Trip to Tee

Up North Links: A Northern Michigan Golf Trail

Five northern Michigan courses from Arcadia Bluffs to Bay Harbor.

Northern Michigan has some of the best summer golf in the Midwest, with Lake Michigan bluffs, northwoods fairways, and cool summer temperatures. Arcadia Bluffs, Belvedere, Bay Harbor, Treetops and Forest Dunes make a classic route.

Northern Michigan's golf season is short but spectacular. Arcadia Bluffs sits on a bluff above Lake Michigan, Bay Harbor plays along the shoreline, and Treetops and Forest Dunes offer resort-style stays.

Plan five days to enjoy it. The first leg from Arcadia to Charlevoix is the longest.

Region
Midwest
Courses
5
Total driving
188 miles
Duration
5 days
Estimated green fees
~$585
Difficulty
Championship

Courses in this guide

  1. Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club — Arcadia, Michigan
  2. Belvedere Golf Club — Charlevoix, Michigan
  3. Bay Harbor Golf Club (Links/Quarry) — Bay Harbor, Michigan
  4. Treetops Resort (Signature Course) — Gaylord, Michigan
  5. Forest Dunes Golf Club — Roscommon, Michigan

Suggested itineraries

  1. Day 1: Arcadia Bluffs

    Play the course, then dinner in Manistee.

  2. Day 2: Belvedere and Bay Harbor

    Drive about 94 miles to Charlevoix for Belvedere in the morning and Bay Harbor in the afternoon.

  3. Day 3: Treetops

    Drive to Gaylord and play Treetops; stay at the resort.

  4. Day 4: Forest Dunes

    Play Forest Dunes in Roscommon, about 45 miles south.

  5. Day 5: Travel day

    Head home through Grand Rapids or Detroit.

Where to stay

  • Arcadia Bluffs Cottages: On-site cottages.
  • Charlevoix Inn: Walkable downtown.
  • Inn at Bay Harbor: Resort near Bay Harbor.
  • Treetops Resort Lodge: Resort and golf packages.
  • Forest Dunes Lodge: Lodge at the course.

Where to eat

  • The Grill at Arcadia Bluffs: Views of Lake Michigan.
  • Grey Gables Inn: Charlevoix.
  • Stafford's Pier Restaurant: Harbor Springs area.
  • Big Buck Brewery: Gaylord.
  • Forest Dunes Clubhouse Grill: On-site lunch.

Getting around

A car is essential; the trip covers about 188 miles. Roads are scenic but slower than interstates, and summer tourist traffic around Traverse City and Charlevoix is heavy.

Best time to visit

June through September. July and August are warmest with the longest days. Early September is quieter and cheaper.

Budget tips

  • Treetops and Belvedere offer the lowest rates on the list.
  • Stay-and-play packages at Treetops and Forest Dunes are good value.
  • Late-season rates (September) drop sharply.
  • Twilight rounds are often half-price.

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