Big Lake and Houston Alaska are adjacent to one another, and lie just north-east of the city of Wasilla. The area holds literally hundreds, possibly thousands of lakes both small and large, shallow and deep, as does a large percentage of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, and much of South Central Alaska. Largely populated with Black Spruce, especially in low lying marshy areas, there are also expanses of forest which consist of mostly birch, usually indicating higher and drier land areas. Aspen can also be found in dry, sandy soil, and thirsty Cottonwood often mingles with the Spruce.

In June of 1996, the area was ravaged by one of the most devastating wildfires in Alaska's history. Called the Miller's Reach Fire after it's point of origin, the fire wiped out over 400 structures in Big Lake and Houston, and destroyed around 37,000 acres of forest.

Common sightings of wildlife in Houston and Big Lake include moose, black bear, red fox, porcupine, beaver, squirrels, and arctic hare. There are also wolves, wolverine, mink, marmots, muskrats, grizzly bear and lynx. Birds include bald eagle, owls, hawks, loons, cranes, swans, geese, and a wide variety of other waterfowl, ptarmigan, spruce-hens, magpies, ravens, gray-jays, and numerous songbirds.

Big Lake, Alaska is situated on the shore of Big Lake, which actually forms a much loved network of interconnected lakes including Flat Lake and Mirror Lake. During the coldest months of winter, ice roads are maintained that add many more of the lakes in the area to the network. Big Lake itself actually has two State Parks on it's shores - North Big Lake park is located at Mi. 5 North Big Lake Road, and South Big lake Park can be found at Mi. 5.2 South Big Lake Road. Each park offers camp sites, picnic areas, fresh water, handicap accessible toilets, and a boat launch. Also located in Big lake is Rocky Lake State Recreational Site on Rocky Lake Road, just off of Beaver lake road at approximately 3.5 mile Big Lake Road. this park has RV camping as well.

Nearby Houston sits on the bank of the Little Susitna River, a meandering tributary of the Big Susitna River, that flows out of the mountainous valley of Hatcher's Pass, joining the Big-Su near it's mouth. Little Susitna River Campground is located just down the hill from the Houston City Hall. Among the amenities offered are a covered pavilion, and playground.

Every year on the third Saturday in August, Houston celebrates "Founder's Day" Hosting a long day filled with fun activities for the whole family. Once evening comes though the event is climaxed by the incredible fireworks display traditionally funded by two local fireworks stands who alternated sponsorship responsibilities over the years. Because of the nature of competition, each year the rival stands gave Lead Pyrotechnician Jackie Whedbee the creative license to choreograph a more spectacular display with every show.

Most Big Lake and Houston residents work in Wasilla or Palmer though there are many local businesses that also support the community. There are also many residents of Anchorage and other places both in Alaska, and out of state, who maintain summer homes and vacation cabins. Big Lake and Houston are popular for recreational boating, fishing, snowmobiling and other outdoor activities. Tourism activities support several locally owned lodges. Residents pay property taxes. There are two public schools in the area, Houston High School, and Big Lake Elementary. Some local students attend Mid-Valley Alternative High School which is located in nearby Meadow Lakes.

Fish abound in the lakes, streams and rivers of Alaska, with Houston and Big Lake being no exception. During the peak of salmon runs, the lower banks of the Little Susitna, near it's confluence with the Big-Su, becomes a "combat fishing" zone. Frequent cries of "Fish-On!" are a warning to nearby anglers to make way for the lucky fisherman to land his catch. Be alert for flying hooks during this time of year, as it's a chore finding space to do your own casting safely. Black bears and Grizzly also know when the getting is good, and find themselves competing with humans for their yearly catch. If you venture there be well aware of your surroundings, and remember if you happen to cross paths with one that it's always wisest to surrender your catch to a bear than risk incurring his wrath.