Treetops Resort

About Treetops Resort

You know how most northern Michigan courses feel like they're trying too hard to be the next Treetops or Crystal Downs? Well, this is the original Treetops – the one that put Gaylord on the golf map and showed everyone what dramatic elevation changes could do for an otherwise flat region. The routing here is absolutely brilliant, carving through dense hardwood forests with holes that plunge into valleys and climb back up ridgelines in ways that make you forget you're in relatively gentle Michigan terrain. The signature par-3 6th hole drops about 140 feet from tee to green – it's the kind of shot that photographs beautifully but plays even better, with just enough wind swirl through the trees to keep things interesting. What really sets this place apart is how it embraces the walking experience (thankfully still allowed) while never feeling punitive about the elevation changes. The conditioning is consistently solid without being fussy, and at 4.3 stars from over 3,000 reviews, it's clearly delivering what golfers want: memorable holes, fair challenges, and that sense of playing golf in a natural cathedral. The value proposition remains strong for a resort course with this kind of reputation – you're paying for the experience, not just the green fee, and unlike some of the newer northern Michigan darlings, Treetops has earned its stripes over decades of delivering rounds that stick with you long after you've left.

Key Facts