Cities and Towns in Roscommon County, Michigan
Founded in 1840, Roscommon County is one of 83 counties in the state of Michigan. Historically, Roscommon County was formed from part of Mackinac County and unorganized territory which was named Mikenauk County until 1843. The city of Roscommon is the county seat. With FIPS code of 143, Roscommon County has a population of 23,633 and area of 580 square miles (1,502 km²).
List of all cities in Roscommon County, MI alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Hghtn Lk Heights, MI | 48630 | 989 |
| Higgins Lake, MI | 48627 | 989 |
| Houghton Lake, MI | 48629 | 989 |
| Houghton Lake Heights, MI | 48630 | 989 |
| Prudenville, MI | 48651 | 989 |
| Roscommon, MI | 48653 | 989 |
| Saint Helen, MI | 48656 | 989 |
Major Cities and Towns in Roscommon County, Michigan
Roscommon
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 1.60 square miles
- Population: 981 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 48653
- Latitude: 44.4989° N
- Longitude: 84.5919° W
City Location and History
Roscommon is the county seat of Roscommon County, located in the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan, about 15 miles south of Higgins Lake and 20 miles northwest of Houghton Lake. The village was founded in the mid-19th century and named after County Roscommon in Ireland. Its location near the headwaters of the South Branch of the Au Sable River made it a prime spot for logging during Michigan’s lumber boom. As the lumber industry declined, Roscommon transitioned to a more diverse economy, including tourism and outdoor recreation, thanks to the area’s abundant natural resources, including nearby lakes, forests, and rivers. Roscommon is a popular destination for those interested in canoeing, fishing, and nature exploration.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Roscommon Area Public Schools serve the community, with Roscommon High School as the primary secondary education institution. One of the major landmarks in Roscommon is the Au Sable River Center, which showcases the history of the river and its role in the local community. The village is also known for its proximity to the famous Higgins Lake and the North Higgins Lake State Park, offering camping, boating, and swimming activities. Another significant local landmark is the Firemen’s Memorial, which honors firefighters from around the country. The annual Firemen’s Memorial Festival is a key event, attracting visitors from across Michigan to celebrate and remember the contributions of firefighters.
Houghton Lake
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 5.68 square miles
- Population: 3,427 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 48629
- Latitude: 44.3000° N
- Longitude: 84.7625° W
City Location and History
Houghton Lake is the largest unincorporated community in Roscommon County and is situated along the shores of Michigan’s largest inland lake, also named Houghton Lake. The community developed in the late 19th century, originally attracting settlers for its logging potential and later for its rich natural resources. The lake itself, which covers more than 20,000 acres, became a popular spot for fishing, boating, and recreation, making Houghton Lake a major tourist destination. Today, the local economy thrives on tourism, particularly during the summer and winter seasons, with visitors flocking to the lake for fishing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Houghton Lake Community Schools serve the area, with Houghton Lake High School being the largest school in the community. One of the most prominent landmarks is Houghton Lake itself, which is known for year-round recreational activities. The Tip-Up Town USA festival, held annually on the frozen lake in January, is one of Michigan’s oldest and largest winter festivals, featuring ice fishing, snowmobile races, and other family-friendly events. The nearby Pines Theatre, a historic cinema, adds to the charm of the community. The lake’s surrounding resorts, cottages, and campgrounds contribute to Houghton Lake’s status as a premier vacation destination.
St. Helen
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 5.96 square miles
- Population: 2,688 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 48656
- Latitude: 44.3583° N
- Longitude: 84.4150° W
City Location and History
St. Helen is located in the eastern part of Roscommon County, near Lake St. Helen, which is the primary feature of the area. The village was established in the late 19th century as a logging town, drawing settlers who were attracted to the area’s dense forests and the proximity of the lake, which was used to transport logs. The community was named after St. Helen, the mother of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. Over time, as the logging industry declined, St. Helen became a popular destination for outdoor recreation, particularly hunting, fishing, and off-roading, with the nearby lake and forest providing ample opportunities for these activities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
St. Helen is served by Roscommon Area Public Schools, with students attending schools in nearby Roscommon. Lake St. Helen is the town’s main landmark, offering fishing, boating, and ice fishing in the winter months. The area is also known for its extensive off-road vehicle (ORV) trails, making it a popular destination for ATV and snowmobile enthusiasts. The St. Helen ORV Jam is an annual event that draws off-roaders from across the state. Additionally, the Richfield Township Park provides recreational facilities, including hiking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making it a focal point for community events and gatherings.
Higgins Lake
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 3.13 square miles
- Population: 1,549 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 48627
- Latitude: 44.4969° N
- Longitude: 84.7131° W
City Location and History
Higgins Lake is an unincorporated community located near the western shore of Higgins Lake, which is known for its clear waters and scenic beauty. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes before European settlers arrived in the mid-19th century. Named after Sylvester Higgins, the first Michigan State topographer, the lake and its surrounding area have long been a popular resort and recreational destination. The community developed as a summer getaway, with many vacation homes and cottages being built along the lake’s shores. Today, Higgins Lake continues to attract visitors for its outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, swimming, and camping.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Higgins Lake residents are served by Roscommon Area Public Schools, with Roscommon High School being the primary institution. Higgins Lake itself is the major landmark, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and natural beauty. The community is home to two state parks: North Higgins Lake State Park and South Higgins Lake State Park, both offering camping, hiking, and access to the lake’s beaches. The Civilian Conservation Corps Museum, located within North Higgins Lake State Park, provides a glimpse into the history of the CCC’s work during the Great Depression. The Higgins Lake Winterfest is a popular annual event, featuring ice fishing, snowshoeing, and other winter activities that draw tourists to the area year-round.
Prudenville
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 3.85 square miles
- Population: 1,737 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 48651
- Latitude: 44.2936° N
- Longitude: 84.6675° W
City Location and History
Prudenville is an unincorporated community located on the southeastern shore of Houghton Lake in Roscommon County. It was established in the late 19th century, like many towns in the region, due to the logging industry. Named after early settler and postmaster Daniel Pruden, the community grew as a logging town but transitioned to tourism as the forests were cleared and the lake became the area’s primary attraction. Today, Prudenville serves as a popular vacation spot, with many seasonal cottages, resorts, and recreational opportunities along the lake, drawing visitors from across Michigan.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Prudenville is part of the Houghton Lake Community Schools district, with Houghton Lake High School serving local students. The town’s proximity to Houghton Lake makes the lake its most significant landmark, offering year-round recreational activities like boating, fishing, and swimming in the summer, and ice fishing and snowmobiling in the winter. The annual Bud Bash, a large boating event held on Houghton Lake, draws thousands of participants each summer, contributing to Prudenville’s lively tourism scene. Local parks, such as Trestle Park, provide scenic views of the lake and are popular spots for picnics, walking, and community events.
