Northern Michigan
Arcadia Bluffs - The Bluffs Course
Lake Michigan bluff-top
The Bluffs is the course that sells the trip before anyone reads the fine print. It is big, theatrical, wind-sensitive, and at times more about the lake than the routing, but that is not a complaint. If you are bringing a group to Northern Michigan and skipping this, you are not planning a golf trip. You are conducting a social experiment.
Course gallery
4 photos
The take
The Bluffs is the course that sells the trip before anyone reads the fine print. It is big, theatrical, wind-sensitive, and at times more about the lake than the routing, but that is not a complaint. If you are bringing a group to Northern Michigan and skipping this, you are not planning a golf trip. You are conducting a social experiment.
Best for
First-timers, views, and groups that want the emotional centerpiece
Watch out
Lake Michigan wind, premium pricing, and scenic hype outrunning the architecture conversation
How to play it
Must play
Course intelligence
What you need to know
Strengths
- Lake Michigan drama
- Destination identity
- Big first-impression value
- Strong conditioning
Watch-outs
- Premium pricing
- Wind exposure
- More scenic than subtle
Signature holes
11, 12, 13, 18
Book it right
Cost, access, and timing
Green fees
Premium seasonal public rate; verify current Arcadia Bluffs pricing before quoting hard numbers.
Best season
June through September is the main window.
Caddies / walking
Walking works best at Arcadia, Forest Dunes, and The Loop.
Replay priority
High
Booking move
Book the anchor tee times first: Arcadia Bluffs, Forest Dunes, both Loop directions, Bay Harbor Links/Quarry, Heather, Donald Ross Memorial, and Treetops Masterpiece. Then
Weather read
Pick the right window.
Jan
28F / 15F
Sun Low; rain Snow
Feb
31F / 16F
Sun Low; rain Snow
Mar
43F / 25F
Sun Mixed; rain Medium
Apr
57F / 36F
Sun Good; rain Medium
May
69F / 47F
Sun Best; rain Medium
Jun
78F / 57F
Sun Best; rain Medium
Google review
5/5 - 3 months ago
Place was as perfect as it looks and for the price might be the best golf resort in the country. Worth the drive up North. We played both courses and South was a great course as well but the Lake Course is just perfect. It has everything. Some fun easy holes, some insanely challe
Place was as perfect as it looks and for the price might be the best golf resort in the country. Worth the drive up North. We played both courses and South was a great course as well but the Lake Course is just perfect. It has everything. Some fun easy holes, some insanely challe
Read full reviewClose review
Google review
5/5 - 4 months ago
We had the Christmas Brunch and as usual you and your staff did not disappoint. Everything was delicious and the Eggs Benedict was cooked perfectly. The Hot Chocolate Bar was something different and the kids Loved it!! Who doesn’t like a cup of good Hot Chocolate. Santa was awes
We had the Christmas Brunch and as usual you and your staff did not disappoint. Everything was delicious and the Eggs Benedict was cooked perfectly. The Hot Chocolate Bar was something different and the kids Loved it!! Who doesn’t like a cup of good Hot Chocolate. Santa was awes
Read full reviewClose review
Google review
5/5 - 4 months ago
This was our second trip to Arcadia and it's one of my favorite golf experiences. Last year I went to Bandon Dunes and played. I would put the Bluffs course up against any of those. Great views and great conditions. I hope they keep adding courses to this property. If anyone c
This was our second trip to Arcadia and it's one of my favorite golf experiences. Last year I went to Bandon Dunes and played. I would put the Bluffs course up against any of those. Great views and great conditions. I hope they keep adding courses to this property. If anyone c
Read full reviewClose review
Keep planning
What should you do next?
Use Arcadia Bluffs - The Bluffs Course as one piece of the Northern Michigan trip. Build the routing, compare the destination, or ask how it fits your group.
Keep exploring Northern Michigan
Other courses in the same trip.
Must play
Forest Dunes Golf Club
Forest Dunes is the inland heavyweight.
Must play
Arcadia Bluffs - South Course
The South Course is why Arcadia is more than a one-course postcard.
Must play
The Loop - Black Course
The Loop Black is half of the reversible argument.
Must play
The Loop - Red Course
The Loop Red completes the trick.
Must play
Bay Harbor - Links/Quarry
Bay Harbor Links/Quarry is the scenic resort flex.
Strong play
The Highlands - The Heather
The Heather is the old-school Boyne round and still useful.
Strong play
The Highlands - Donald Ross Memorial
Donald Ross Memorial is a concept course, not a museum piece.
Strong play
Treetops Resort - Masterpiece
Masterpiece is the Gaylord course that earns a spot in the curated Northern Michigan list.
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