Northern Michigan Gems: Manitou Passage
Cedar, Michigan. Sitting in the shadows of Sleeping Bear Dunes, Manitou Passage is a must-visit.
By Matt Fernandez
Nestled near Sleeping Bear Dunes, Manitou Passage is an absolute must-play when in the area. Cut through the dense forests of Northern Michigan and set upon ridges formed by glaciers millennia ago, this place has everything you want; a fun layout, great elevation changes, strategy, and pure course conditions.
The Loop
A secluded and scenic layout sitting in the shadows of Sleeping Bear Dunes. Designed by Arnold Palmer Designs, Manitou takes you on 4+ hours of pure golfing adventure as you weave your way up the ridges and ‘mountainside’ (Sugarloaf Mountain) before getting spit back into the valley. Enjoy the awesome views along the way. The loop is filled with strategy, risk-reward holes, great elevation changes and stunning beauty from the opening tee shot until the closing putt.
Serenity & Seclusion
There are no houses on the course that are visible. No views of man-made buildings or suburbia parking lots. There’s no lack of land, either. Manitou feels vast, and is covered in old pines & hardwoods, golden-fescue, and every bit as Pure Michigan as it gets. Views of the Manitou Passage (hence the name) in the distance are visible from the 8th tee box.
If you don’t know what the Manitou Passage is, it’s a navigable Lake Michigan waterway separating North and South Manitou Island from Coast of mainland Michigan. The passage is used by freighters and other large vessels. It’s also home to an eerie number of shipwrecks.
Final Thoughts
Manitou Passage is one of our favorite spots in Northern Michigan. The layout itself is great, but the hospitality, course conditioning and views take this place to the next level. I always walk off the course wanting to loop again. If you’re in the area, give Manitou a look.
An Idyllic Day
8AM Tee off in the morning at Manitou Passage. Enjoy the rising sun and long shadows cast across the ridge-lined landscape.
1PM Grab lunch in Glen Arbor after (15-20 minutes) at Cherry Public House, Good Harbor Grill or Art’s Tavern. Three iconic spots and some of our favorites in Northern Michi.
2PM Hit the Dunes: No day is complete without a trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes. You can venture the Dune Climb, drive through Pierce Stocking Drive, or enjoy unbelievable views hiking at Empire Bluff, Sleeping Bear Point and Pyramid Point, to name a few. This is a must-visit.
7PM Dinner & Drinks @ Blu (upscale spot with epic views of Lake Michigan), Le Becasse (delicious French spot) or River Club (Putt Putt meets Top Golf).
8PM Watch the sun drop over Lake Michigan. Maybe grab ice cream after. Enjoy.
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