Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center
Overview
The Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center is a Michigan DNR-operated facility located on Higgins Lake in Roscommon County, Michigan. Named after a former director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the center serves as the DNR’s primary conference and training venue while also offering seasonal lodging and recreation access on one of Michigan’s clearest and most beautiful inland lakes.
Set on a wooded campus along the shores of Higgins Lake, the center provides a retreat-like setting for environmental education workshops, conservation meetings, and professional development programs. When not reserved for conferences, the facility is open to the public for lodging and lake recreation.
Facilities and Recreation
The center features lodge-style accommodations, meeting rooms, dining facilities, and direct access to Higgins Lake’s crystal-clear waters. Swimming, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing are popular summer activities. The surrounding forest provides hiking trails and excellent wildlife observation. Higgins Lake is renowned for its exceptional water clarity and outstanding fishing for lake trout, walleye, and smallmouth bass.
Location and Access
The conference center is located at 104 Conservation Drive in Roscommon, Michigan, on the north shore of Higgins Lake. It is accessible from I-75 (Exit 239) and US-27, approximately 200 miles north of Detroit and 60 miles north of Midland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the public stay at the conference center?
Yes, when not reserved for conferences, lodging is available to the public. Contact the center directly for availability and reservations.
Do I need a Recreation Passport?
Check with Michigan DNR for current vehicle entry requirements at the conference center property.
Does Michigan really have 11,000 lakes?
Yes — Michigan has 11,037 named inland lakes — more than any other state except Alaska. Add the Great Lakes shoreline (3,288 miles — more than any other state) and Michigan has more freshwater shoreline than any place on Earth. The lakes were carved by glaciers during the last ice age. No point in Michigan is more than 6 miles from a lake or 85 miles from a Great Lake.
Getting There
Located on Twin Lakes in Roscommon County — the geographic center of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. The center hosts environmental education conferences and workshops on 142 acres of diverse habitat. Named for Ralph MacMullan, a legendary Michigan conservation director who helped establish the state’s modern wildlife management programs. The Au Sable River (America’s most famous trout stream) flows nearby.
Insider Tips
Conservation education: The MacMullan Center hosts Michigan DNR conservation education programs — set on Higgins Lake, one of Michigan’s clearest and most beautiful lakes. Pro tip: Michigan has 11,000+ inland lakes — more than any state except Alaska. Higgins Lake: The lake’s exceptional water clarity comes from its sandy bottom and spring-fed waters — it was once considered the most beautiful lake in America.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Lake programs and swimming. Fall: Northern MI foliage. Spring: Loon nesting. Winter: Ice fishing and cross-country skiing.
