Hotels in St. Helen

St. Helen: Where Nature's Majesty Meets Cultural Wonders

Discover the hidden gem of St. Helen, Michigan, where nature reigns supreme! Nestled amidst lush forests and serene lakes, this charming destination is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the stunning trails of the nearby Houghton Lake and the expansive Au Sable State Forest, ideal for hiking, fishing, and wildlife spotting. The tranquil St. Helen Lakes provide a picturesque setting for kayaking and picnicking. With cozy cabins and welcoming hotels, it’s an inviting retreat for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike. Experience the beauty of Michigan's natural parks in this off-the-beaten-path paradise! For the best hotel rates in St. Helen and to enhance your stay, be sure to check out Hotels.com's Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window on travel.

Top locations to stay in St. Helen

Some of the best places to stay in St. Helen are Houghton Lake, Grayling and Higgins Lake. Houghton Lake, Grayling, and Higgins Lake offer beautiful natural scenery and a variety of outdoor activities, making them ideal for travelers seeking relaxation or adventure. Houghton Lake is perfect for first-time visitors, with numerous family-friendly accommodations and lake access. Grayling features charming lodges and cozy inns, while Higgins Lake boasts serene beachfront hotels. Expect a range of rates, from budget-friendly options to mid-range suites, ensuring a comfortable stay in any of these lovely destinations. Here are some of the most popular hotels with our guests in St. Helen:

1. Houghton LakeOpens in a new window: Houghton Lake is a picturesque destination perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families, offering stunning scenery, beach activities, and golf courses like Pineview Highlands and Quest Golf Club. The area is known for its romantic vibes and outdoor adventures. For accommodation, consider Lakeside Resort and Conference CenterOpens in a new window, a 3.0-star hotel ideal for families, featuring direct beach access, a children's water park, and business amenities. Another option is Beachfront HotelOpens in a new window, a 2.5-star hotel that welcomes pets and offers business facilities, also with beach access. If you're traveling with pets, Hidden Haven CottagesOpens in a new window is a pet-friendly 3.0-star hotel approximately 22 miles away, ensuring a comfortable stay for you and your furry friends.
2. GraylingOpens in a new window: Grayling is an outdoor paradise with attractions like the Au Sable River and Hartwick Pines State Park, making it a great spot for adventure seekers. The town also boasts a cultural touch with the AuSable Artisan Village. For lodging, Au Sable Riverview ResortOpens in a new window is a 3.0-star lodge that caters to adventurers, offering activities like hiking and skiing nearby. For a more cozy experience, North Branch Outing ClubOpens in a new window is a 3.0-star bed and breakfast that allows pets and focuses on natural wellness, featuring outdoor amenities like fire pits and picnic areas. For business travelers, The Lodge at Cedar River, Shanty Creek ResortOpens in a new window is a 3.5-star hotel with extensive business facilities and access to ski activities.
3. Higgins LakeOpens in a new window: Higgins Lake is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor recreational activities, including North Higgins Lake State Park and South Higgins Lake State Park, perfect for relaxation. The area is ideal for those seeking adventure and wellness. Consider staying at All Seasons ResortOpens in a new window, a 2.5-star hotel that caters to adventure seekers with business amenities and nearby sports like skiing and rafting. Alternatively, North Country American InnOpens in a new window is another 2.5-star motel that focuses on adventure, providing access to outdoor activities such as horseback riding and snowboarding, ensuring a thrilling stay.

Things to do in St. Helen for first time

A three-day retreat to St. Helen offers a perfect escape into nature, featuring stunning beaches, majestic mountains, and serene forests. Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, boating, and golf, all while soaking in the breathtaking landscapes and the tranquility of the great outdoors. Here's a quick itinerary to make the most of your trip to St. Helen:

• Day 1: Begin your adventure at Cutting and Damon Lakes, where you can enjoy a morning of fishing, kayaking, or simply soaking in the serene beauty of the water. Afterward, take a short drive to the Alley Memorial Snowmobile Park, perfect for some exhilarating snowmobiling if you visit in winter or a leisurely walk to appreciate the snowy landscapes. Conclude your day with a visit to the Ogemaw District Library, a great spot to unwind, browse local literature, and perhaps discover more about the area’s history and attractions.
• Day 2: Start your exploration at Grass Lake, where you can take a refreshing hike around the scenic trails and enjoy the tranquility of nature. Next, head to Lapham's Marina, ideal for some boating or fishing, and relish the views of the water. Wrap up the day at Clear Lake, a perfect place for a picnic as the sun sets, providing a picturesque backdrop for a relaxing evening.
• Day 3: Kick off with a visit to T.J. Crowley Memorial Park, where you can stroll through the lush greenery and enjoy recreational activities. Then, make your way to Gerrish Township Community Park Marina for some water activities or just to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Finally, finish your trip at Elni Lake, where you can reflect on your adventures with a peaceful moment by the water, cherishing the memories made during your visit to St. Helen.

5 tips to find a great St. Helen hotel deal

1. Book for the cheapest times: The most affordable time to visit St. Helen is during April, November, and December, when hotel prices drop significantly. To truly experience the area’s main attractions, it's recommended to stay for at least 2-3 days. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful natural parks, which offer a great value for money and are perfect for those traveling on a budget.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: If you're looking for last-minute deals to St. Helen, check out the DealsOpens in a new window or Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window section on Hotels.com. You could find great discounts on hotels as your travel date approaches. To keep up with flash sales and exclusive last-minute offers, consider enabling email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com, helping you maximize your chances of saving on your stay.
3. Be flexible with dates: Hotel prices can fluctuate due to factors like the location, star rating, and the season. As a result, if you're flexible with your travel dates, you may save on hotel expenses in St. Helen.
4. Consider your location: When booking your stay on Hotels.com for your holiday, think about your location. Staying closer to major attractions or city centers can offer convenience, but it often tends to be more expensive. If you're looking for more affordable options, consider hotels in less central areas or neighborhoods. This way, you can find a balance between cost and easy access to the places you want to visit.
5. Upgrade with One Key: Make your next reservation in St. Helen and be a part of Hotels.com's free One Key program, which enables members to take advantage of reward points for hotel bookings. Progress through the tiers of Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum to unlock advantages like room upgrades when available, discounted rates, and exclusive offers for members. Start earning reward points now.

Best time to go to St. Helen

St. Helen experiences its lowest average temperature in January, at 20.7°F (-6.3°C), while July is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 69.3°F (20.7°C). April is typically the wettest month. If you’re looking to soak up the lively atmosphere in St. Helen, June to August are the peak months to visit, bustling with fellow travelers. During this peak period, the weather is mostly sunny, accompanied by light rainfall. However, if you prefer a more relaxed experience, February, November, and December are perfect for a quieter getaway, marked by dry to light rainfall and mostly cloudy conditions.

St. Helen Travel Information