Houghton Lake — While football fans of various teams are enduring the cold weather for playoff football, the true athletes in the state of Michigan headed to Houghton Lake this weekend for the 76th annual Tip-Up Town USA festival on the coldest weekend of the year.
Tip-Up Town USA is recognized as Michigan’s longest-running and largest winter festival, with roots stretching back to the early 1950s. Originally inspired by the hundreds of ice fishermen surrounding Houghton Lake, the festival is named after the “tip-up,” a device used by anglers to signal a fish on the line. The festival has grown into a multi-day celebration of all things winter in the heart of Roscommon County.
All weekend Houghton Lake residents and visitors will see hundreds of snowmobiles, 4x4s, and ice fishing shanties set up all around and on the lake, with some ice fishing contestants walking out at 7 a.m. this year when temperatures hit -30 degrees with windchill.
Today, it’s way more than just ice fishing: It’s a destination where snowy landscapes become playgrounds, and community gatherings turn into cherished memories. The festival unfolds over two weekends in late January, bringing together families, friends, and winter enthusiasts for laughter, friendly competition, and pure Northern Michigan fun.
In addition to ice fishing, Tip-Up Town USA features a morning 5k run, amusement rides on the frozen lake, a petting zoo, and a beer tent with live music.
Visitors can also sign up for a diving contest including prizes for
- Best Overall Dip
- Best Belly flop
- Best Cannonball
- Best Dressed
- Most Creative Dip
- Oldest Dipper
- Farthest Traveled Dipper
- Most Frequent Dipper
With enough beer and snowgear, the most hardcore Michiganders still enjoyed this ice fishing weekend.
Alex Deimel is a contributing writer for Michigan Enjoyer.
