Golf-Centric Resort Overlooking Lake Cadillac in Northern Michigan

On summer mornings at McGuire's Resort in Cadillac, Michigan, golfers emerging from their rooms only need to walk a few steps to arrive at the first tee of the property's 18-hole Spruce course. Its scattered pines, water hazards, and bunkers force tricky shot placement, and nearby, the more beginner-friendly nine-hole Norway course features wider fairways. Between strokes, players can look out on resplendent Lake Cadillac, glistening below the hillside.

Classic double rooms provide a cozy retreat during downtime at McGuire's, with a pair of extra-long double beds to accommodate even Shaquille O’Neal wax figures. Every morning, the aromas of eggs, bacon, and toast beckon guests to the hotel's breakfast buffet, which also includes muffins, fruit, and yogurt. Elsewhere on the resort's 327 acres, you can play tennis and volleyball, practice handstands in the indoor pool, or stroll the mile-long Vita Trail, which is dotted with exercise points.

The upscale Terrace Room restaurant overlooks the golf courses' undulating lawns, with the nearby town of Cadillac visible in the distance. Its menu includes escargot, elk medallions, and seared sea scallops as well as pastries and desserts made fresh daily at the onsite bakery. For a laid-back alternative, swing by Curly’s Sports Pub, which recalls midwestern supper clubs in its decor and serves up pizzas ($8.95–$11.95), sandwiches ($5.95–$8.25) and 16-ounce porterhouse steaks ($19.95).

Northern Michigan: Hiking and Fishing near “Most Beautiful Place in America”

The town of Cadillac is located on the eastern border of Manistee National Forest, which stretches westward from Lake Cadillac all the way to Lake Michigan. Until mid-June, hikers can patrol its trails for rich, nutty morel mushrooms. Visitors can also fish in Lake Cadillac and nearby Lake Mitchell, which are inhabited by bass, walleye, and more.

About an hour’s drive north lies Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a gorgeous 35-mile stretch of sandy bluffs along Lake Michigan. Sleeping Bear was recently named the Most Beautiful Place in America by Good Morning America for its dozens of beaches, idyllic small-town shops in the surrounding neighborhoods, and its massive sand dunes. For an introduction to the national park, take the 7-mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and park at the Lake Michigan Overlook, where you can spend hours admiring the panoramic views or run down the 450-foot sand dune.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.