Northern Michigan · MI
Lake Michigan bluffs and links
Best season
Jun – Sep
Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep
Trip cost · per golfer
$1,470–$4,400
3-night trip
Nearest airport
TVC
45 mi · Traverse City
Difficulty
Medium
Handicap 8–28
Overview
Arcadia Bluffs has earned its reputation the hard way — through sheer, undeniable drama. Perched on bluffs above Lake Michigan, this northwestern Michigan destination delivers one of the most visually arresting golf experiences in the entire country, and serious golfers have taken notice.
Top courses
Editor-picked layouts ranked by prestige, conditioning and player experience.
Design by Warren Henderson & Rick Smith · Par 72 · 7,300 yds
An iconic links-style course carved into Lake Michigan bluffs offering dramatic elevation changes and relentless wind challenges. Book the earliest tee time possible to avoid afternoon winds that can add 4-5 strokes to your round.
Design by Dana Fry & Jason Straka · Par 72 · 6,900 yds
A more forested and intimate companion course to the Bluffs that rewards strategic shot-making over power. Play the South Course first to warm up your game before tackling the more exposed original layout.
Design by Alister MacKenzie & Perry Maxwell · Par 70 · 6,508 yds
A legendary private-feeling gem ranked consistently in America's top 100 with masterful contoured greens and natural flow. Secure a reciprocal member invitation well in advance as this club rarely accepts outside play.
Design by Unknown · Par 36 · 3,100 yds
A charming and affordable nine-hole public course with beautiful views of Betsie Bay that locals adore. Play nine holes here on your rest day for a relaxed and inexpensive round without pressure.
Stay & play
Resort packages bundle lodging, rounds, range access, and on-site dining. Hotel-only options give you flexibility to course-hop.
Resort Cottage
On-site lakeside cottages offering unmatched convenience and sweeping Lake Michigan sunset views steps from the first tee.
Boutique Hotel
A charming boutique hotel in downtown Frankfort with stylish rooms and walkable access to dining and the beach.
Resort
A beloved Northern Michigan resort in Glen Arbor offering condos, homes, and a full suite of amenities near Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Hotel
A comfortable and affordable Traverse City hotel with clean rooms, a pool, and easy highway access to all courses.
Off the course
Non-golf experiences worth building into your trip — from local landmarks to nature, food, and culture.
Hike or climb the iconic sand dunes for breathtaking Lake Michigan panoramas and a memorable natural experience.
Paddle along the crystal-clear turquoise shoreline of Lake Michigan and explore hidden sea caves and beaches.
Tour boutique Northern Michigan wineries producing award-winning Rieslings and Pinot Gris amid scenic rolling hills.
Stroll the wide sandy beach at sunset for spectacular golden-hour views over the lake that define Northern Michigan.
Book a charter boat for salmon and trout fishing with experienced local guides on one of the Great Lakes.
Itineraries
Choose your trip length. Each plan is built around the marquee courses, with rest, dining, and travel days dialed in.
Day 1
Land at TVC, transfer to your hotel, hit the range, and grab a casual dinner at Stormcloud Brewing Company.
Day 2
Morning tee time at Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club - The Bluffs. Lunch at the clubhouse, afternoon recovery, dinner at Journeyman Distillery.
Day 3
Early tee time at Frankfort Golf Club, light lunch, then transfer back to TVC.
Budget
Realistic ranges sourced from current resort rates, public green fees, and group dining averages.
Lodging 3 nights · $210/nt | $630 |
Golf 2 rounds · $123 avg | $246 |
Food & drink ~$110/day | $330 |
Ground transport Rideshare + cart fees | $180 |
Flights Search Skyscanner for live fares | Variable |
| Estimated total · per golfer | $1,386 |
Season
Great Lakes
When to book: 2-4 months out
Dining
From clubhouse classics to chef-driven dinners worth a reservation.
American Gastropub
A beloved Frankfort brewery and gastropub serving craft ales alongside hearty sandwiches and wood-fired pizzas.
American Casual
A cozy Benzie County staple known for fresh whitefish tacos, local produce, and a warm neighborhood atmosphere.
Farm-to-Table American
An upscale farm-to-table restaurant inside a stunning distillery offering craft cocktails and refined American fare.
American
The on-site clubhouse restaurant at Arcadia Bluffs serving elevated comfort food with panoramic lake views at every table.
Contemporary American
A Frankfort favorite with creative seasonal menus, fresh Great Lakes fish, and an inviting candlelit dining room.
Mexican Fusion
A laid-back local taco stand with inventive fillings, cold beer, and a perfect post-round casual vibe.
After dark
Where the buddy trips end up after the 19th hole.
Brewery Bar
The go-to after-round gathering spot in Frankfort with rotating craft taps, a friendly crowd, and occasional live music.
Dive Bar
A casual waterfront dive bar on Betsie Lake beloved by locals and visitors for cheap drinks and lakeside views.
Hotel Bar
A sophisticated yet relaxed hotel bar serving craft cocktails and local wines in a warm boutique setting.
Tee times
Live inventory from GolfNow plus flight comparison from Skyscanner. Prices update in real time.
FAQ
Jun – Sep (Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep). Great Lakes
Plan on $1,470–$4,400 per golfer for a 3-night trip including lodging, rounds, food and ground transport. Flights are extra.
TVC, about 45 miles from the resort area. Most national hubs offer non-stop service via Traverse City.
3 nights is the sweet spot — enough for 2 full rounds plus a rest or sightseeing day.
Yes — popular with Buddies, Couples. Quieter evenings, ideal for golf-focused groups.
Ready to book
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Trip snapshot
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Public access guide
You don't need a member's invitation to play the best courses in America. These resorts are open to anyone willing to book the trip.
