This place looks epic. A peaceful golf paradise that not even your slice can disturb. Forest Dunes is a hidden gem in northern Michigan’s Huron National Forest. A secluded, golf-focused resort in Roscommon. Pristine natural surroundings, massive dunes, mature pines, and two world-class courses that deliver variety and innovation. Featuring Tom Weiskopf’s classic parkland gem and Tom Doak’s revolutionary reversible “The Loop,” it’s pure Midwest bucket-list territory. Firm and fast conditions, strategic shot-making, epic scenery, and that remote “up north” escape vibe.

Quick Facts

  • Two championship 18-hole courses (plus The Loop’s dual routings) + Bootlegger (10-hole par-3 short course) + putting greens
  • Unique designs: Weiskopf’s forested-to-dunes transition; Doak’s fully reversible 18 (Red counterclockwise one day, Black clockwise the next, same holes, different experience!)
  • Seasonal play: Mid-April to late October; peak summer/fall for long days (golf until 9pm+ in summer) and prime conditions
  • Public resort access: Stay-and-play focus with priority tees; top-ranked public gems (Forest Dunes often Top 50 nationally, The Loop in top 100 public lists)
  • Secluded luxury: On-site lodging (lodge, villas, cottages), dining, and golf-only immersion with no distractions, just great golf

For those who are into local lore, there have been many reported sightings of the Michigan Dogman in the Huron Forest. Part dog, part man, with glowing eyes and a piercing howl. He’s like Michigan’s bigfoot.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: Multi-round marathons (play The Loop Red one day, Black the next for “two courses in one”), post-golf fireside beers, stargazing in the dark skies, and friendly bets on creative holes
  • Families: Relaxed short-course fun (Bootlegger par-3), spacious villas/cottages for groups, nature vibes; non-golfers enjoy forest walks or nearby lakes

Top Standout Courses

Forest Dunes Course (Tom Weiskopf)

The original star, a Top 50 public course nationally with wide fairways, large greens, and two personalities: front nine through dense Huron National Forest pines, back nine opening to dramatic glacial sand dunes. Elevation shifts up to 100 feet, risk-reward holes, and a fun 19th-hole par-3 for settling matches. Classic, challenging, and beautifully conditioned.

The Loop (Tom Doak Red & Black Routings)

North America’s only fully reversible 18-hole course. Same 18 fairways/greens, but switch directions daily (Red counterclockwise, Black clockwise). Firm, fast inland-links style with undulating terrain, wild grasses, strategic bunkers, and clever angles. Play it twice for completely different experiences; innovative, fun, and highly acclaimed as a modern masterpiece.

Bootlegger (10-Hole Par-3 Short Course)

Quick, creative fun. 1,100 yards of pitch-and-putt-style holes (par-3s from short to longer), inspired by 1920s local history. Grab a few clubs, cold drinks, and enjoy casual rounds or warm-ups with music and vibes.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • Lake AuSable Lodge: Cozy, steps from tees and clubhouse
  • Villas & Cottages: Spacious options for groups (2-8 people), kitchens, lake or course views
  • Stay-and-play packages include lodging, rounds (priority on both courses), practice access, and perks; book direct for best deals

All Key Forest Dunes Golf Highlights at a Glance

  • Forest Dunes Course (Weiskopf parkland/dunes classic)
  • The Loop (Doak reversible Red/Black innovation)
  • Bootlegger (10-hole par-3 short course)
  • Plus massive practice areas, putting course, and future SkyFall private access for guests

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via forestdunesgolf.com; fills fast in peak summer/fall; includes multi-round options and replays
  • Fly into Traverse City (TVC) 1.5 to 2 hours drive, or Detroit (DTW)/Grand Rapids (GRR) for longer scenic routes
  • Pair golf with northern Michigan favorites: fresh cherries, local breweries, hiking, or epic stargazing away from city lights
  • Embrace firm conditions (run the ball!); use caddies for strategy on The Loop; forward tees make it accessible for all

Time to get lost in the forest, play reversible magic, and reset with pure golf immersion. Forest Dunes is calling your name.

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In Michigan’s upper peninsula you can visit the Yoopers, dine on their Pasties and play some immaculate golf. Marquette Golf Club is a standout gem in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, nestled in the highlands near Marquette with two fantastic 18-hole courses, a specialized practice facility, a quality bar and restaurant, and some of the most breathtaking views you’ll find off a tee box. Featuring the nationally acclaimed Greywalls (designed by Mike DeVries) and the classic Heritage, it’s a semi-private facility blending rugged natural beauty, dramatic terrain, and Lake Superior panoramas for an unforgettable “Pure Michigan” golf experience.

Quick Facts

  • Two championship 18-hole courses: Greywalls (2005, Mike DeVries) and Heritage (original 1926, expanded 1969)
  • Rugged UP wilderness: Granite outcroppings, ravines, tumbling fairways, bold elevation changes, and stunning Lake Superior vistas
  • Seasonal play: Mid-spring to fall; peak summer/fall for prime conditions (60s–80s°F), long days, and that crisp Northwoods air
  • Public access: Guest play welcome; stay-and-play packages via local hotels/Airbnbs or the acclaimed “Perfect 4-Some” with Island Resort & Casino
  • Top-ranked: Greywalls frequently #2 “Best You Can Play” in Michigan (Golfweek), top public lists nationally, and praised for its unique, inspiring design

The greatest shame of Wisconsin is that they let the superior Michigan take the land north of their state. Beautiful, rugged and mostly forested the Upper Peninsula offers a surreal experience.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: Multi-round days (Greywalls for epic challenge, Heritage for fun variety), post-golf drinks with lake views, friendly competition, and easy ties to nearby UP courses via packages
  • Families: More forgiving Heritage layout for all levels; scenic beauty for non-golfers (hiking, Lake Superior shores, Marquette’s breweries/shops); practice facility for warm-ups

Top Standout Courses

Greywalls Course (Mike DeVries)

The star attraction, opened in 2005 to rave reviews and still wowing golfers. Cut through UP wilderness with diverse terrain: tumbling fairways, boldly contoured slopes, dramatic elevation drops, rolling bunkered links-style land, massive granite walls, ravines, and panoramic Lake Superior views from nearly every hole. Often called one of Michigan’s best (Golf Digest/Golfweek top public); front nine wild and extreme, back nine solid and scenic, pure adventure and unforgettable drama.

 

Heritage Course

The original classic, front nine (1926, William Langford/Theodore Moreau) with gentle rolling terrain, imaginative green complexes, and timeless beauty; back nine (1969, David Gill) adds challenge. Fun, playable track with large, tough greens, rolling hills, and that historic UP charm. Great for relaxed rounds or building confidence before Greywalls.

 

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • Local options: Partner hotels, Airbnbs, or Marquette-area lodging for custom packages (via golfgreywalls.com/local-stay-play)
  • Perfect 4-Some Package: Top-tier Midwest deal through Island Resort & Casino (Bark River), 3-5  nights lodging + rounds at Greywalls, plus Sweetgrass, Sage Run, and TimberStone; all-inclusive vibes with casino perks
  • On-site clubhouse for dining/drinks; easy access to Marquette’s dining scene (fresh whitefish, pasties, craft beer)

All Key Marquette Golf Club Highlights at a Glance

  • Greywalls (Mike DeVries, rugged masterpiece, top-ranked drama)
  • Heritage (classic/original, fun & historic)
  • Plus specialized practice facility, pro shop, and bar/restaurant
  • Nearby tie-ins: Sweetgrass/Sage Run (Island Resort), TimberStone

Pro Tips

  • Book tee times early via golfgreywalls.com (online or 906-225-0721); guest play open to all
  • For packages: Check “Perfect 4-Some” at islandresortgolf.com or local stay-and-play on site
  • Fly into Sawyer International (MQT) near Marquette, or Green Bay (GRB)/Marquette for drives
  • Pair golf with UP classics: Lake Superior beaches, Pictured Rocks hikes, local eats (pasties, fudge), or fall colors
  • Embrace the terrain (carts recommended); forward tees on Greywalls for fun; caddies or GPS for strategy on wild holes

Time to conquer granite walls, chase birdies with Lake Superior sunsets, and reset in Michigan’s wild Upper Peninsula. Marquette Golf Club is calling your escape.