If you’ve never played a links style course, it’s imperative you give it a try. It’s the way the game was supposed to be played. There’s really not that many in America. Arcadia Bluffs is one of them. Arcadia Bluffs is one of the Midwest’s premier golf destinations perched on windswept bluffs overlooking 3,100 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline in Arcadia. With true seaside links-style golf, dramatic elevation drops, natural dunes, and panoramic lake views from nearly every hole, it’s often compared to Bandon Dunes or Whistling Straits but with that pure Great Lakes magic. Add exceptional lodging, dining, and a newer South Course for variety, and it’s bucket-list territory.
Quick Facts
- Two championship 18-hole courses + The Dozen (12-hole short course) Bluffs (1999, Warren Henderson/Rick Smith) and South (2019, Dana Fry/Jason Straka)
- Links-style drama: Wind-swept fescues, sod-walled bunkers, wide fairways, huge greens, and massive Lake Michigan vistas
- Seasonal play: Mid-April to mid-November, peak summer/fall for best weather (60s-80s°F), winds add challenge
- Public access: Daily-fee resort open to all; stay-and-play packages with priority tees, caddies available
- Top-ranked: Bluffs Course often #1 public in Michigan (Golfweek); South Course highly acclaimed as a classic homage
Did you know that the Great Lakes hold 20% of the world’s surface freshwater? Also the Great Lakes are home to several shipwreck grave yards. They’re absolutely massive and pictures don’t do it justice. Go see for yourself.
Perfect For…
- Guys’ Trips: Epic multi-round days (Bluffs for drama, South for strategy), post-golf steaks or cocktails with sunset views, bagpipes at dusk, and easy Traverse City brewery hops
- Families: Luxe lodge rooms with lake views, pools/spa vibes, short course fun for kids; non-golfers enjoy beach walks, wineries, or nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes
Top Standout Courses
The Bluffs Course
The original legend, a seaside links masterpiece with rolling dunes, native grasses, and cliff-edge drama (holes 11-13: downhill par-5, bluff-top par-4, canyon-carry par-3). Stunning Lake Michigan views from everywhere, challenging yet playable with multiple tees. Often called one of America’s best public courses, pure wow factor
The South Course
A tribute to early American golf (C.B. Macdonald style), strategic angles, thought-provoking bunkers, subtle contours, and simpler, timeless design. More landlocked but equally beautiful with rolling terrain and serene vibes. Complements the Bluffs perfectly for variety.
The Dozen (12-hole short course)
Fun, creative addition, mix of 6 par-3s and 6 par-4s (100–550 yards), generous areas, big greens, and clever bunkers. Ideal for quick rounds, warm-ups, families, or evening play. High-energy and replayable.
Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots
- The Lodge at Arcadia Bluffs: Nantucket-style luxury above the clubhouse; rooms with Lake Michigan or sunrise views, exceptional dining (The Restaurant, deck/patio bars)
- On-site packages emphasize unlimited practice, priority tees, and resort perks (carts included, caddies optional)
- Nearby Traverse City for extra lodging if needed, but on-property is the way to go for immersion
All Key Arcadia Bluffs Golf Highlights at a Glance
- The Bluffs Course (seaside links icon)
- The South Course (classic strategic gem)
- The Dozen (12-hole short-course fun)
- Plus full practice range, short-game area, and massive panoramic views
Pro Tips
- Book stay-and-play packages early via arcadiabluffs.com peak season (summer/fall) fills fast; twilight deals for value
- Fly into Traverse City (TVC) 1-hour drive; or Grand Rapids (GRR) for longer scenic route
- Pair golf with Northern Michigan classics: fresh cherries, wineries, craft beer, Sleeping Bear Dunes hikes, or Lake Michigan sunsets
- Embrace the wind (play mornings if breezy); use caddies for local knowledge; forward tees keep it enjoyable for all
Time to tee it up on the bluffs, feel the lake breeze, and reset with world-class links golf. Arcadia Bluffs is calling your escape.
The Caddy Shanks Team
It’s really hard to write this article without doing my world famous impression of Frances McDormand in Fargo. But I’m gonna do my best. Brainerd is Minnesota’s premier golf mecca. A region packed with over 450 holes across dozens of top-rated courses, framed by pristine lakes, dense pine forests, rolling terrain, and that classic “up north” Northwoods escape feel. Home to legendary resort layouts from designers like Arnold Palmer, Robert Trent Jones Jr., Tom Lehman, and more, it’s a stay-and-play paradise with Gull Lake views, family resorts, and endless multi-course options.
Quick Facts
- Hundreds of holes in close proximity, many world-class public/resort courses within short drives
- Northwoods charm: Tree lined fairways, water hazards, elevation changes, and wildlife-filled settings
- Seasonal play: Mid-April/May to October; peak summer/fall for long days, mild temps (60s-80s°F), and prime conditions
- Variety for all: From championship tests to forgiving resort tracks and short courses; stay-and-play packages abundant
- Top-ranked gems: Multiple courses in Golf Digest/Golfweek “Best in State” lists (e.g., Deacon’s Lodge, The Classic at Madden’s)
You know Brainerd is home to a 26 foot tall talking statue of Paul Bunyon. If the amazing golf wasn’t enough to get your tush to Brainerd, I’m sure the Paul Bunyon statue has you chomping at the bit to get there.
Perfect For…
- Guys’ Trips: Epic multi-resort days (36+ holes easy), post-round beers on patios with lake views, friendly competition, and nearby breweries or bonfires
- Families: Resort amenities like beaches, pools, kids’ programs, marinas; shorter courses or par-3s for all levels; non-golfers enjoy boating, fishing, or hiking
Top Standout Courses
Deacon’s Lodge (Breezy Point Resort)
Arnold Palmer’s tribute to his father “Deacon” sculpted through 500 acres of wilderness with rolling hills, wetlands, lakes, and loons calling. Challenging yet playable, nationally acclaimed (Golf Digest top public lists), with dramatic holes and impeccable maintenance.
The Classic at Madden’s on Gull Lake
Upscale championship gem, ranked among the best new public courses nationally, with pristine conditions, strategic design, and Gull Lake scenery. Part of Madden’s 63-hole lineup; a must-play for serious golfers.
Legacy Courses at Cragun’s Resort (Dutch Legacy 27 + Lehman 18)
Modern masterpiece with PGA Tour pro Tom Lehman’s signature 18,stacked sod bunkers, wetlands, wooded sanctuary, and massive renovation/expansion. Dutch Legacy adds variety; 45+ holes total in one spot, rated among Midwest’s top.
The Pines at Grand View Lodge (27 holes)
Joel Goldstrand design with Lakes, Woods, and Marsh nines, a true “player’s course” with challenging variety, blind shots, water, and Northwoods beauty. Highly ranked in state lists; renovated for top conditions.
Pine Beach East at Madden’s on Gull Lake
Historic classic (opened 1926) with Minnesota’s only par-6 hole (over 600 yards!) scenic, enjoyable, and full of character alongside the more modern options.
Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots
- Madden’s on Gull Lake: Classic resort with 63 holes, lakeside lodging, spa, marina, dining
- Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake: Mile-long beach, Legacy Courses, pools, sports center, cabins/hotel
- Breezy Point Resort: Deacon’s Lodge access, multiple courses, vacation homes/condos
- Grand View Lodge: The Pines & Preserve courses, family amenities, cabins
- Packages include lodging, rounds, carts, breakfast, book direct or via Brainerd Golf Trail sites
All Key Brainerd Golf Courses at a Glance
- Deacon’s Lodge (Arnold Palmer design)
- The Classic at Madden’s
- Legacy Courses at Cragun’s (Lehman 18 + Dutch Legacy)
- The Pines at Grand View Lodge (27 holes)
- Pine Beach East/West at Madden’s
- Whitebirch at Breezy Point
- Plus short courses, par-3s, and nearby gems like Ruttger’s
Pro Tips
- Book stay-and-play packages early via resort sites (maddens.com, craguns.com, breezypointresort.com, grandviewlodge.com) or brainerdgolftrail.com, multi-course deals save big
- Fly into Brainerd Lakes Regional (BRD) for closest access, or Minneapolis (MSP) 2-3 hour drive
- Pair golf with Brainerd classics: fresh walleye, craft beer, lake cruises, or fall colors
- Use carts for terrain; forward tees for fun; caddies or GPS for strategy on tougher tracks
Get yourself to Brainerd you won’t regret it,
Jesse
