Michigan

Arcadia Bluffs

Courses: 3
Best for: Buddies
Airport: TVC
Courses: 3
Best for: Buddies trips
Airport: Cherry Capital Airport (TVC)

Arcadia Bluffs is one of the Midwest’s premier public golf destinations, set high above Lake Michigan in Northern Michigan. The resort now offers three distinct golf experiences: The Bluffs Course, The South Course, and The Dozen, a 12-hole layout with six par 3s and six par 4s. With on-site lodging, dramatic sunsets, and a true destination-golf feel, it is built for serious golf groups.

Courses: 3 courses
Best months: May – October
Ideal length: 2–4 nights
From airport: 1h 15m

Golf Courses at Arcadia Bluffs

Michigan · Course 1

The Bluffs Course

Holes: 18
Par: 72
Yards: 7,210
Est.: 1999

The Bluffs Course at Arcadia Bluffs delivers one of the most dramatic links-style golf experiences in the Midwest, routing along towering cliffs high above Lake Michigan. Inspired by the great seaside courses of Ireland and Scotland, the course features massive elevation changes, firm fairways, deep bunkering, and panoramic lake views on nearly every hole. Since opening in 1999, Arcadia Bluffs has become one of America’s premier public golf destinations, known for its unforgettable scenery and bold shot-making demands.

Michigan · Course 2

The South Course

Holes: 18
Par: 72
Yards: 7,302
Est.: 2018

The South Course at Arcadia Bluffs offers a completely different experience from the resort’s original bluffside layout, embracing the architectural style of classic Golden Age American golf. Designed by Dana Fry and Jason Straka, the course features wide fairways, strategic angles, rugged bunkering, and fast greens routed through rolling farmland and natural fescue. Inspired by the timeless designs of C.B. Macdonald and Seth Raynor, the South Course emphasizes ground-game strategy and thoughtful shot placement over forced carries and dramatic elevation.

Michigan · Course 3

The Dozen

Holes: 12
Par: 36
Yards: 1,902
Est.: 2024

The Dozen at Arcadia Bluffs is a unique 12-hole short course designed to complement the resort’s championship golf experience with a relaxed, walking-focused layout overlooking Lake Michigan. Featuring a mix of creative par-3 and short par-4 holes, the course blends dramatic elevation changes, rugged fescue, and strategic green complexes into a fast-paced round built around fun and shot-making variety. Inspired by classic links concepts and the growing popularity of short-form golf, The Dozen delivers a casual yet architecturally engaging experience at one of the Midwest’s premier golf destinations.

Trip Packages at Arcadia Bluffs

Starting points. Everything is built around your dates, group size, and the courses you want to play.

Arcadia Bluffs Stay & Play

A custom Arcadia Bluffs golf trip built around on-property lodging and rounds on The Bluffs Course, The South Course, and The Dozen. Ideal for groups that want a compact Northern Michigan itinerary with premium public golf, easy replays, and clubhouse dining on site.

What to Expect at Arcadia Bluffs

Why visit

Arcadia Bluffs gives golfers a rare combination of scenery, architecture, and destination atmosphere. The Bluffs Course delivers the famous Lake Michigan views, wind, fescue, and dramatic elevation that made the property a bucket-list Midwest stop. The South Course offers a completely different experience, with wide corridors, bold greens, and Golden Age-inspired strategy. The Dozen adds a more flexible 12-hole round that works perfectly as an arrival-day, replay, or group-match option. Add in on-site lodging, cottages, clubhouse dining, and a secluded Northern Michigan setting, and Arcadia Bluffs is one of the easiest Midwest golf trips to build around.

Accommodations

Arcadia Bluffs offers on-property lodging at The Lodge, The Bluffs Lodge, The Cottages at The Bluffs, and The Cottages at The Dozen. Groups can stay steps from golf and dining, with cottages especially well-suited for buddies trips and larger golf groups.

Resort amenities

Arcadia Bluffs is built as a full destination-golf property, with 48 holes of golf, on-site lodging, clubhouse dining, cottages, practice facilities, golf shop service, and a caddie program. The resort’s setup makes it easy for groups to stay on property, play multiple rounds, and build a compact Northern Michigan itinerary without daily transfers.

48 holes of golf
On-property lodging and cottages
Practice range and short-game area
Clubhouse dining and sunset views
Caddie program

Where to stay

4 hand-picked stays.

Each property is selected for proximity to the next round, the kind of evening that fits a long golf trip, and the feel we want for the group.

4 properties

Resort01 / 04

The Lodge at Arcadia Bluffs

Standard View Room, Lake View Room, or Lake View Suite

The original on-property lodge experience at Arcadia Bluffs, located near The Bluffs Course and clubhouse with convenient access to golf, dining, and Lake Michigan views.

Best fit for couples, smaller groups, and golfers who want the classic Bluffs Course lodging experience.

From

$245

Resort02 / 04

The Bluffs Lodge

Lodge rooms

Additional on-property lodging at Arcadia Bluffs with comfortable guest rooms and easy access to the resort’s golf and dining amenities.

A strong option for golf groups that want to stay on property without moving between hotels and courses.

From

$245

Stay03 / 04

The Cottages at The Bluffs

Four-bedroom cottage

Four-bedroom, four-bath cottages designed for golf groups, with shared living space, private bedrooms, and a more social stay-and-play setup.

One of the best options for buddies trips and larger groups.

From

$1,300

Stay04 / 04

The Cottages at The Dozen

Four-bedroom cottage

Group-friendly cottages positioned around The Dozen, giving golfers easy access to Arcadia Bluffs’ newest 12-hole course and a relaxed after-golf setting.

Great for groups that want The Dozen built into the trip as an arrival-day or replay round.

From

$1,300

Plan Your Trip to Arcadia Bluffs

Getting there

Arcadia Bluffs is located on the Lake Michigan shoreline in Arcadia, Michigan. Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City is the most practical major airport, about 1 hour 15 minutes by car, while Manistee County Blacker Airport (MBL) is closer but has more limited service. Most golf groups rent a car or arrange private ground transportation because the resort is remote and spread across multiple golf/lodging areas.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Arcadia Bluffs is late May through early October, when Northern Michigan weather is best for golf and Lake Michigan sunsets. June through September is peak season, while May and October can offer better value with cooler conditions.
Who it's best for: Best for buddies trips, architecture-focused golf groups, Top 100 public course chasers, and golfers who want a premium Midwest destination trip with on-property lodging.
Address: 14710 Northwood Hwy, Arcadia, MI 49613
Season: Seasonal; 2026 golf operations listed April 1 through November 30
Course details: Arcadia Bluffs features The Bluffs Course, The South Course, and The Dozen. The Bluffs Course is the original 18-hole Lake Michigan layout; The South Course is a Golden Age-inspired 18-hole design; The Dozen is a 12-hole course with two 6-hole loops.
Location: Arcadia, Michigan
Nearest airport: Cherry Capital Airport (TVC)
Trip style: Resort
Best for: Buddies trips, Top 100 public course chasers, Architecture-focused golf groups, Scenic golf trips

Frequently Asked Questions about Arcadia Bluffs

How many golf courses are at Arcadia Bluffs?

Arcadia Bluffs now offers three golf experiences totaling 48 holes: The Bluffs Course, The South Course, and The Dozen, a 12-hole course with six par 3s and six par 4s.

What is The Dozen at Arcadia Bluffs?

The Dozen is Arcadia Bluffs’ newer 12-hole course. It is made up of two 6-hole loops, with each loop featuring three par 3s and three par 4s, making it a great arrival-day, replay, or match-play option.

What is the difference between The Bluffs Course and The South Course?

The Bluffs Course is the dramatic Lake Michigan course with links-style visuals, elevation, wind, and bluffside views. The South Course is an inland design inspired by classic Golden Age architecture, with wider playing corridors and strategic green complexes.

Does Arcadia Bluffs offer on-site lodging?

Yes. Arcadia Bluffs offers The Lodge, The Bluffs Lodge, The Cottages at The Bluffs, and The Cottages at The Dozen. The cottages are especially strong for buddies trips and larger golf groups.

What airport is closest to Arcadia Bluffs?

Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City is the most practical major airport for most groups, roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes from the resort. Manistee County Blacker Airport (MBL) is closer but has more limited service.

What is the best time to visit Arcadia Bluffs?

Late May through early October is the best window for an Arcadia Bluffs golf trip. June through September is peak season, while May and October can be cooler but may offer better value and availability.

Is Arcadia Bluffs good for buddies trips?

Yes. Arcadia Bluffs is one of the best buddies-trip destinations in the Midwest because of its on-property lodging, multiple courses, cottages, caddie program, and easy golf-focused setup.

Can you use golf carts at Arcadia Bluffs?

Yes. Arcadia Bluffs includes golf carts with standard rates, and caddies are available upon request during the season. The property also works well for golfers who prefer to walk.

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