Northern Michigan: From Dunes to Fairways.

From the windswept dunes of Arcadia Bluffs to the pine-lined fairways of Forest Dunes and the rugged challenge of The Bear at Grand Traverse Resort, Northern Michigan defines destination golf. Long summer days, clear lakes, and courses carved from dramatic natural terrain create a region that feels built for the game.

You’ll drive between stops, it’s Michigan, after all. But every mile delivers something different: Arcadia brings pure drama, The Loop showcases Tom Doak’s brilliance, and The Bear tests players with bold Nicklaus strategy. Between rounds, Traverse City, Charlevoix, and Walloon Lake offer easygoing, quintessential Michigan charm.

Featured Golf Courses

Scenic view of a golf course near the ocean with rolling hills, green fairways, and a ship sailing in the blue sea under a clear sky.

Arcadia Bluffs - Arcadia, MI

Architects: Warren Henderson & Rick Smith (Bluffs, 1999); Dana Fry & Jason Straka (South, 2018)

Sweeping Lake Michigan views and dramatic coastal dunes make Arcadia Bluffs one of America’s great golf experiences. The Bluffs Course rides elevated terrain with rolling fairways, bold bunkering, and nonstop lake vistas. The South Course offers a minimalist counterbalance inspired by Golden Age design. The par-3 11th on the Bluffs, perched high over the shoreline, is one of the Midwest’s most iconic holes.

Course Details

Forest Dunes - Roscommon, MI

Architects: Tom Weiskopf (Forest Dunes, 2002); Tom Doak (The Loop, 2016)

A true dual-identity destination. The Weiskopf course blends pines, sand, and strategic risk-reward play, while Tom Doak’s reversible Loop is a modern design statement, played clockwise one day, counterclockwise the next. Few golf properties in the country offer such contrasting styles with such harmony.

Course Details
Scenic view of a golf course with green fairways, a water hazard, surrounded by trees, and a clear blue sky.

The Bear at Grand Traverse Resort - Acme, MI

Architect: Jack Nicklaus (1985)

Nicklaus architecture at its boldest. The Bear features deep bunkers, forced carries, sharp doglegs, and water on nearly every hole. Despite its reputation for difficulty, its variety, conditioning, and shot-making demands make it a rewarding test with a strong sense of place. The resort’s additional layouts, The Wolverine and Spruce Run, round out a deep three-course offering.

Course Details

Hotel Recommendations

A night view of a building with lit windows, a fountain in a water body in the foreground, and a full moon in the sky.

Grand Traverse Resort & Spa

Full-Service golf resort, ideal for groups or couples who want convenience, spa amenities, and nightlife.

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Aerial view of a modern hotel named 'Hotel Earl' with a rooftop terrace filled with people, umbrellas, and outdoor seating, surrounded by lush green trees and a clear blue sky.

The Earl, Charlevoix

Stylish, walkable harbor-town setting (~60 miles north of Arcadia).

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An outdoor swimming pool area at night with string lights overhead and a fire feature in the foreground

Delamar Traverse City

Contemporary waterfront base near The Bear and local dining.

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Aerial view of a lakeside resort with multiple modern white apartment buildings, small houses, a sandy beach with red amenities, and a lush green forest in the background.

Cherry Tree Inn & Suites

Casual and comfortable stay. Just right on the bay.

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A large, white, multi-story hotel with a green roof and windows glowing with warm yellow light. The hotel has a porch with a green awning reading 'Hotel Walloon,' a bench, and landscaped flower beds in the front yard. The sky is dusky blue, indicating evening.

The Hotel Walloon, Walloon Lake

Intimate luxury, ideal midpoint between Arcadia and Traverse City.

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Dining Recommendations

Assorted dishes on a wooden table, including a large salad with grilled chicken, a plate of tortilla chips with dip, fried chicken wings with sauce, a burger with lettuce and tomato, a plate of mixed greens, and various beverages like cans, bottles, and glasses of drinks.

  • A classic French bistro with a warm, inviting feel. Ideal for a satisfying sit-down dinner after a full day of golf.

  • An intimate, reservation-driven experience focused on seasonal ingredients. Best saved for a quieter evening when golf takes a back seat.

  • Casual, local, and consistently enjoyable. A favorite for golfers looking for good food without formality.

  • Comfortable and creative, with a menu that works well for groups. A relaxed option after a long day on the road or course.

  • A laid-back pub setting with hearty fare and local flavor. Perfect for an easy, no-plans-needed night out.

Plate with cheeseburger topped with bacon, french fries, and a sandwich bun on top. In the background, there is a dish of fried chicken with gravy and berries, and a small bowl of green salad.

Plan Your Next Trip the Right Way

Insider Notes:

What to Expect: Expect three distinct landscapes: coastal dunes at Arcadia, deep forest at Forest Dunes, and rugged Nicklaus shaping at The Bear.

Best Season to Play: Summer brings the longest playing days in the Midwest, ideal for 36 holes or a late-afternoon replay.

Explore Local: The region is highly scenic; build in time for lake overlooks, small-town stops, and photo moments.

Best Sunsets: Arcadia Bluffs sunsets are spectacular; many golfers plan their trip around a late-afternoon tee time on the Bluffs.

More Notes: Forest Dunes’ Loop alternates directions daily, check the clockwise/counterclockwise schedule when planning your round.

Airport Access:

Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), Traverse City

  • Closest major airport for the region

  • ~15–20 minutes to Grand Traverse Resort

  • ~1 hour 30 minutes to Arcadia Bluffs

  • ~1 hour 45 minutes to Forest Dunes

Driving Times:

  • Grand Rapids, MI: ~2 hours

  • Lansing, MI: ~2 hours 15 minutes

  • Flint, MI: ~3 hours

  • Ann Arbor, MI: ~3 hours 45 minutes

  • Detroit Metro Area: ~4 hours

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