Destination: Northwest Michigan

The most coveted vacation spot in Michigan is the northwest coast, where you'll find some of the country's highest-rated golf courses as well as charming lakeside towns.

Much of the state's most spectacular coastline can be found here, making this an equally ideal summer haven for boaters and those seeking natural, freshwater beaches.

The epicenter of northwest Michigan is Traverse City, which is at the base of Grand Traverse Bay and has a metropolitan area of about 150,000. It's home to northern Michigan's largest airport, Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), named after Traverse City's prowess as the largest cherry producer in the U.S. Golf is abundant around the area, ranging from smaller daily-fee courses to venues such as Grand Traverse Resort & Spa and A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort.

A main attraction nearby is the Sleeping Bear Dunes, part of the nationally protected Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. The Dunes are just a few miles from the Alister MacKenzie-designed Crystal Downs Country Club. Just south is Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club, situated roughly 200 feet above the lake, and rated by many as the top public course in the state.

A little farther inland, into some of Northern Michigan's largest hills, is Bellaire. This unique community is home to seven challenging courses, including multi-course Shanty Creek Resorts that includes Tom Weiskopf and Arnold Palmer designs.

To the north of Traverse City is a collection of towns strung along Little Traverse Bay. Petoskey anchors Charlevoix to the east and Harbor Springs, which has been a top summer destination for many years thanks to Boyne Highlands Resort, featuring 180 holes of world-class golf designed by some of the game's masters, including Trent Jones and Donald Ross.

On the other side of Little Traverse Bay, Bay Harbor Golf Club sits atop Lake Michigan. Along with its inn and spa, Bay Harbor has quietly become one of Northern Michigan's most luxurious golf destinations.
 

Recommended: Bay Harbor Golf Club in Bay Harbor

The Bay Harbor Golf Club offers the ultimate golfing experience with 27 holes including the Links, Quarry and Preserve, stretching along two and a half miles of Lake Michigan coastline. The Links has six holes right on the water, and on the last 19 holes, golfers can view Lake Michigan. The Quarry's nine holes were carved through hardwoods. The Links Course at Bay Harbor G.C. was designed by Arthur Hills, ASGCA, and opened in 1996. Boyne Resorts, Inc., manages this facility.