GUEST COTTAGE (seasonal, sleeps 2) Open May 15 through October 15 each year: king bed, twin daybed, kitchenette (sink, coffee maker, microwave, table), shower and toilet, A/C and heat, and its own deck. Guests love it for parents with a baby or anyone who wants quiet. From October 15 to May 15 it is closed and winterized. NEARBY (approximate driving miles from the cottage) Family favorite: The Village Vault, downtown Roscommon (12.5) A former bank turned family hangout: Irish Kilt Brewing (Irish pub), Rosco's Coney & Coffee, BC Pizza, Papa's Parlor ice cream and the Northern Lights Arcade game room, plus a patio and summer live music. Fun with kids - Markey Memorial Park (playgrounds, 100 ft zip line, gaga ball, disc golf): 3.5 - Metro Park pump track, downtown Roscommon (paved bike and scooter track, free loaner bikes and helmets, big playground): 12.7 - Fred's Alley bowling at Fred's of Roscommon: 13 - Roscommon Zoo (120+ animals and a petting zoo; seasonal, call ahead): about 15 to 17 Parks and things to do - South Higgins Lake State Park: 3 - Marl Lake Trails: 3 - Park 27, Lyon Township (pickleball, dog park, playground, summer concerts): 4 to 5 - North Higgins Lake State Park and CCC Museum (museum open daily in summer): 7 to 8 - Downtown Roscommon: 12 to 13 - Downtown Grayling and the Au Sable River: 20 - Forest Dunes Golf Club: 22 - Hartwick Pines State Park: 25 to 27 Restaurants - Country Corners Pizza & More: 0.8 - 200 Market Cafe (coffee, pastries, breakfast sandwiches): 0.8 - Polar Parlor Pizza & Ice Cream (seasonal): 2.3 - Nibbles Ice Cream (May to September): 2.8 - The Landmark Restaurant (breakfast and lunch): 3.2 - Cut River Grille (east shore, weekend brunch): 3.8 - Silver Dollar Pub & Grill: 7.5 - Dairy Queen, north shore: about 8 - The Village Vault (pizza, coneys, ice cream, brewery): 12.5 - Beechwood Cafe, Roscommon (breakfast and lunch): 13 - Fred's of Roscommon (restaurant and bowling): 13 - Paddle Hard Brewing, Grayling: 20 - Sangomore's at Forest Dunes (seasonal): 22 Shopping and groceries - The Loom Room of Higgins Lake (apparel and gifts): 2 - Dollar General (closest basics, ice): 3 to 4 - Good Times Party Store (a little of everything): 3.4 - Downtown Roscommon shops (Uncommonly Good, Made UP North, Butcher's Wife Market, White Pine & Petals, The Mermaid Shop, Timber & Thyme Market, Up North Candle Depot): 12 to 13 - Family Fare grocery, Roscommon: 13 - Walmart, Houghton Lake (grocery pickup): 13 to 15 Boat rentals - Higgins Lake Marine (pontoons): 2 - GO FAST Rentals: 7.5 - B&B Sports Center & Marina (north shore): 7 Hours change by season, so check before you go. YEAR-ROUND The main house is open all year. Winter brings Higgins Lake WinterFest on Presidents' Day weekend, ice fishing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Fall brings color tours and cozy nights by the fireplace. Licensed short-term rental: Gerrish Township permit (Ordinance #50). FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Where is Higgins Lake Sunrise Cottage? On the west shore of Higgins Lake in Roscommon, Michigan, about 3 miles from South Higgins Lake State Park. The exact address comes with your booking confirmation. How many people does it sleep? Up to 12 guests when the guest cottage is open (May 15 to October 15), and up to 10 when it is closed. The home has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Is the beach sandy? The private frontage is 75 feet. The first stretch from shore is rocky, then it turns to soft sand. Water shoes help. Can I bring my own boat? Yes. There is a mooring buoy for your boat. Boats cannot be tied to the dock overnight. Boat and pontoon rentals are nearby (see Boat rentals above). What water toys are included? Kayaks, a pedal boat and a stand-up paddle board. Is it good for kids and babies? Yes. There is a pack 'n play, high chair, baby monitor, swing set and a game room. Nearby, kids love Markey Memorial Park, the Metro Park pump track, bowling at Fred's, the Roscommon Zoo and the arcade at the Village Vault (see Fun with kids above). Is the guest cottage open all year? No. It is open May 15 through October 15 and winterized the rest of the year. The main house is open year-round. What are check-in and checkout times? Check-in is 4:00 PM. Checkout is 10:00 AM. What are the quiet hours? 9:00 PM to 8:00 AM. Voices carry on the lake, and we share a driveway with neighbors. Are pets allowed? No. Is there a minimum stay? Yes. It varies by season and date. The calendar shows the minimum for the dates you pick. How far is it from Grand Rapids and Detroit? About 140 miles (roughly 2 hours 20 minutes) from Grand Rapids and about 180 miles (roughly 3 hours) from Detroit. Times are approximate and depend on traffic. Is the rental licensed? Yes. It holds a Gerrish Township short-term rental permit (Ordinance #50).