Where to Play, Stay, Eat & Adventure.
Northern Michigan Guide
Looking to take a trip to Northern Michigan this summer? Here's your guide on where to play golf, eat, stay & adventure in Michigan.
A Quick Guide To Northern Michigan
Northern Michigan is full of great golf and endless adventures. While we couldn't name all of NoMi's endless fun, we put togther a short list of our must-visit spots. See below for some of our favorite places to golf, eat and adventure.
Where to Play
Our furthest course South on the list. From the opening tee shot, to the closing putt, this place is special. From the layout to the course conditioning, elevation changes, overall experience and traditions throughout, American Dunes is an experience every golfer needs.
Where to Play
We’ve played courses from Coast to Coast and we still find The Bluffs at the top of the list. Maybe it’s because we’re from Michigan, or maybe it’s because even though it’s ‘ranked’ in the top 100, it’s still way underrated. Don’t believe us? You’ll have to find out for yourself. We’ll say this much: when the sun is setting, the bag pipers are playing and you’re standing on 18 green sinking your last putt, you’ll understand the unexplainable hype of The Bluffs.
Where to Play
Bahle Farms might finally be starting to get the recognition it rightfully deserves. Tucked in the 'pinky' of Northern Michigan, Bahle is everything you're looking for in an 'Up North' course-- secluded and cut through the woods, great elevation changes, a fantastic layout and views of Suttons Bay from the 15th tee box.
Where to Play
Bay Harbor is relatively unknown in the golfing world. With an incredible piece of property perched above Little Traverse Bay (Lake Michigan), and nine holes sweeping through old Quarry mine, this place is beyond unique.
Where to Play
Though almost a century old, Belvedere still packs a hefty punch; enough so that it’s hosting the Michigan Amateur Championship in its centennial year. While Belvedere may lack the distance to intimidate a scratch player, the greens offer no mercy and have some of the most diverse putting surfaces anywhere. (Image & write-up: Noah Jurik)
Where to Play
Located in the middle of nowhere, Northern Michigan, Forest Dunes is a golf oasis and bucket list stop for the ardent golfer. Tucked inside the Huron National Forest, Forest Dunes is filled with nothing but wildlife, serenity, and good golf.
Where to Play
Sitting just a mile apart from each other, the Dream and Nightmare are the perfect sister courses that pack a one-two punch.
Where to Play
Underrated and overlooked. Hidden River is a true gem that cuts through tall pines, the Maple River and unique terrain. Great holes, fun layout and playable for all.
Where to Play
Built on an old Christmas tree farm, Pinecroft is about as low-key and unassuming as it gets. The easy going vibes make Pinecroft a must-play on any Summers day. The clubhouse is nothing to write home about, but that view from the back porch never gets old, especially with the sun-setting over Crystal Lake. Great views, strategic holes and firm fairways. This place is pure hidden gem gold and just keeps getting better with age.
Where to Play
Wolf River is straightforward enough for beginners yet challenging enough for seasoned players. Not many places can say that. The land has incredible natural movement creating opportunities for your ball to ricochet around the fairway. The greens have sneaky good breaks. This is a fun one.
Laidback 9 Holes
Despite only having 9 holes, its variety is boundless, strategy is timeless, and views never become dull. Tucked in between Elk Lake and Grand Traverse Bay in Northern Michigan, Elk Rapids GC, is slowly but surely becoming a nine-hole Mecca of the Midwest.
A Northport 9 loop never gets old. The course naturally flows its way through a very solid layout and offers risk/reward shots throughout. Affordable, friendly staff, fun for the whole family. PS: don't leave it short on #8.
Just off of Lake Charlevoix in Northern Michigan sits Ye Nyne Olde Holles- yes, that's really the name. Tucked away, and vastly overlooked, this nine hole track is the perfect balance between playability, affordability and accessibility. It's the ideal place for newbies to learn the game and experienced players to have a fun and enjoyable nine holes- with a great view.
- Quick Bites & Vibes
- Dine & Unwind
- Adventure
- Stay
Quick Eats
The place to be. Food trucks, good drinks, live music and great vibes.
A must-visit when in Northern Michigan (and apart of Cherry Republic). The best chicken salad you may ever have in your life. Stop in the gift shop after you eat, then grab some ice cream before you head out.
The Little Fleet brings together exceptional food via an array of Food Trucks, hand-crafted drinks, local craft beer, and good vibes. Pet-friendly with plenty of space for the entire family.
2 unreal places located on the Leelanau Peninsula. Both serving up amazing eats and good vibes. Check them both out.
Dine & Unwind
The best tacos in town. Worth the wait.
If we're talking dinner with a view then this is one we can't leave out. We recommend grabbing an afternoon tee time and staying for dinner after. With the sun-setting over Lake Michigan, the bag-pipers playing and fantastic food options, this is an experience hard to beat anywhere in the country.
Located right in the heart of downtown Frankfort. Solid selection of drinks, great food and good vibes. This one is towards the top of our list and rightfully so. Try the Stormsticks, you won't be disappointed.
Dinner on Old Mission Peninsula. One of the best spots to eat in Northern Michigan. Great food (oysters and steak are next level), mixed with awesome views of Grand Traverse Bay. Call ahead to make a reservation, this place gets booked up fast.
A great spot to hang, have a few craft brews, eat some wood-fired pizza and enjoy the day.
The best pizza you’ll ever have. Stop in for a true Northern Michigan bar experience. Get the Mike’s Sicilian Pizza and thank us later.
What Else To Do?
Take a Hike
Specifically, check out Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. One of the most scenic places in the country. With miles and miles of dune-swept lakeside landscapes, adventure can be found everywhere. Our top 4 must-visit places at the Dunes include: Empire Bluffs Trail, Pierce Stocking Drive, Pyramid Point and The Dune Climb (climb at your own risk). If you can catch a sunset at Empire Bluffs Trail, it surely won't be one you'll forget anytime soon-- trust us.
Kayak the Crystal River
Flowing through the heart of Sleeping Bear Dunes, the Crystal River offers exceptional views of the surrounding landscape. Kayaking the Crystal River is both relaxing and a workout all-in-one. The river is shallow, features a sand bottom and is unbelievably crystal clear (hence the name). Expect to see everything from small fish and turtles to bald eagles if you're lucky.
Take a Drive Up M-22
M-22 is filled with cool places to stop: for a drink, for a hike, for a dip in the lake. We recommend stopping at Frankfort, Glen Arbor, Fishtown, Northport and Suttons Bay.
Jump in a Lake
We like to say when you're in Northern Michigan you're never more than a 4-iron distance of a lake. If you get a chance, you NEED to take a dip in Lake Michigan, Glen Lake, Crystal Lake, or Torch Lake. These are some of the clearest waters in the world.
Visit an Island
Mackinac Island, Beaver Island, Drummond Island, Manitou Islands, the list goes on. Take a ferry for the day and enjoy your time hiking, biking or bellying up at a hole-in-the-wall bar (our favorite is the Pink Pony of Mac Island).
Wine Tour on Old Mission OR Leelenau Peninsula
Both peninsulas are located near Traverse City, and are absolutely covered with wineries throughout... Almost all offer an awesome view of the surrounding bays (East and West Grand Traverse Bay as well as Lake Michigan). Call up the Shuttle (shoutout Shoreline Shuttles) and spend the day exploring wine country at its finest.
Go to Cherry Fest
Northern Michigan is known for growing sweet cherries. There’s nothing like a few fresh cherries picked straight from the tree in July. This might be our favorite Northern Michigan tradition of all. Cherry Fest is a week-long, must-visit celebration in early July in Traverse City.
Sail the Great Lakes
Most people are shocked the first time they visit Michigan and
realize the Great Lakes are a little bit different than your standard inland lake. What better way to enjoy the water than sailing around the beautiful deep blue waters for a few hours. If you've never been sailing, this is the perfect place to start. Schedule a Sunset cruise and watch the sun drop over Lake Michigan.
Lodging
Located on Walloon Lake 20 minutes from Petoskey.
This modern boutique-style hotel with vintage ambience is the go-to place to enjoy a long weekend getaway. Slow living, good times, and fun for the whole family. Also, a perfect getaway with your significant other or during a golf trip.
Tell them North Coast sent you!
A truly one-of-a kind property sure to be one of the most spectacular views in northern Michigan. Located in Leelanau County, within miles of wineries, hiking, and coastal activities.
An idyllic Northern Michigan getaway nestled near Frankfort, Michigan. Enjoy slow living, porch hangs, great golf and tons of great spots to eat just a few minutes away.
If you’re looking for a true cabin experience, look no further. We try to get to Moonlight Bay every year. The nostalgia of the cabins, along with the many amenities on-site (kayaks, boat rentals, fire pits, grills, outdoor games, tiki bar and much more).
Located about 20 minutes Northeast of Petoskey. Bear Cabin is the perfect place for a larger trip: golf trip, family trip or anything in-between. Sleeps 16.
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