Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club (Bluffs Course)
A links-inspired daily-fee course perched 200 feet above Lake Michigan — dramatic, windswept and open to anyone who books a tee time.
Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club (Bluffs Course) in photos
Can I play Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club (Bluffs Course)?
Yes — the Bluffs Course is a daily-fee public course open to everyone seven days a week from April through November. No membership or handicap is required; you simply book a tee time and pay the green fee, which includes a GPS cart. Staying on site earns preferred times and packages.
How to book: Reserve online at arcadiabluffs.com or call the pro shop (231-889-3001); peak summer weekends should be booked well in advance. On-site lodging brings package rates and priority tee times, and twilight and mid-week discounts are available.
About Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club (Bluffs Course)
Arcadia Bluffs' Bluffs Course, designed by Rick Smith and Warren Henderson and opened in 1999, is one of the Midwest's most spectacular public golf experiences, laid out on high bluffs above the Lake Michigan shore. Stretching some 7,300 yards, the links-style layout plays over open, wind-exposed ground with fairways and greens running right along the cliff edge, more than 200 feet above the water. GPS carts are included, a seasonal caddie program is offered, and the course is open to the public seven days a week from April through November. It's a true daily-fee course — no membership required, just a booking and a green fee.
Signature hole
The bluff-top holes are unforgettable — several fairways and greens run right along the edge more than 200 feet above Lake Michigan, with the water and horizon framing every shot.
What makes it special
Cliff-top on Lake Michigan
Fairways run along bluffs more than 200 feet above the water, with the open horizon as your backdrop.
Big, windy links test
A 7,300-yard links-inspired layout where the lake wind can make it play far longer.
Public and cart-included
A true daily-fee course with GPS carts in the fee and a seasonal caddie program.
Need to know
Best time to play
Open April–November; July–September is prime for warm days and firm links turf, though Lake Michigan wind is always a factor. Fall color adds to the setting.
Dress code
Standard golf dress — collared shirts, no denim or cut-offs; soft spikes.
Good to know
GPS-equipped carts are included in the green fee, and a seasonal caddie program is available; the exposed bluff-top routing plays long and windy, so allow about 4.5 hours and pack a wind layer.
Upcoming golf tournaments
Prefer to watch the world’s best? Book tickets to an upcoming tournament, then add a hotel and flights.
Getting there
Nearest airports
Cherry Capital (TVC), Traverse City ~1 hr; Manistee County–Blacker (MBL) ~25 min (limited service); Grand Rapids (GRR) ~2.5 hrs.
On arrival
Arcadia sits on the Lake Michigan shore in northwest Michigan, about an hour southwest of Traverse City (TVC) and 2.5 hours from Grand Rapids. Drive US-31 along the coast; a car is essential in this rural stretch.
Stay near the course
The club's on-site lodge and cottages give preferred tee times and packages; otherwise base in Frankfort or Manistee nearby, or Traverse City for a wider choice about an hour away.
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices The Loop Downtown By Kasa
Traverse City
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices Delamar Traverse City
Traverse City
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices Pinestead Reef Resort
Traverse City
A taste of the luxury stays near Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club (Bluffs Course) — tap any hotel to see live availability and prices for your dates, or search them all.
Plan your golf trip
Hotels near the course
Live-priced stays a short drive from the 1st tee.
Search hotelsFlights
Get to Arcadia — search fares to the nearest airport.
Find flightsTournament tickets
Rather watch the pros? Book golf tournament tickets.
See golf ticketsThings to do
Tours and experiences around Arcadia.
Explore ArcadiaFrequently asked questions
Is Arcadia Bluffs open to the public?
Yes. The Bluffs Course is a daily-fee public course open seven days a week from April through November, with no membership or handicap required.
How much does it cost?
Green fees run roughly $125–$265 depending on season and time of day, and a GPS cart is included. Twilight and mid-week discounts are available.
Do I need to stay on site?
No, but the on-site lodge and cottages bring preferred tee times and package rates. Peak summer weekends should be booked well ahead.
When is the best time to visit?
July–September is prime for warm days and firm turf; expect wind off Lake Michigan year-round, and fall adds spectacular color.
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Green fees, access rules and tee-time policies change frequently and vary by season. The figures here are indicative for trip planning — always confirm on the official site before booking.
- Arcadia Bluffs — The Bluffs Course
- Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course — Wikipedia
- Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club (Bluffs) — Golf Digest
Hero image: Benscripps, CC BY-SA 3.0 — via Wikimedia Commons
Guide updated 2026-07-27.