Michigan Golf Getaway: A Bucket-List Weekend at Forest Dunes and Arcadia Bluffs

When I learned I’d be heading to Grand Rapids, Michigan earlier this year for work, I knew I had to carve out time to explore some of the top public golf courses in the state. Like any avid golfer, I dove into research and quickly zeroed in on two iconic names I’d long heard about but never expected to play: Forest Dunes and Arcadia Bluffs.

Knowing my dates a few months in advance, I started scouting tee times. To my surprise, I was able to lock in 36-hole days at both courses, giving me the chance to fully experience everything these destinations had to offer.

Day One: Forest Dunes

I arrived at Forest Dunes late in the afternoon and headed straight to the property to soak in the atmosphere. While the Bootlegger short course was packed, I was able to hop onto their putting course, the Hilltop, nestled between the short course and driving range. As the sun dipped below the trees, I rolled putts across the undulating terrain—a perfect way to preview the fun ahead.

Morning Round: The Loop - Black (Golf)

The day started early on the Loop - Black, the reversible links-style course created by Tom Doak. It's one of the few courses in the world designed to be played in both directions—Black one day, Red the next.

The starter gave me great advice: play for bounce and roll, not carry, and look back from each green to visualize how it plays in reverse. He also tipped me off to their signature PB&J at the turn—I went with strawberry, and it hit the spot.

I teed it up from the tips (around 6,700 yards), where the par 3s were true tests, each stretching to ~200 yards. The fairways were wide, but the challenge came in managing firm conditions and fast greens that rejected anything not perfectly judged.

I loved the mental game this course required. If you have time, I highly recommend playing it both ways (Black and Red) to fully appreciate the design brilliance.

Midday Break: Bootlegger Short Course – $52

After finishing The Loop, I squeezed in a quick loop at Bootlegger, a 10-hole short course with a Pinehurst-style vibe—music playing, casual dress, and a “barefoot welcome” feel.

Tee shots are played off mats, with holes ranging from 60–120 yards.

With dramatic green slopes and artistic bunkering around mini-dunes, it's a blast and a great way to refresh before heading back out for 18 more.

Afternoon Round: Forest Dunes

The original course at the resort, Forest Dunes, offers a striking contrast to The Loop. Tree-lined, traditional, and more target-oriented, this course requires accuracy and course management.

I played from ~6,500 yards and found it extremely fair yet demanding. The 9th hole—a par 3 over water framed by the clubhouse—is a highlight. The greens were still fast and firm but felt completely different than The Loop. Bunkers here were soft and penal—tough for someone (like me) whose sand game isn’t exactly a strength.

I really enjoyed the secluded feel of this layout, especially the way the holes wound through the trees and dunes. Miss off the tee, though, and it can be a grind.

After the round, I grabbed dinner at the resort pub, relaxed on the patio, and watched golfers hit into 9 over the water—a great way to wind down and prep for day two.

Day Two: Arcadia Bluffs

Morning Round: Arcadia Bluffs – South Course

The South Course at Arcadia Bluffs is newer—built on flat farmland but styled as a firm, fast, links-style test. It plays and feels much like The Loop having to play shorter than the carry number to hold greens, but with its own identity.

I played from the blues here which were ~ 6,900 yards but with the firmness of the ground and having a good driving day this was definitely the right call to avoid only having wedges or short irons into greens.

The square-cornered greens are a signature touch—striking in person and unlike anything I’d seen before. Bunkers here are geometric and minimalist, almost like modern art installations. Though the land is flat, strategy and precision are required, especially with pin placements tucked into corners. It is fairly open from the tee box but being able to hold the green from those lies can be difficult. #17 has church pew style bunkers to the left of the fairway which was a nice touch as I was playing the week of the U.S Open.

I found myself playing conservatively to the center of greens, which often left me with long, tricky putts. Still, it was a fun and different kind of challenge that I would definitely play again and recommend to those in the area!

Afternoon Round: Arcadia Bluffs – Bluffs Course

Finally, the grand finale: The Bluffs Course at Arcadia Bluffs.

This course had been on my bucket list for years, and it didn’t disappoint. When you arrive, it sneaks up on you—but then the clubhouse and Lake Michigan views hit you all at once, and you know you're in for something special.

My group had a caddie, JJ, who added great insight and told us we could see the lake and clubhouse from all but one hole. That’s not an exaggeration—the course winds through the bluffs with jaw-dropping views nearly everywhere you look. We played from the whites here at ~6,400 yards.

While the fairways are generous, the wispy fescue and rolling dunes are always lurking. I struggled with the driver but never lost a ball—just had to hack it out and keep moving.

JJ’s favorite stretch—holes 8 to 14—was also mine. These holes combined visual drama with strategic choices and that rare “wow” factor you don’t forget.

We wrapped the round with some food at the clubhouse, soaking in the view of Lake Michigan as the sun set. This course immediately jumped to the #1 spot on my all-time favorites list.

Final Thoughts

This trip exceeded every expectation. Playing 36 holes a day at two world-class resorts was golf heaven. From the firm, thought-provoking designs of The Loop and the South Course to the beauty and drama of Forest Dunes and the Bluffs, every course had its own personality.

If you're a golfer who loves architecture, variety, and scenic value, put Forest Dunes and Arcadia Bluffs at the top of your list. And if you have the connections, Kingsley Club and Crystal Downs are both very close by which would make for an EPIC golf trip if you can pull that off!

If you are looking for a warmer weather trip out west, check out our St. George Golf Guide: 🏌️‍♂️ Desert Golf Adventure: Exploring St. George, Utah's Premier Courses