Northern Lower Peninsula
Golf Courses

Consistently ranked among the top 10 public golf courses in the United States. Arcadia Bluffs sits on dramatic bluffs 250 feet above Lake Michigan — the views alone are worth the trip. The course plays as big as it looks, with winds off the lake adding to the challenge. A bucket-list round for any serious golfer.

Routinely ranked among the top 10 golf courses in the world — private or public. Designed by Alister MacKenzie and Perry Maxwell in 1929, Crystal Downs is a masterpiece of natural golf architecture set among sand dunes and rolling terrain. Access is by member invitation only, but its reputation is unmatched.

Four championship courses on one property — The Moor, The Heather, The Donald Ross Memorial, and The Arthur Hills. Boyne Highlands is one of the most complete golf resorts in the Midwest, offering multiple rounds on one trip without ever feeling repetitive. The Heather is the flagship and a legitimate challenge.

27 holes of stunning golf on the shores of Little Traverse Bay, just minutes from Petoskey. Designed by Arthur Hills, Bay Harbor's three nines — Links, Quarry, and Preserve — each have a distinct character. The Links nine with its Lake Michigan views is arguably the most scenic stretch of golf in Michigan.

Two courses — The Alpine and The Monument — set in the rolling hills of Boyne Falls. A great complement to a Boyne Highlands trip, and the resort setting makes it easy to make a full golf weekend out of the area. The Monument course is the stronger of the two layouts.

One of the best-kept secrets in Northern Michigan. Dunmaglas is a rugged, naturally routed layout through the hills above Charlevoix with dramatic elevation changes and long views. It plays harder than it looks and consistently punches above its price point. A must-play for golfers who like a course that challenges your shot-making.

Five championship courses designed by legends — Robert Trent Jones Sr., Tom Fazio, and Rick Smith. Treetops is the anchor of Gaylord golf, offering one of the most complete resort golf experiences in the Midwest. The Signature course by Jones is the flagship, but the Fazio Masterpiece is equally worth your time.

A Tom Doak design routed through dense Michigan forest with tight, tree-lined fairways that demand accuracy off the tee. Black Forest is a thoughtful course that rewards course management and punishes wild drives. A solid mid-range option in a market full of choices — and one of Doak's earlier works.

Often overlooked because it sits a bit east of the main Gaylord corridor, but Elk Ridge is a genuinely excellent golf course that has been ranked among the top public courses in Michigan. Wide fairways, generous greens, and a peaceful, remote setting make it a great value play on a Northern Michigan golf trip.

Four courses spread across a massive resort property — Cedar River, Summit, Schuss, and Legend. The Legend course, designed by Arnold Palmer, is the crown jewel and a legitimate challenge. Shanty Creek's variety and stay-and-play packages make it one of the most popular golf destinations in Northern Michigan for group trips.

Jack Nicklaus designed The Bear in 1985 and reportedly called it the most difficult course he ever designed. That reputation has held up. The Bear is a serious challenge even for low-handicap players — long, demanding, and unforgiving. The resort also has the Wolverine course for a slightly more manageable round.

An absolute hidden gem tucked away in Ellsworth. Antrim Dells is a scenic, affordable course that rarely gets mentioned in Northern Michigan golf conversations — and that's exactly what makes it worth seeking out. Great conditions, honest pricing, and a relaxed atmosphere. A perfect round for golfers who want to escape the resort crowd.