B & B for Nature Lovers, One Mile from Michigan's Largest Inland Lake

Houghton Lake is the largest inland lake in Michigan, which is a bit of a precarious title; it's kind of like being the largest molehill in the Rocky Mountains. The Great Lakes are what people think of first when they think of Michigan, as they engulf the state from all sides. But Houghton Lake is appealing on its own terms because of its tiny size and calm atmosphere. Hop on a canoe and explore spring-fed rivers nearby, or head to the sandy beach area to board a pontoon boat or sit under a picnic shelter. And just a few miles away from Houghton Lake is Higgins Lake, which is nearly as large. Both of these lakes are set in northern Michigan and just 30 minutes from Springbrook Inn, which has five pine-studded acres teeming with deer, porcupines, and foxes.

Innkeepers Matt and Kathy Grover encourage their guests to get out as much as possible to enjoy nature. Just on the property itself, you can stroll past perennial gardens and a Japanese koi fishpond with a waterfall and gazebo. There's also a seasonal outdoor tiki bar, The Frog, which serves Caribbean-style grilled fare such as mahi fingers and chilled jumbo shrimp. Every weekend the Grovers bring in local musicians to play live island music here; they also mix things up by hosting occasional trivia nights and beer and wine tastings.

Springbrook Inn is tailored specifically as a couples' retreat. Each guest room has a hot tub, gas fireplace, and king-size bed. Some of the rooms have subtle decorative themes, too. The AuSable room is fit for a fisherman, with a colorful border with images of fish that runs along the walls and an alarm clock that wakes you up with the soundtrack from Jaws. Meanwhile, a sleigh bed and a set of mounted ski rods make up the décor of the Hartwick Pines room.

Prudenville, Michigan: Lakeside Small Town Surrounded by White and Red Pine Forests

The northern Michigan town of Prudenville edges one side of the 22,000-acre Houghton Lake. During warmer months, groups flock to the water for jet-skiing and kayaking. Between Houghton Lake and nearby Higgins Lake, there are more than a dozen launch sites for boating; local shops rent out boats for all kinds of trips, whether you want to fish for the lake's abundant bass, brown trout, and walleye fish, or just take a relaxing cruise. The two lakes are also lined with sandy beaches, which have picnic pavilions and waters safe for swimming.

About 16 miles north of Springbrook Inn is Marguerite Gahagan Nature Preserve, which is threaded with a network of hiking and biking trails across 60 acres. Signs pop up throughout the trails that tell informative tidbits about the white- and red-pine forest and cedar swamp habitats. A small stream known as Tank Creek also cuts across the preserve, and it's lined with boardwalks and decks that overlook the water. One paved trail is wheelchair accessible.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.