Forest Dunes golf scenery

Northern Michigan · MI

Forest Dunes

The reversible Loop in the Michigan pines

ArchitectureHidden gemWalking

Best season

May – Oct

Sep · Oct

Trip cost · per golfer

$2,300–$4,100

3-night trip

Nearest airport

TVC

60 mi · Traverse City

Difficulty

Medium

Handicap 5–25

Overview

Why play Forest Dunes

Immerse yourself in Northern Michigan's golf paradise, featuring two top 100 public courses and the revolutionary Loop course, offering an unforgettable and unique golfing adventure.

Top courses

Best golf courses in Forest Dunes

Editor-picked layouts ranked by prestige, conditioning and player experience.

#1

Forest Dunes (Tom Weiskopf)

Design by Tom Weiskopf · Par 72 · 7,116 yds

A classic heathland-style course showcasing natural elevation changes and strategic bunkering through sandy waste areas and pine forests. Play from the appropriate tees to fully enjoy the strategic nuances of this demanding course.

ChallengingHeathland/Parkland$225–275
#2

The Loop ( रिवर्स Red)

Design by Tom Doak · Par 70 · 6,770 yds

An innovative reversible 18-hole course designed for walking, offering a unique and ever-changing golfing experience depending on the day. Plan to walk the course; caddies are available and highly recommended to navigate its subtle intricacies.

Moderate-ChallengingMinimalist/Strategic$225–275
#3

The Loop ( Black)

Design by Tom Doak · Par 70 · 6,808 yds

The reverse routing of The Loop, offering a completely different set of challenges and perspectives on the same dramatic land. Playing both routings in a single trip truly highlights Tom Doak's genius in golf course design.

Moderate-ChallengingMinimalist/Strategic$225–275
#4

Bootlegger

Design by Keith Rhebb & Riley Johns · Par 31 · 1,475 yds

A fun and fast 10-hole short course, perfect for an extra round, a warm-up, or a casual game with friends. Don't underestimate this course; it's a great place to hone your short game and have a blast.

Easy-ModerateFun/Short Course Design$50–75

Stay & play

Where to stay in Forest Dunes

Resort packages bundle lodging, rounds, range access, and on-site dining. Hotel-only options give you flexibility to course-hop.

Forest Dunes Lodge

Hotel

Conveniently located within the resort, offering comfortable rooms and direct access to all amenities and courses.

Golf Villas

Villa

Spacious multi-bedroom villas ideal for groups, featuring full kitchens and living areas, perfect for extended stays.

Lake AuSable Lodge

Hotel

Upscale accommodations with stunning views of the lake and practice facilities, providing a luxurious retreat.

Cabins at Forest Dunes

Cabin

Secluded cabins offering a rustic yet comfortable experience, nestled among the pine trees for privacy.

Off the course

Things to do in Forest Dunes

Non-golf experiences worth building into your trip — from local landmarks to nature, food, and culture.

Hiking Trails

Outdoor

Explore miles of scenic hiking and nature trails surrounding the resort, offering beautiful views and wildlife spotting.

Fishing on Lake AuSable

Outdoor

Enjoy fishing for various species in the tranquil waters of Lake AuSable, either from shore or a rented boat.

Kayaking/Canoeing

Outdoor

Paddle along the serene AuSable River, offering a peaceful way to experience Northern Michigan's natural beauty.

Stargazing

Relaxation

With minimal light pollution, the resort is an excellent spot for observing the stars and constellations.

Campfire & S'mores

Social

Enjoy evening campfires, often with s'mores provided, a perfect way to relax after a day on the course.

Itineraries

Sample itineraries

Choose your trip length. Each plan is built around the marquee courses, with rest, dining, and travel days dialed in.

  1. 1

    Day 1

    Arrive & warm up

    Land at TVC, transfer to your hotel, hit the range, and grab a casual dinner at The Loop Restaurant.

  2. 2

    Day 2

    Round 1 — Forest Dunes (Tom Weiskopf)

    Morning tee time at Forest Dunes (Tom Weiskopf). Lunch at the clubhouse, afternoon recovery, dinner at AuSable Bar & Grill.

  3. 3

    Day 3

    Final round & departure

    Early tee time at Bootlegger, light lunch, then transfer back to TVC.

Budget

Budget breakdown · per golfer

Realistic ranges sourced from current resort rates, public green fees, and group dining averages.

Lodging
3 nights · $329/nt
$987
Golf
2 rounds · $192 avg
$384
Food & drink
~$110/day
$330
Ground transport
Rideshare + cart fees
$180
Flights
Search Skyscanner for live fares
Variable
Estimated total · per golfer$1,881

Season

Best time of year to visit Forest Dunes

Continental

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Ideal Good Off-season

When to book: 2-4 months out

Dining

Where to eat in Forest Dunes

From clubhouse classics to chef-driven dinners worth a reservation.

The Loop Restaurant

$$

American

Casual dining with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Sangomore's

$$$

Steakhouse

An upscale dining experience offering prime steaks, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list.

AuSable Bar & Grill

$$

Pub Fare

Relaxed atmosphere with classic pub food, burgers, and a selection of craft beers, perfect for after a round.

Roscommon Cafe

$

American

A charming local spot in nearby Roscommon for breakfast and lunch, known for its hearty portions and friendly service.

Big Bear Restaurant & Bar

$$

American

Casual restaurant in Grayling offering a diverse menu from sandwiches to entrees in a family-friendly setting.

Spikes

$

Casual American

A quick and convenient option at the clubhouse for grab-and-go items, sandwiches, and snacks.

After dark

Nightlife in Forest Dunes

Where the buddy trips end up after the 19th hole.

AuSable Bar & Grill

Bar

The resort's main bar, offering a relaxed environment to enjoy drinks and socialize with fellow golfers into the evening.

Spikes

Sports Bar

A casual spot to grab a drink and catch a game on TV, often lively with post-round banter.

Shakers Night Club (Grayling)

Nightclub

A local nightclub in nearby Grayling offering music and dancing for those looking for a more energetic evening.

Tee times

Book tee times in Forest Dunes

Live inventory from GolfNow plus flight comparison from Skyscanner. Prices update in real time.

FAQ

Forest Dunes golf trip FAQs

What is the best time of year to golf in Forest Dunes?

+

May – Oct (Sep, Oct). Continental

How much does a golf trip to Forest Dunes cost?

+

Plan on $2,300–$4,100 per golfer for a 3-night trip including lodging, rounds, food and ground transport. Flights are extra.

What airport should I fly into for Forest Dunes?

+

TVC, about 60 miles from the resort area. Most national hubs offer non-stop service via Traverse City.

How many days should I plan for a Forest Dunes golf trip?

+

3 nights is the sweet spot — enough for 2 full rounds plus a rest or sightseeing day.

Is Forest Dunes good for buddy trips?

+

Yes — popular with Architecture nerds, Buddies. Quieter evenings, ideal for golf-focused groups.

Ready to book

Book your Forest Dunes golf trip

Lock in tee times on GolfNow, secure your stay on Booking.com, or let our AI planner build the entire itinerary for your group in under a minute.

MyTeeTrip earns a commission from partner bookings at no extra cost to you.

Trip snapshot

Destination
Forest Dunes, MI
Best months
Sep, Oct
Length
3 nights
Per golfer
$2,300–$4,100
Fly into
TVC

Related guides

More reading for your Forest Dunes trip