Nestled between the Great Lakes and characterized by rugged beauty, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (UP) offers an outdoor enthusiast's dream—and golfers are no exception. Known for its pristine landscapes, tranquil wilderness, and a handful of spectacular golf courses, the UP is a hidden gem for golf lovers seeking both relaxation and challenge. If you’re planning a golf trip to the UP, here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of this northern escape.
Why Michigan’s Upper Peninsula?
When most people think of golf getaways, destinations like Florida, Arizona, or California might come to mind. However, the UP offers a unique experience for those who crave natural beauty and uncrowded courses. From panoramic views of Lake Superior to courses tucked into dense forests, the region provides a golf adventure unlike any other.
You’ll find championship courses, resorts with full amenities, and small-town gems, all offering a slower pace and intimate connection to nature. Additionally, the UP’s summer and fall months provide the perfect climate for golf: warm, sunny days with cool breezes and breathtaking fall foliage later in the season.
Start with the Perfect Location: The Kingfisher Lodge
When planning your golf trip, selecting the ideal location to stay is key. The Upper Peninsula covers a vast area, so finding a central home base will make it easier to access top golf courses while enjoying other nearby activities. One such perfect location is Kingfisher Lodge, a luxurious rental property located in Cornell, just 20 minutes from Escanaba.
The Kingfisher Lodge is ideally situated as a base camp for golfers looking to explore the best courses across the southern UP. With its proximity to Escanaba, you’ll have easy access to restaurants, groceries, and shopping, yet still enjoy the seclusion and tranquility of a property on the river. Kingfisher Lodge offers plenty of parking for your golf gear, and after a long day on the course, you can relax in the hot tub and soak in the surrounding natural beauty.
Staying at The Kingfisher Lodge also puts you within a short drive of popular attractions and outdoor activities beyond golf, such as hiking, kayaking, and exploring the Hiawatha National Forest. It’s a perfect spot to unwind with friends or family while being close to everything the Upper Peninsula has to offer.
Top Golf Courses in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
To plan your perfect golf trip, it’s essential to choose the right courses. Fortunately, the Upper Peninsula has several top-rated golf courses to explore, each offering a unique challenge and stunning scenery. Here are some must-visit spots:
1.
Situated at the Island Resort & Casino, Sweetgrass Golf Club is often considered one of the best courses in Michigan, and for a good reason. This championship course, designed by Paul Albanese, weaves through open prairies, hardwoods, and wetlands. The course is known for its impeccable conditioning, strategic water hazards, and large, undulating greens. Hole 15 features an island green that is both visually striking and a test of accuracy for any golfer.
For more information about Sweetgrass Golf Club, visit: https://www.islandresortgolf.com.
Aside from golf, you can enjoy the Island Resort’s numerous amenities. The on-site casino offers entertainment, while the resort’s luxurious spa is a perfect way to unwind. Dining options include 5 Bridges Steak and Seafood House for a fine-dining experience, or you can grab something more casual at Firekeeper’s Restaurant.
Nearby, you can visit the Hannahville Indian Community Cultural Center to learn more about Native American history, or explore outdoor trails at Fayette Historic State Park.
2. Greywalls Golf Course (Marquette, MI)
For golfers looking for a truly rugged experience, Greywalls Golf Course should be on your itinerary. Located on the shores of Lake Superior in Marquette, this course offers some of the most stunning views of any golf course in the Midwest. Designed by Mike DeVries, Greywalls seamlessly blends into the natural landscape, with granite outcroppings, dramatic elevation changes, and forested surroundings that create an unforgettable experience.
For more information about Greywalls Golf Course, visit: https://www.marquettegolfclub.com.
In Marquette, there’s no shortage of things to do. After your round, head to Blackrocks Brewery for a locally crafted beer or grab a bite at The Vierling Restaurant overlooking the lake. Don’t miss a visit to Presque Isle Park for breathtaking sunset views or take a short hike up Sugarloaf Mountain for a panoramic look at the region.
3.
Another must-play course in the UP is TimberStone Golf Course, located at Pine Mountain Resort in Iron Mountain. This award-winning course combines the natural beauty of the UP with a challenging layout. The course is known for its dramatic elevation changes, and its signature hole, the par-3 17th, is especially breathtaking with a 100-foot drop from tee to green.
TimberStone is a championship-level course and part of the "Perfect 4-Some" package. The wide fairways and pristine greens are framed by dense forests, adding to the beauty and serenity of the course. The resort itself offers stay-and-play packages, and its amenities include a comfortable lodge, restaurant, and nearby outdoor activities like zip-lining and hiking.
For more information about TimberStone Golf Course, visit: https://www.pinemountainresort.com/golf.
For a meal after your round, try Spiro’s Downtown Restaurant, a local favorite for steaks and seafood. If you’re looking for something to do off the course, Iron Mountain offers the Cornish Pump Museum and the Millie Hill Bat Cave for unique local experiences.
4. Escanaba Country Club (Escanaba, MI)
For a more relaxed round, the Escanaba Country Club offers a classic golf experience in the heart of Escanaba. This 18-hole course, established in 1915, has a traditional layout with tree-lined fairways, small greens, and a friendly atmosphere. It’s perfect for those looking for a more leisurely day of golf without the difficulty of some of the more challenging courses in the region.
For more information about Escanaba Country Club, visit: https://escanabacountryclub.com.
The Escanaba Country Club also features a practice range and a full-service pro shop. It’s located just minutes from downtown Escanaba, making it easy to grab a post-round meal. Try The Stonehouse & Carport Lounge, known for its steaks and seafood, or check out Hereford & Hops Steakhouse and Brewpub for local craft beer.
In Escanaba, you can also explore Ludington Park, one of the largest parks in the UP, or head to the Sand Point Lighthouse for a bit of local history.
Plan for Adventure
While golf is the main attraction, the Upper Peninsula offers plenty of other activities to enhance your trip. The region is known for its outdoor adventures, so be sure to take some time to explore. If you’re staying near Marquette, a visit to Presque Isle Park for a sunset view over Lake Superior is a must. For a bit of history, Fayette Historic State Park near Garden Peninsula offers insight into Michigan’s industrial past, with preserved buildings from an old iron smelting town.
Fishing, hiking, and kayaking are also popular activities in the area, allowing you to round out your golf trip with some of the best outdoor experiences the UP has to offer.
Book Now and Save 15%
Plan your ultimate golf retreat at The Kingfisher Lodge and experience the beauty and challenge of Michigan's Upper Peninsula’s finest courses. Whether you’re aiming for a championship round at Sweetgrass or a relaxing day at Escanaba Country Club, our lodge offers the perfect home base for your golf adventure. Gather your friends or family for an unforgettable stay, complete with luxurious accommodations and stunning natural surroundings.
Give us a call if you need help planning your golf getaway or book online and save 15% over AirBNB and VRBO.