The Real Purpose of Your HOA
(And a Few Things It Definitely Isn’t)

Living in Lakes of the North is a truly unique experience. We’re not a typical subdivision with a couple sidewalks and a sign out front, we’re a sprawling, amenity-rich community with lakes, trails, campgrounds, parks, seasonal activities, golf, an airport, a restaurant, and year-round recreation that people travel hours just to enjoy.

Because of that, Lakes of the North relies heavily on shared responsibility and structure. With thousands of properties, multiple departments, and amenities spread over miles, the HOA exists to make sure everything continues running safely, smoothly, and fairly.

That’s the purpose of this post: to give members a clear, honest, and even a little humorous look at what an HOA really does for a community like ours, and what it doesn’t do.

What Your HOA Is
Your HOA exists for one reason: to preserve and protect the shared investment and quality of life within the community.

It does this by:
• Maintaining the parks, lakes, trails, and common areas
• Setting community standards so the neighborhood stays clean, safe, and consistent
• Managing long-term planning, reserve funds, and major repairs
• Providing a central office where questions get answered and issues get handled
• Ensuring fairness, everyone follows the same rules, not just the people who feel like it
The goal is simple: to keep this a place you’re proud to live and a place future owners will want to live too.

What Your HOA Is Not
Now for the fun part, because sometimes it’s just as helpful to talk about what an HOA isn’t.

Your HOA is not:
• A personal concierge service
• Emergency transportation
• A mediator for every disagreement between neighbors
• A stand-in for law enforcement
• A custom-project approval service that waves through whatever someone decides to build that day
• A professional newsroom staffed with journalists (we communicate, we update, we share, but we aren’t a media outlet)

And the HOA staff? They’re real people working with budgets, bylaws, and the same Michigan weather and seasonal challenges everyone else deals with.
Ultimately, the HOA’s role is to maintain and protect the community so it remains a place we’re all proud to call home.

Disclaimer: In this blog, the terms HOA and Owners Association/POA are used interchangeably. This content is for general information and communication only and is not a legal document, contract, or policy. The simplified language is intended for clarity and common understanding.

Welcome to Winter: Settings Restaurant Gears Up for Snowmobile Season

Settings Restaurant is gearing up for a busy and exciting snowmobile season here in Lakes of the North. With fresh snow on the horizon and the trails about to come alive, our community’s favorite gathering spot is ready to welcome riders, neighbors, and families looking for great food and a warm place to land.
 
Under the leadership of our new restaurant manager, Ava Wilk, Settings has stepped into a new chapter. Ava and her team have brought fresh energy to the space—friendly service, consistent hours, creative specials, and a focus on community that’s already being felt by members and visitors. Settings is also rolling out a growing lineup of events, including live music nights, Trivia Tuesdays, and the first annual Chili Cook-Off, giving everyone even more reasons to gather, connect, and enjoy everything the restaurant has to offer. Whether you’re meeting friends for dinner, enjoying an evening out, or winding down after a day on the trails, Settings is quickly becoming a year-round destination for Lakes of the North.
 
Snowmobile Season in Northern Michigan
Winter in Northern Michigan isn’t just a season—it’s a whole lifestyle. Mancelona and the Lakes of the North area sit right in the heart of some of the state’s most beautiful and reliable snowbelt regions, making this one of the best places to ride.
 
Here are a few fun facts and tips for the season ahead:
 
• Lakes of the North offers convenient access to the region’s groomed snowmobile network, with nearby routes including Trail 4 in the Mancelona area along with the Blue Bear and Jordan Valley systems. Riders can use these popular regional trails to explore a wide stretch of Northern Michigan’s snowbelt.
• Our elevation and lake-effect snow patterns usually bring some of the earliest and most consistent riding conditions in the Lower Peninsula.
• Weekdays are the hidden gem—lighter traffic on the trails and shorter waits at Settings and fueling stations.
• Temperatures can shift fast in this region. Layering is key, and heated gloves or hand warmers can make a huge difference.
• Always check trail grooming reports and snowfall updates before heading out. A quick look at the Michigan Snowmobile Association or local grooming clubs can help you plan the perfect ride.
• For visitors unfamiliar with the area: cell service can be spotty in the backcountry stretches, so it’s smart to ride with a buddy and keep a paper map handy just in case.
• One of the best ways to enjoy the season is to plan a full day on the trails—ride the loops, explore the connecting routes, and take in the scenery—then wrap up the evening with dinner and drinks at Settings. Many members top off the perfect winter day with a relaxing dip in the Clubhouse hot tub before heading home to unwind.
 
With fresh snow, crisp air, and the smell of comfort food drifting from Settings Restaurant, this part of Northern Michigan turns into a true winter wonderland. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just visiting for a weekend adventure, snowmobile season in Lakes of the North always brings a little magic—and Settings is ready to be part of it!

Welcome to LOTN Living – A Community Update

We’re excited to launch LOTN Living as a simple, positive space where we can share what’s happening around Lakes of the North. No formal sections or long reports — just short updates, good news, staff and volunteer appreciation, and the everyday moments that make life up north special.

Our goal is to highlight the positive side of community life here: neighbors helping neighbors, committee efforts, seasonal reminders, and the small things that make LOTN feel like home. Updates will be added regularly, so be sure to check back for new posts.

If you have a kind story, a volunteer you’d like recognized, or something uplifting happening in the community, feel free to send it in to [email protected].

Share Your Story

Have something positive happening in your corner of Lakes of the North? We’d love to hear it.

Send us:
• Community kindness
• Volunteer shoutouts
• Fun LOTN moments
• Seasonal observations
• Feel-good member stories

Your story might be featured in an upcoming post.