What are the opening hours?

Monday 8am - 9am 4pm - 6:30pm Tuesday 4pm - 7pm Wednesday 8am - 9am 4pm - 6:30pm Thursday 4pm - 7pm Friday 8am - 9am 4pm - 8:30pm Saturday 4pm - 7pm Sunday 4pm - 7pm

The Northern Center

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Houghton Lake, MI
The Northern Center

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We are a 19,200 sq. ft. multi purpose, full service, event center w/ large banquet space & gymnasium.

Our original owner, Mark Edwin Vick, was born November 25, 1951 in West Branch, MI. He was a 1969 Houghton Lake High School graduate, and a lifelong, 71 year resident of Roscommon County. Thru the years he recalled the booming ages of Houghton Lake, when Tip Up Town, The Music Box and The Playhouse attracted national acts and statewide visitors. Over time the area went thru changes, but he envisioned a re-birth of sorts. The idea of an event center for weddings, banquets and other events to draw business to town came to mind. Coupled with a family passion for sports and a noticeable void of community space for use, plans to build a multi-purpose facility began to form in the early to mid-2010’s. Ground was broke in 2017, with the banquet center and gymnasium opened in December 2018. When our food and liquor license was approved, it was determined that The Fox Den Restaurant would become an immediate reality. Beginning in May of 2019 we began serving quality meals in a clean comfortable environment, even if it wasn’t a part of the initial plan. While our dining room may not appear as a traditional dining space, other events also use this space. Sitting on 4.5 acres, our property has foot traffic nearly 365 days a year with various activities utilizing all our spaces, making our business model and mission viable. With Mark’s passing in September 2022, his legacy lives on as his tireless efforts will be forever remembered and embraced with each and every visitor who visits us!

10/31/2026

Our updated Fitness and gym schedule, as well as a few upcoming events. Lots happening, don't miss our get active and join the fun!

*High Praise Cards Returns Sunday November 8.
*Versiti Blood Center of Michigan also returns November 11, with a Veteran's Day blood drive.
*Then on Widows Weekend, November 13, Twilight Tunes visits us with some great tunes with dueling pianos. Tickets on sale now. 2 for 1 if you buy by Nov 9.
Link for tickets in comments.

Weekly we have POUR SHOTS CO****LE every Monday. As well as open gym basketball daily at 4pm, 12pm Sat and Sun. Plus pick up adult Basketball Thursday 6-8pm. Open Gym Volleyball Monday 645-9pm. Of course Cardio Drumming at The Northern Center every Monday Wednesday and Friday at 530pm too.

10/24/2026

Tonight is the night! Free Haunted Trail and Trunk or Treat! Behind the The Northern Center, on the back half of our property. 6-930pm for treats and a scare or two!
Brought to you by the local chapter of Navigator Scouts!
We are located 1/4 mile of M55, 2 miles east of Old 27.

10/22/2026

We've got Open Gym 🏀 tonight from 4-6pm and Adult/Men Open Gym 🏀 from 6-8pm....every Thursday!

We are still looking for 1 or 2 more teams for the men's basketball league on Sundays. We expect to play between 5-8pm thru December. Also looking for free agents who may not have a team!

Anyone interested in playing send us a message or call 989-202-4888. This is a fun recreational league, so come join us!

10/20/2026

No Pilates 😔👎 this week due to low attendance or next due to the instructor being unavailable.

We will revisit our Pilates class heading into November. Please reach out to us or comment on a time or day that works for you to attend. We need solid commitment from you our customers to continue these classes. Jessica with RISE Pilates from those who've attended her classes, we just need to find a time that works! Comment below!

10/19/2026

This week we've got tons of fun happenings at The Northern Center in Houghton Lake:
* Cardio Drumming at The Northern Center Monday Wednesday and Friday 530p
*RISE Pilates Tuesday at 530pm. Must sign up. Call 989-202-4888.
*Pickleball continues Mon Wed Fri (none Sat) from 9a-12p
*Open Volleyball Monday 645pm.
* Rosebud's Quilt Shop LLC. Is bringing their 3rd annual decorative bra auction, with *live male models* 😂🫣. 7-9p
* Navigators Scouts 447 of Houghton Lake will be bringing back their Haunted Trail and Truck or Treat. Saturday from 6-930pm.
*Also Saturday, POUR SHOTS CO****LE tournament begins at 11am.
*There's always open gym 🏀 at weekdays at 4pm and $1 walking 🚶at 8a (Mon Wed Fri) and 4p daily.
*Men's basketball league is hopeful to resume Sunday. We are still looking for more teams and free agents to going us!

Of course The Fox Den Restaurant is available for most if not all events, for folks who gather with us. We are located at 7784 Stone School Road Houghton Lake MI. We do accept SilverSneakers as well as Renew Active/One Pass members, saving $ for those participants.

Give us a call to stay connected and follow our page for more information. 989-202-4888

Address

7784 Stone School Road
Houghton Lake, MI
48629

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 9am
	4pm - 6:30pm
Tuesday	4pm - 7pm
Wednesday	8am - 9am
	4pm - 6:30pm
Thursday	4pm - 7pm
Friday	8am - 9am
	4pm - 8:30pm
Saturday	4pm - 7pm
Sunday	4pm - 7pm

Telephone

+19892024888

Website

http://www.nmbec.net/

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