/2026

Checkout this weeks events with our explorer guide!

Wednesday, July 29th
Campfire Safety
10 a.m. at Host Site #147

Explorer Guide Chad will be teaching you a HANDS ON program about how to properly build and put out your campfire and prevent wildfires. Smokey coloring craft also.

Turtle Shell Game Discovery Table
2-3:30 P.M. At The Day Use Near the Camp Store

Come see the Turtle Shells and play a little game of where the ball is under the shells. PRIZES!!!

Friday, July 31st
Fishing at Marl Lake 10:00 A.M.

Join Explorer Guide Chad across the street at Marl Lake for some informal fishing. Poles and Bait are provided, limited space and supplies. 17 and Under fish free, all others must have a license.

Who Would Win? Discovery Table
2-3:30 P.M. At The Day Use Near the Camp Store

There’s a great book series for kids that asks that age old question “who would win?” Explorer Guide Chad will have his furs and skulls out and perhaps a book or two to answer those very questions: SKUNK VS. JAGUAR who would win?

https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/education/public/nature-programs/-/media/75993CBED83F4D7E9944EF9F52C5837B.ashx

Send a message to learn more

07/15/2026

A huge congratulations to our incredible park staff who were honored with Life Saving Awards at the Gerrish Township board meeting on July 14, 2026.
Your quick thinking, dedication, and unwavering commitment to protecting our visitors make a true difference every single day. We are proud, grateful, and inspired by your service.
Thank you for everything you do to keep our park a safe and welcoming place for all.

07/14/2026

🌟 This Week’s Activities! 🌟

Wednesday 7/15
Storytime & Craft
⏰ 10:00 a.m. at Host Site #147
Come by for an exciting reading of “The Legend of Mackinac Island,” then make your own Turtle Craft! Turtle shells provided on site.
Defensive Discovery
⏰ 12:00–1:30 p.m. at the Day Use area near the Camp Store
Explore furs, skulls, shells, skins, and models while learning how different creatures defend themselves from predators and the elements.

Friday 7/17
Fishing at Marl Lake
⏰ 10:00 a.m.
Join Explorer Guide Chad across the street at Marl Lake for informal fishing. Poles and bait are provided (limited supply). Ages 17 and under fish free; all others must have a license.
🎯 Fishing Game
⏰ 2:00–3:30 p.m. in the yard east of the campstore pavilion
Test your casting skills with our magnetic fishing game! Cast into the field and try to catch the BIG ONE in three tries. Prizes whether you win or not!

Click to open a schedule of nature programs across the state.

07/08/2026

Check out this week's nature programs:

Wednesday, July 8
What-a-Vore Game – 2:00–3:30 p.m.
Day Use Area near the Camp Store
Test your skills at identifying carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores! Already an expert? Check out our animal furs, skulls, and more—then pick up a prize!

Friday, July 10
Fishing at Marl Lake – 10:00 a.m.
Join Explorer Guide Chad across the street at Marl Lake for informal fishing fun. Poles and bait provided. Limited space and supplies. Ages 17 and under fish free; adults must have a license.
Dabblers, Divers, and Diners Discovery – 2:00 p.m.
Stop by our Duck Discovery Table to guess which ducks dabble, dive, or dine on land. Learn how they eat, how they sound, and the chaos they can cause. It’s guaranteed to be a fowl time!

ALL kids under 10 must be with a parent.

Click to open a schedule of nature programs across the state.