Michigan

Treetops Resort

Courses: 5
Best for: Buddies
Airport: TVC
Courses: 5
Best for: Buddies trips
Airport: Cherry Capital Airport (TVC)

Treetops Resort is a classic northern Michigan golf destination in Gaylord, known for dramatic elevation changes, five distinct course experiences, and one of the country’s most famous par-3 courses. The resort pairs 81 holes of golf with on-property lodging, dining, spa services, and year-round outdoor recreation.

Courses: 5 courses
Best months: May – October
Ideal length: 3–5 days
From airport: 1h 20m

Golf Courses at Treetops Resort

Michigan · Course 1

Treetops Resort - Masterpiece Course

Holes: 18
Par: 71
Yards: 7007
Est.: 1987

A stunning course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., known for its dramatic elevation changes and breathtaking views of the Pigeon River Valley.

Michigan · Course 2

Treetops Resort - Premier Course

Holes: 18
Par: 72
Yards: 6800
Est.: 1992

Designed by Tom Fazio, this course offers a challenging layout with beautiful scenery, featuring rolling hills and strategic bunkering.

Michigan · Course 3

Treetops Resort - Signature Course

Holes: 18
Par: 70
Yards: 6533
Est.: 1993

Rick Smith's first 18-hole design, the Signature Course is known for its creative layout and picturesque setting, offering a unique golfing experience.

Michigan · Course 4

Treetops Resort - Tradition Course

Holes: 18
Par: 70
Yards: 6300
Est.: 1997

A walking-friendly course designed by Rick Smith, emphasizing classic golf architecture with wide fairways and traditional greens.

Michigan · Course 5

Treetops Resort - Threetops Course

Holes: 9
Par: 27
Yards: 1400
Est.: 1992

A par-3 course designed by Rick Smith, renowned for its challenging holes and stunning views, often considered one of the best par-3 courses in America.

Trip Packages at Treetops Resort

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

Treetops Multi-Course Golf Trip

A flexible northern Michigan golf itinerary built around Treetops Resort’s five course experiences: Masterpiece, Premier, Signature, Tradition, and Threetops. Ideal for groups that want multiple rounds, on-property lodging, and a classic Gaylord-area buddies trip.

Treetops Unlimited-Style Buddies Trip

A longer golf-focused stay designed for groups that want to play all four 18-hole courses and add Threetops, with replay options and lodging arranged around the group’s preferred budget and room setup.

What to Expect at Treetops Resort

Why visit

Treetops is built for groups that want a lot of golf without leaving the resort. The lineup includes Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s Masterpiece, Tom Fazio’s Premier, Rick Smith’s Signature and Tradition, and the famous Threetops par-3 course. The setting feels different from typical Midwest golf, with big elevation drops, forested corridors, resort-style amenities, and a true northern Michigan golf-trip atmosphere. It works especially well for buddies trips because groups can play several different course styles, stay on property, and add dining, spa, skiing, or Gaylord-area activities around the golf.

Accommodations

Treetops offers on-property resort lodging ranging from standard rooms and family suites to condos, chalets, cottages, and private homes. The setup works well for both traditional hotel stays and larger golf groups that want shared accommodations.

Resort amenities

Treetops offers a full resort setup built around golf, lodging, dining, spa services, practice facilities, group golf, meeting space, and year-round outdoor recreation. The golf operation is anchored by five distinct course experiences and supported by on-property accommodations that work well for both smaller groups and large golf outings.

Five distinct golf course experiences
Famous Threetops par-3 course
On-property lodging for groups
Practice facilities and golf instruction
Dining, spa, skiing, and outdoor activities

Where to stay

2 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.

2 properties

Resort01 / 02

Treetops Resort Lodging

Resort rooms, suites, condos, chalets, cottages, and private homes

On-property lodging with options ranging from comfortable resort rooms to larger suites, condos, cottages, chalets, and private homes for golf groups.

Best fit for groups that want to stay close to golf, dining, spa services, and resort amenities.

Included in package

Villa02 / 02

Treetops Private Homes, Chalets & Cottages

Private home, chalet, or cottage

Larger group accommodations for golfers who want shared living space, more privacy, and a house-style setup during a multi-night trip.

Good option for buddies trips and groups wanting more room than a standard hotel setup.

Included in package

Plan Your Trip to Treetops Resort

Getting there

Treetops Resort is located in Gaylord, Michigan. Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City is the best commercial-airport option for many travelers; Treetops lists the drive from TVC at about 63.5 miles and roughly 1 hour 20 minutes. Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) is a longer drive but can work for groups that want more flight options.

Best time to visit: May through October is the main golf season, with June through September offering the warmest weather and best long-daylight windows. Late September and early October can be especially scenic with cooler temperatures and fall color across northern Michigan.
Who it's best for: Buddies trips, value-conscious golf groups, par-3 course fans, and golfers who want a multi-course northern Michigan resort with dramatic elevation changes.
Address: 3962 Wilkinson Rd, Gaylord, MI 49735
Season: Seasonal golf operations; resort amenities vary by season
Course details: Five course experiences: Jones Masterpiece, Fazio Premier, Smith Signature, Smith Tradition, and Smith Threetops. The four full-length courses plus the 9-hole Threetops par-3 course total 81 holes of golf.
Location: Gaylord, Michigan
Nearest airport: Cherry Capital Airport (TVC)
Trip style: Resort
Best for: Buddies trips, Multi-round golf vacations, Northern Michigan golf trips, Par-3 course fans

Frequently Asked Questions about Treetops Resort

How many golf courses are at Treetops Resort?

Treetops Resort has five distinct course experiences: Jones Masterpiece, Fazio Premier, Smith Signature, Smith Tradition, and Smith Threetops. The four 18-hole courses plus the 9-hole Threetops par-3 course total 81 holes.

What is Threetops?

Threetops is Treetops Resort’s famous 9-hole par-3 course designed by Rick Smith. It is known for extreme elevation changes, dramatic tee shots, and its reputation as one of America’s best par-3 courses.

Which Treetops courses should first-time visitors play?

Most first-time groups should prioritize Jones Masterpiece, Fazio Premier, Smith Signature, and Threetops. Longer trips can add Smith Tradition and replays depending on pace, budget, and group preferences.

Who designed the courses at Treetops Resort?

Jones Masterpiece was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., Fazio Premier by Tom Fazio, and Signature, Tradition, and Threetops by Rick Smith.

Is Treetops good for buddies trips?

Yes. Treetops is one of northern Michigan’s strongest buddies trip resorts because it offers multiple courses, group lodging options, resort dining, and a compact stay-and-play setup.

What is the best time to visit Treetops Resort?

The main golf season runs from May through October. Summer is best for warm weather and long golf days, while early fall brings cooler temperatures and strong northern Michigan scenery.

Can you stay on property at Treetops?

Yes. Treetops offers on-property lodging that ranges from resort rooms and suites to condos, cottages, chalets, and private homes.

What airport should you fly into for Treetops Resort?

Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City is a common commercial-airport choice. Treetops lists the drive from TVC at about 63.5 miles and roughly 1 hour 20 minutes.

On the map