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
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.
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.
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.
Hotel Recommendations
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa
Full-Service golf resort, ideal for groups or couples who want convenience, spa amenities, and nightlife.
The Earl, Charlevoix
Stylish, walkable harbor-town setting (~60 miles north of Arcadia).
Delamar Traverse City
Contemporary waterfront base near The Bear and local dining.
Cherry Tree Inn & Suites
Casual and comfortable stay. Just right on the bay.
The Hotel Walloon, Walloon Lake
Intimate luxury, ideal midpoint between Arcadia and Traverse City.
Dining Recommendations
-
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.
Plan Your Next Trip the Right Way
See how the courses, hotels, and areas sit relative to each other in Northern Michigan.
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
Arcadia Bluffs - Arcadia, MI Reviews
-
“Everything about Arcadia Bluffs is first rate- especially the golf and the staff. I’m an annual visitor living in the area, and Brett in particular has always been incredibly welcoming and great to interact with."
-Eddie
-
"Hard to find words to describe this incredible place. Have been fortunate to travel to some high end resorts and Arcadia Bluffs is every bit as good as any of them."
-Michael
-
"We stayed right at the property at the Lodge overlooking the Bluffs course and Lake Michigan. The atmosphere is surreal and you easily get caught up in the beauty of these courses right from the second you drive in."
-Mark
Forest Dunes - Roscommon, MI Reviews
-
"Located in Philly but travel to Ann Arbor for work often so my 2A buddies told me we had to check this place out. Wow ! This is now going to be a yearly trip.”
-Hoopie
-
"Even before we've teed it up, Forest Dunes has already made a lasting impression."
-Graf
-
"You simply can’t beat the combination of Loop and Forest Dunes on one property. There’s a reason the parking lot is called the Atlantic Ocean of golf."
-Brennan
The Bear at Grand Traverse Resort - Acme, MI Reviews
-
"We had a great time! It is a beautiful course! All employees were super helpful. The drink/snack lady was super friendly and came around often. There are a lot more port-a-potty than a lot of courses we have been to. (Thankfully!)"
-Jada
-
"One of the best course I’ve ever played. Challenging as can be, and used to be on the list for America’s hardest courses! There is no flat spot on the fairway, making every shot a fun one/miserable in a good way.”
-David
-
"Great place to play. Shots you would only have a few times in your life. Very difficult but extremely fair. Don’t expect to take the claws out of the Bear."
-Bill
