Destination Guide: Upper Peninsula

Back in the 19th century when Michigan and Ohio each claimed Toledo, the dispute was settled by granting the land to Ohio. In return, Michigan received land to the north, bordering Lake Superior, which then became Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Michiganders will gladly tell you who got the better of the deal. Wilderness is the big attraction in the U.P. Hunting, fishing, hiking and boating are favorite pastimes of all "Yoopers" and the many who appreciate its natural treasures.

You can access Michigan's U.P. via I-75 and the Mackinac Bridge from the south, or get there by driving up through Wisconsin from the west. While the square mileage of the U.P. is more than 16,000 square miles, there are only small cities and relatively few residents. Three percent of the state's population lives here, the largest towns being Sault St. Marie, Marquette and Escanaba, none of which have more than 20,000 residents.

The U.P.'s summer golf season may be cruelly short, usually June through September, but there are some real standout golf courses for those who make the trek. Greywalls, at Marquette Golf Club, is one of the most raw and wild Michigan golf experiences, cut through rock and overlooking Lake Superior from its high points. Other top plays in the area are the tree-lined TimberStone Golf Course and the new Sweetgrass Golf Club, a new amenity at the Island Resort and Casino.

Drive around a little and you can find other challenging, yet lesser-known courses. Locals love their golf, even if the warmer months are too short. The changing of the fall colors is as spectacular up here as anywhere in the world, and visitors can take one of many fall color routes to make any trip complete.

Of course, if you're headed this far north, it makes sense to make at least a one-day visit to Mackinac Island. This historic Victorian-style island is accessible by ferry and void of any motorized traffic.It's home to the Grand Hotel and Fort Mackinac, not to mention its world-famous fudge.
 

Recommended: TimberStone Golf Club in Iron Mountain

Carved out of a pine and hardwood forest in the Upper Peninsula, TimberStone Golf Club offers a challenging round for golfers of all abilities. Bentgrass tees, greens and fairways are accented by native stone and multiple terrain changes throughout the property. Players have the option of playing a challenging 7,000 yards or a less intimidating 5,000 yards. TimberStone is a Golf Digest 5-star course, one of only 24 courses out of 6,000 to receive this rating.

TimberStone offers a beautiful driving range and a very large practice green. After your round, stop into Famers sports bar and enjoy our 5 TVs with your favorite drink. TimberStone is a part of Pine Mountain Resort. Where great stay-and-play packages are always available. The course is a certified member of the Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program.