Is There Golfing on Mackinac Island?

Yes, there is golfing on Mackinac Island, and it is unlike anywhere else in the United States. Mackinac Island is home to two distinct golf experiences that combine historic courses, dramatic natural scenery, and a completely car-free environment. Golf on Mackinac Island is available during the island’s operating season from May through October, making it a standout option for travelers planning a unique Midwest golf trip in 2026.

Rather than modern resort sprawl or cart-heavy layouts, golfing on Mackinac Island is defined by walkable courses, horse-drawn transportation, and landscapes shaped by centuries of history. For travelers seeking a slower, more immersive golf experience paired with one of Michigan’s most iconic destinations, Mackinac Island delivers something truly rare.

Golfing on Mackinac Island at a Glance

Mackinac Island offers two primary golf courses:

• Wawashkamo Golf Club

• The Jewel Golf Course 

Both courses are open seasonally and accessible to visitors, though the experience, setting, and access differ significantly.

How Many Golf Courses Are on Mackinac Island?

There are two golf courses on Mackinac Island:

• One historic public course

• One resort-style course affiliated with the Grand Hotel

Despite the island’s small size, these two courses provide a surprisingly diverse golf offering that appeals to both traditionalists and leisure-focused travelers.

Wawashkamo Golf Club – Michigan’s Oldest Golf Course

Wawashkamo Golf Club is the oldest continuously operating golf course in Michigan and one of the oldest in the Midwest. Established in 1898, it reflects the earliest traditions of American golf.

What Makes Wawashkamo Unique

• Nine-hole historic layout

• Traditional Scottish-style design

• No motorized carts

• Walkable terrain

• Community-focused club atmosphere

Wawashkamo Golf Club sits just inland from the Lake Huron shoreline, offering views that shift subtly as players move through the course. The lack of modern alterations preserves the original spirit of the game.

Is Wawashkamo Open to the Public?

Yes. Wawashkamo Golf Club welcomes non-member play, making it the most accessible golf option for visitors staying anywhere on Mackinac Island.

Who Should Play Wawashkamo

• Golf history enthusiasts

• Casual golfers

• Walkers who enjoy traditional play

• Travelers seeking a low-pressure round

Deeper History and Facts About Wawashkamo Golf Club

The Origins of Wawashkamo Golf Club

Wawashkamo Golf Club was established in 1898, making it the oldest continuously operating golf course in Michigan and one of the oldest golf courses in the Great Lakes region. The course was created during a period when Mackinac Island was emerging as a premier summer retreat for wealthy families from Chicago, Detroit, and the eastern United States.

Golf was introduced to the island by summer residents and visitors who were already familiar with the game through early American and Scottish-style courses. Rather than reshaping the land, the original designers adapted the course to the island’s natural terrain, resulting in a layout that still reflects 19th-century golf philosophy.

Meaning Behind the Name Wawashkamo

The name Wawashkamo is derived from Native American language associated with the region and is commonly interpreted to mean land of the big water or a place near the water. The name reflects the course’s close relationship with the surrounding Great Lakes environment and acknowledges the area’s Indigenous heritage long before the island became a resort destination.

Course Design and Historical Layout

Wawashkamo Golf Club was designed as a nine-hole course, consistent with early American golf traditions when 18-hole layouts were less common. The course emphasizes:

• Natural fairways shaped by existing land contours

• Minimal earthmoving or modern alterations

• Greens that reward accuracy rather than power

• Walkable routing without reliance on carts

Unlike modern resort courses, Wawashkamo was never intended to be flashy or expansive. Its charm lies in its restraint, simplicity, and preservation of traditional play.

Continuous Operation Through Changing Eras

One of Wawashkamo’s most notable distinctions is its continuous operation for more than 125 years. While many historic courses across the Midwest closed, relocated, or were heavily redesigned, Wawashkamo remained active through:

• The Victorian resort era

• Two World Wars

• The Great Depression

• The modernization of American golf in the mid-20th century

This uninterrupted history places Wawashkamo among a very small group of golf courses nationwide with such longevity.

Golfing Without Cars – A Living Time Capsule

Because Mackinac Island banned automobiles in the late 1890s, Wawashkamo has never adapted to motorized golf culture. Players have always reached the course on foot, by bicycle, or by horse-drawn carriage.

As a result:

• Walking is the only way to play

• The pace of play remains relaxed

• The experience closely mirrors golf as it was played at the turn of the 20th century

This makes Wawashkamo one of the few places in the United States where golfers can experience the game in an environment largely unchanged by modern transportation or technology.

Community Role on Mackinac Island

Wawashkamo Golf Club is deeply woven into the fabric of Mackinac Island life. It serves not only visitors, but also:

• Seasonal island residents

• Long-standing Mackinac families

• Multi-generational summer members

Many island families have played the course for decades, creating traditions that span generations. This community connection distinguishes Wawashkamo from destination-only resort courses.

Notable Historical Recognition

Wawashkamo Golf Club is frequently cited in:

• Michigan golf history publications

• Great Lakes golf retrospectives

• Lists of historic American golf courses

It is recognized less for championship pedigree and more for authentic preservation, which aligns with modern interest in heritage travel and experiential tourism.

How Wawashkamo Differs From Modern Golf Courses

Wawashkamo Golf Club offers a fundamentally different experience compared to contemporary golf resorts.

Key distinctions include:

• No motorized carts

• No artificial landscaping features

• No modern course lengthening

• No heavy reliance on amenities or clubhouses

Instead, the focus remains on:

• Walking the course

• Reading natural terrain

• Playing at a thoughtful pace

• Enjoying the island setting

This difference is precisely why Wawashkamo continues to appeal to travelers seeking meaningful, place-based experiences rather than standardized resort golf.

Why Wawashkamo Appeals to 2026 Travelers

As travel trends continue shifting toward authenticity, history, and slower experiences, Wawashkamo Golf Club aligns strongly with 2026 travel preferences.

It appeals to:

• Heritage-focused travelers

• Golfers interested in the origins of the game

• Visitors planning experiential Midwest travel

• Those seeking activities that feel exclusive without being artificial

For Mackinac Island visitors planning ahead, Wawashkamo represents not just a round of golf, but a direct connection to the island’s past.

The Jewel Golf Course at Grand Hotel

The Jewel is a dramatic 18-hole experience split between two distinct nine-hole courses:

• Grand Nine

• Woods Nine

The Grand Nine

• Located along the bluffs overlooking Lake Huron

• Sweeping water views

• More open, scenic play

• Strong visual impact

The Woods Nine

• Set inland among forested terrain

• Narrower fairways

• More technical shot-making

• Quiet, secluded feel

Together, these courses offer variety while maintaining a resort-style pace suited to Mackinac Island’s relaxed environment.

Is The Jewel Open to the Public?

Access is typically available to Grand Hotel guests and through select tee time arrangements. Policies may vary by season, so advance planning is recommended for 2026 travel.

Public vs Private Golf on Mackinac Island

What Is Golf Season on Mackinac Island?

Golf season on Mackinac Island generally runs from:

• Early May through mid to late October

Peak golfing conditions typically occur:

• June through September

Cooler summer temperatures make Mackinac Island especially appealing compared to inland Midwest golf destinations.

Important seasonal note:

• The island and its lodging options are closed during winter

• Golf is not available outside the operating season

What Is It Like to Golf Without Cars?

One of the defining features of golfing on Mackinac Island is the complete absence of cars.

Golfers reach courses by:

• Walking

• Bicycling

• Horse-drawn carriage

This creates:

• A quieter playing environment

• Slower, more deliberate pacing

• A deeper connection to surroundings

Many visitors describe the experience as stepping back into an earlier era of golf.

Is Mackinac Island a Good Golf Destination?

Mackinac Island is an excellent golf destination for travelers who value experience over volume.

It is ideal for:

• Leisure golfers

• Couples trips

• Historic golf enthusiasts

• Scenic travel planners

It may not be ideal for:

• High-volume competitive play

• Golfers seeking multiple daily rounds

• Travelers focused on modern clubhouse amenities

Planning a Mackinac Island Golf Trip in 2026

When planning a 2026 golf trip to Mackinac Island, consider:

• Booking lodging early for summer dates

• Scheduling tee times in advance

• Planning for walking rounds

• Building flexibility into travel days

Where to Stay on Mackinac Island for Golf

Location matters when planning a golf-focused visit. Staying slightly removed from downtown congestion can enhance the experience.

The West Bluff area offers:

• Quieter surroundings

• Elevated views

• Easier access to walking paths

• A more relaxed pace after a day on the course

Why The Inn at Stonecliffe Fits a Golf-Centered Itinerary

The Inn at Stonecliffe aligns naturally with a Mackinac Island golf experience due to its setting, pace, and seasonality.

Key advantages include:

• Peaceful West Bluff location

• Short walking and carriage access to island paths

• A calm retreat after active days

• Open season aligned with peak golf months from May through October

While The Inn at Stonecliffe is not a golf resort, it complements a golf-focused trip by offering a restorative counterbalance to active island exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions About Golfing on Mackinac Island

Is there golfing on Mackinac Island?

Yes. Mackinac Island has two golf courses offering historic and scenic play during the operating season.

Can anyone play golf on Mackinac Island?

Yes. Wawashkamo Golf Club is open to public play. The Jewel has access options depending on arrangements.

When is the best time to golf on Mackinac Island?

June through September offers the best weather and course conditions.

Do you need a car to golf on Mackinac Island?

No. Cars are not allowed on the island. All golf access is by foot, bike, or carriage.

Is Mackinac Island good for a golf vacation?

Yes, especially for travelers seeking a unique, slower-paced golf experience paired with natural beauty and history.

Planning Ahead for a 2026 Mackinac Island Visit

For travelers planning ahead, Mackinac Island remains one of the Midwest’s most distinctive summer golf destinations. Limited seasonality and high demand mean early planning is essential, particularly for peak summer months.

Explore availability and learn more about staying on Mackinac Island’s West Bluff by visiting:
https://www.theinnatstonecliffe.com

Read other posts