The Lodge at Treetops

Location: Gaylord | Accommodation: Lodge-style rooms | Golf: Five on-site courses

Tucked into the rolling, forested hills of Northern Michigan, The Treetops Lodge delivers a classic up north retreat with the comforts of a full-service golf resort. Rustic in character yet modern in feel, the Lodge combines warm wood accents, inviting fireplace lounges, and scenic woodland surroundings to create a relaxed mountain-style atmosphere.

Perfectly positioned within the resort, guests enjoy seamless access to dining venues, pools, spa facilities, and all five championship-caliber golf courses. Treetops has earned multiple Golf Digest “Places to Play” honors and is the only U.S. resort to showcase course designs by Robert Trent Jones Sr., Tom Fazio, and Rick Smith.

Golf Courses

Treetops offers five distinct layouts, each embracing the natural elevation and beauty of Northern Michigan.

• Jones Masterpiece – Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s headline design and the resort’s flagship course. Expansive fairways, bold bunkering, and sweeping views across the Pigeon River valley define this dramatic championship test.
• Fazio Premier – Tom Fazio’s contribution to the resort blends refined shaping with subtle strategy. Routed through mature woodland, it offers pristine conditioning and a polished, championship feel.
• Smith Signature – Rick Smith’s signature course features generous landing areas and undulating greens, delivering an enjoyable yet engaging round for players of varying skill levels.
• Smith Tradition – A ridge-driven layout that follows the natural contours of the land. Walkable and scenic, Tradition rewards thoughtful positioning and consistent shot-making.
• Threetops Par-3 – Widely regarded as one of the finest par-3 courses in the country, Threetops is known for its dramatic elevation changes and unforgettable tee shots. Its national profile soared during the ESPN Par-3 Shootout, highlighted by Lee Trevino’s iconic ace.

Accommodation

The Lodge forms part of Treetops’ wider collection of approximately 243 accommodations across the resort. Room types include Queen-Queen, Deluxe King, and accessible options, making it suitable for couples, friends traveling together, or small groups.

Each room is equipped with a kitchenette, microwave, seating area, flat-panel TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a spacious walk-in shower. Décor reflects a cozy lodge aesthetic with wood detailing, neutral tones, and a relaxed mountain-retreat style. Many rooms overlook lush forest or golf course views, adding to the tranquil setting.

Guests at the Lodge also enjoy shared resort amenities including inviting fireplace lounges, convenient access to on-site dining, and shuttle service throughout the property.

Restaurant & Bars

Dining at Treetops ranges from casual pub fare to more elevated resort dining experiences. Within the Lodge, Bar 81 provides a welcoming space for craft cocktails, light bites, and relaxed evenings by the fire.

Elsewhere across the resort, guests can choose from venues such as the Sports Bar, Treetops North Tavern, Treetops Jones Tavern, and the Halfway House Café. Menus typically feature contemporary American cuisine, seasonal dishes, comfort classics, and grill favorites, served in settings that range from cozy lounges to scenic patios overlooking the hills.

Spa & Leisure

The resort’s full-service spa and salon offers massages, facials, body treatments, and wellness services designed for relaxation and recovery. A fitness center is available for guests looking to maintain their routine, while indoor and outdoor heated pools and hot tubs provide year-round options for unwinding after golf or winter activities.

Location

The Lodge at Treetops is located just east of I-75 in Gaylord, approximately five miles from the town center. The nearest major airport is Traverse City Airport (TVC), around 1 hour and 20 minutes by car, making it accessible yet peacefully removed in Northern Michigan’s scenic countryside.

On Site Activities

While golf remains the headline attraction, Treetops is a true four-season resort. Winter brings skiing and snow-based recreation, while spring through fall opens up tennis, biking, disc golf, horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, and guided nature tours. The surrounding woodlands and river valleys provide a beautiful backdrop for both adventure and relaxation.

Did You Know

The Threetops Par-3 course hosted the ESPN Par-3 Shootout from 1999 to 2006. In 2001, Lee Trevino’s hole-in-one secured a million-dollar prize, a moment that remains part of Treetops folklore.

The resort’s unique architectural lineup featuring Rick Smith, Robert Trent Jones Sr., and Tom Fazio sets it apart as one of the most architecturally diverse golf destinations in the United States.