How This Trip Works
Northern Michigan's three great golf hubs — the Petoskey/Boyne/Arcadia corridor, the Gaylord resort strip, and the Traverse City/Bellaire area — form a loose triangle about 90 minutes across. This itinerary routes you through all three over three days, building from the iconic to the unexpected. You'll leave having played the course everyone talks about and discovered a few they don't.
Day 1 — Arcadia Bluffs & the Drive North
Arrive via US-131 North · Base: Petoskey or Traverse City
Start your trip with the biggest name in Michigan golf — Arcadia Bluffs. If you're driving from Southeast Michigan, plan your departure so you arrive in the Arcadia area for a midday or afternoon tee time. The drive up US-131 through the rolling hills of Newaygo and Mecosta counties is a pleasant warm-up to what's ahead.
Arcadia Bluffs sits 250 feet above Lake Michigan on dramatic glacial bluffs — and the course lives up to every bit of its reputation. Wind is a constant factor here, and the views on nearly every hole are genuinely distracting. Play your round, walk the blufftop walkway after your round, and take in what makes this course special.
Consistently ranked top 10 public courses in the US. Book well in advance — summer tee times fill weeks ahead. Budget $200–$275 per round depending on season and day of week.
After your round, make the 45-minute drive north to Petoskey or Traverse City for the evening. Both towns have excellent restaurants and a great small-town northern Michigan atmosphere. Petoskey's Gaslight District is worth a dinner stroll — or head to Traverse City's Front Street for more options. Get off your feet early. You have two more days of golf ahead.
Day 2 — Petoskey, Bay Harbor & Boyne Country
Morning tee time · Base: Petoskey or Harbor Springs
Day two puts you in the heart of the Petoskey-Harbor Springs-Boyne corridor — one of the most concentrated collections of quality golf in the Midwest. You have options here depending on your budget and appetite.
For the premium experience, Bay Harbor Golf Club along Little Traverse Bay is the pick — the Links nine with its Lake Michigan water views is as scenic as golf gets in Michigan. For groups who want more variety, Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs gives you four courses on one property with solid conditions across all of them.
27 holes designed by Arthur Hills along the shore of Little Traverse Bay. Play the Links nine and Quarry nine combination for the full experience. Budget $150–$220 per round.
Four courses on one property. The Heather is the flagship. Great for groups with mixed skill levels. Stay-and-play packages available. Budget $100–$160 per round.
If your legs have more in them, Dunmaglas in Charlevoix makes a great late-afternoon second round — it's a dramatic, affordable layout that feels like a hidden gem compared to the resort options nearby. Round out the evening in Charlevoix or back in Petoskey.
Day 3 — Gaylord & The Drive Home
Morning tee time · Drive south via I-75 · Home by evening
Your final morning takes you to Gaylord — the self-proclaimed Golf Mecca of the Midwest. Head east from Petoskey on M-32 to US-131 south, then east to Gaylord. The drive takes about an hour and routes you through classic Northern Michigan countryside.
Treetops Resort is the anchor here — five courses designed by legends including Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Tom Fazio. The Signature by Jones is the classic choice and a genuine challenge. For something different, the Fazio Masterpiece offers a more adventurous routing through the property's wooded terrain.
Five championship courses on one property. The Signature by Robert Trent Jones Sr. is the flagship. Arrive early and enjoy the resort amenities before your tee time. Budget $90–$150 per round.
If you have extra time before the drive south, Elk Ridge in Atlanta is one of Michigan's most underrated public courses — top-rated, affordable, and almost always easy to get on. About 30 minutes east of Gaylord on M-32.
After your Gaylord round, grab lunch in town and head south on I-75. The drive back to the Detroit area takes about 3.5–4 hours — you'll be home by early evening with three rounds of world-class golf under your belt and a list of courses you're already planning to come back for.
Estimated Trip Budget
Prices vary significantly by season, day of week, and tee time. These estimates reflect typical summer weekend rates. Weekday rounds and shoulder season dates can cut green fees 20–40%.
| Item | Budget Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Arcadia Bluffs (Day 1) | $200–$275 | Book early — fills up fast |
| Bay Harbor or Boyne (Day 2) | $100–$220 | Bay Harbor premium; Boyne more flexible |
| Dunmaglas optional round | $60–$85 | Great value — highly recommended add-on |
| Treetops or Gaylord course (Day 3) | $90–$150 | Multiple courses to fit any budget |
| Lodging (2 nights) | $120–$300/night | Wide range — motels to resort rooms |
| Food & Drinks (3 days) | $150–$250 | Northern MI has great restaurants |
| Total Estimate (per person) | $720–$1,500 | Varies widely by choices made |
📍 Where to Stay
- Petoskey — central to Arcadia Bluffs and Bay Harbor
- Traverse City — most amenities, great food scene
- Gaylord — budget-friendly, central to resort golf
- Boyne City — charming small town, midway between everything
📅 Best Time to Go
- Peak: July–mid August (best weather, busiest)
- Sweet spot: Late August–September (cooler, less crowded)
- Value: May–June (lower rates, softer conditions)
- Fall color: Late September–early October (stunning)
💡 Pro Tips
- Book Arcadia Bluffs 4–6 weeks out in peak summer
- Twilight rates save 30–40% at most resort courses
- Bring extra layers — mornings can be cool even in July
- Build in one non-golf afternoon — you'll be glad you did
Northern Michigan Golf Trip FAQ
How many days do you need for a Northern Michigan golf trip?
Three days is the sweet spot — enough time to play Arcadia Bluffs, a Gaylord course, and a Petoskey or Traverse City round without feeling rushed. Four or five days lets you add Bay Harbor, Shanty Creek, and more.
Where should I stay on a Northern Michigan golf trip?
Petoskey puts you close to Arcadia Bluffs and Bay Harbor. Gaylord is central for resort courses. Traverse City has the most amenities and is a great choice if non-golfers are joining the trip.
What is the best time of year for a Northern Michigan golf trip?
Late July through early September is peak season. Late August and September offer a slight edge — less crowded, comfortable temperatures, and early fall color. May and June have lower rates but sometimes softer conditions.
How far is Arcadia Bluffs from Gaylord?
About 90 minutes west of Gaylord via M-32 and US-131. Most golfers base out of Petoskey or Traverse City when playing Arcadia Bluffs, then make the drive to Gaylord on a separate day.