Marsh Ridge Offers Patrons a Variety of Activities

GAYLORD, Mich. - The Marsh Ridge resort, located in the heart of Gaylord, Mich., might be best known for its quality golf.

But there is more to this exotic getaway than 18 holes of golf. The resort is home to literally dozens of recreation opportunities.

So, if you wanted to take your family away for the weekend and they weren't exactly thrilled about spending five hours on the golf course, then Marsh Ridge has the solution.

Year-round resort amenities include an outdoor heated pool, whirlpool and sauna. Where else in Michigan could you go swimming in the winter months?

There is much more.

With the changing of the seasons, the Gaylord area comes equipped with the perfect outdoor activities, including horseback riding, fishing and canoeing.

When the snow comes, the fun begins. The area is best known for its downhill skiing opportunities.

In the summer months, golf is the preferred sport. And the course at Marsh Ridge is a big reason why the activity is so popular in the area.

"It's not a real long course," Marsh Ridge golf professional Ken Anderson said. "But it's a shot makers course. You have to hit it real straight or there will be a penalty."

It's a 6,100 yard, par-71 course with a slope of 130. The 59-room resort prides itself on servicing the community.

"Just the fact that we are small," Anderson said. "We aren't like those huge resorts we people get thrown into the numbers."

Officials at Marsh Ridge have made their resort very affordable for the public. They have several packages that are price efficient.

For example, a popular package is one called "cheap shot," which is for the fall and spring months. With the special, you stay three nights in one of their rooms, receive 18-holes of golf each day in addition to breakfast and dinner service. Each night under this plan is $109.

In the summer, this package runs $119.

June 14, 2000

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management.