When most people think of Ann Arbor, their minds go straight to Michigan Stadium, fall Saturdays, and the unmistakable energy of a Big Ten college town. But spend a little time exploring beyond the campus core and you’ll quickly discover that Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County are one of Michigan’s most underrated golf and outdoor recreation destinations.
As featured on Michigan Golf Live, this region blends outstanding public and private golf with trails, rivers, parks, and year-round activities—creating a trip that feels active, refreshing, and surprisingly diverse.
Fox Hills: A True Golf Mecca
The golf journey begins just outside Ann Arbor at Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center in Plymouth, a facility that offers something few properties can match: three completely different golf experiences on one site.
- Strategic Fox, the acclaimed par-3 course, is anything but basic. Stretching up to nearly 200 yards on its longest hole and winding through wetlands, it demands precision and sharp iron play.
- The Classic Fox Course, originally designed in 1927, delivers old-school golf with tighter fairways, smaller greens, and timeless shot values that reward smart positioning.
- Golden Fox, the championship layout, anchors the property with a modern test that has stood the test of time, while also serving as a popular venue for tournaments, weddings, and community events.
Plan your Ann Arbor adventure HERE
Add in multiple driving ranges, a learning center, and year-round TrackMan simulator bays, and Fox Hills truly lives up to its reputation as a golf destination—not just a course.
Trails, Parks, and Getting Outside
What separates Washtenaw County from many golf regions is how seamlessly outdoor recreation is woven into daily life.
The Border-to-Border Trail stretches more than 35 miles through Ann Arbor, Dexter, Chelsea, and beyond, offering paved, ADA-accessible paths for walking, running, and cycling through some of the most scenic land in southeast Michigan.
For more adventure, the DTE Energy Foundation Trail in Chelsea is one of Michigan’s premier mountain biking destinations. Located within the Waterloo State Recreation Area—the largest state park in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula—it provides loops and terrain for riders of all skill levels.
Plan your Ann Arbor adventure HERE
Pierce Lake: A Municipal Masterpiece
Back on the golf course, Pierce Lake Golf Course in Chelsea redefines what a municipal course can be. With rolling terrain, a links-style front nine, and a marsh-and-forest-lined back nine, it plays like two courses in one.
The conditions are consistently described as private-club quality, yet the pricing remains accessible, reinforcing the county’s commitment to keeping golf affordable. Add in abundant wildlife, strong pace of play, and massive greens—especially the unforgettable 18th—and Pierce Lake stands among the best munis in the state.
Hudson Mills: Affordable, Walkable, and Welcoming
Nearby in Dexter, Hudson Mills Metropark Golf Course delivers classic parkland golf in a relaxed, community-driven setting. It’s walkable, beginner-friendly, and deeply invested in youth golf, serving as a home course for local high school teams and junior programs.
While approachable for new players, Hudson Mills still challenges experienced golfers with narrow fairways, subtle green slopes, and the need to keep the ball in play.
Water, Wellness, and One Final Paddle
Off the fairways, Gallup Park Livery showcases Ann Arbor’s connection to the Huron River. Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and guided experiences offer a peaceful way to unplug and explore a nationally designated water trail—just minutes from downtown.
Why Ann Arbor Belongs on Your Golf Travel List
From championship courses and elite municipal golf to trails, rivers, and family-friendly activities, Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County deliver far more than a typical golf trip. It’s a destination where you can tee it up in the morning, ride trails in the afternoon, paddle the river at sunset, and still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface.
Bring your clubs—but bring your sense of adventure too.
Plan your Ann Arbor adventure HERE