Michigan's largest inland lake deserves a dock built to last — professional installation, repair, and removal on Houghton Lake and surrounding Roscommon County waterways.
Houghton Lake is Michigan's largest inland lake at 20,044 acres — a year-round resort destination in Roscommon County known for summer fishing, boating, and one of the most iconic ice fishing scenes in the Midwest. With miles of shoreline and thousands of waterfront properties, it's one of the most active dock and boat lift markets in the state. Great Lakes Dock Works has been serving Houghton Lake property owners for over two decades.
Despite its size, Houghton Lake averages only about 8 feet in depth with a relatively flat, sandy or soft-muck bottom throughout most of the lake. That makes it excellent for pipe and sectional dock systems that set well and hold up season after season with annual leveling and inspection. The lake's large open expanse does mean significant wave action on windy days, particularly on the north and west shorelines.
The shallow, consistent depth profile at Houghton Lake is actually an advantage for dock and lift selection — there's rarely a need for custom deep-water configurations. That said, the soft muck bottom in some coves can cause pipe docks to settle unevenly over winter. We do a careful leveling and hardware inspection every spring installation to make sure your dock is safe and level before summer begins.
Houghton Lake's large open water area makes it one of the windier inland lake experiences in Michigan. During storms, sustained wind can push 2–3 foot wave action against exposed docks. Boat lifts benefit from good storm straps, properly tensioned cables, and bunk boards in solid condition. If your lift is 5 years old or more without a full cable and hardware inspection, now is a good time.
Michigan's largest lake, local expertise, and honest service — for over 20 years.
We know Houghton Lake's unique characteristics — the shallow depth, sandy and muck bottoms, and open-water wave exposure — and we build docks and lifts that account for all of them.
Whether you're a summer cottage owner or a year-round resident, we offer spring installation, fall removal, and mid-season repairs to keep your dock in shape all year.
Our estimates are thorough and honest. We tell you what needs to be done, why, and what it costs — before we start. No up-sells, no unapproved work, no billing surprises.
We serve Houghton Lake and the surrounding Roscommon County area. If your lake isn't listed, call — we likely cover it.
Houghton Lake • Higgins Lake • Lake St. Helen • Roscommon County • Prudenville • Houghton Lake Heights • West Branch • Gladwin County • Burt Lake • Ogemaw County
Call (231) 227-8885"Our dock was in rough shape after a hard winter — several boards warped, a section had settled about 4 inches low, and two pipe footplates had pulled out of the bottom. Great Lakes Dock Works came out in early May and had everything fixed and level within a day. Solid work."
"Called them about a new boat lift installation and they were the third company I got a quote from. They were the only ones who actually measured the water depth from my dock, checked my boat's weight against the capacity I wanted, and explained why I needed a specific lift model. That kind of thoroughness sold me."
Houghton Lake has a mostly shallow, sandy or soft-muck bottom averaging about 8 feet. Pipe docks and sectional docks are the most common choice — they set well, are easy to level and adjust each spring, and hold up well season after season with regular maintenance.
Most seasonal pipe or sectional docks at Houghton Lake do not require a state permit. Permanent structures may require EGLE review. Any applicable HOA or Roscommon County rules should also be considered. We can advise you based on your specific project and location.
At 20,044 acres, Houghton Lake generates real wave action during windy conditions — especially on exposed north and west shores. Dock hardware needs to be securely fastened and inspected regularly. Boat lifts benefit from properly tensioned cables, storm straps, and good bunk boards to keep boats safely seated through weather events.
Yes. We offer seasonal fall removal and spring installation services at Houghton Lake. Many property owners use our seasonal service every year so they don't have to worry about timing, storage, or inspection. Call early spring to get on the schedule before peak season.
Call now or request an estimate online. We serve Houghton Lake and all of Roscommon County.
Call (231) 227-8885 — Free EstimateTell us about your dock or lift and we'll respond within 1 business day. Or call (231) 227-8885.
