Hillman · Northern Michigan
More Than a Getaway.
A Northern Michigan Experience.
A championship golf course, a resident herd of Rocky Mountain elk and a five-course dinner cooked on 125-year-old stoves — all on the same 350 acres along the Thunder Bay River.
350
Acres on the river
18
Holes of championship golf
1 mile
Of Thunder Bay River frontage
5
Course dinner on 125-year-old stoves
One destination
Two hours north of the noise, 350 acres of Michigan does something rare — it lets you play a round in the morning and ride into an elk preserve by dusk.
The Course
An 18-hole public course cut through mature hardwood — rolling terrain, doglegs, water, and four sets of tees so every handicap gets a fair fight. Rated three stars by Golf Digest.
The Preserve
Draft horses pull you into a working Rocky Mountain elk preserve, then on to a log cabin for a five-course dinner. USA Today called it a real-life fairy tale.
Explore Thunder Bay
Six good reasons to stay all weekend
Stay
Suites, villas, chalets and the RV park.
Experience
Carriage rides and the elk herd.
Golf
Eighteen holes through the pines.
Dine
Dinner at The Grill
Explore
Trails, river and wildlife.
Gather
Weddings, reunions and outings.
Stay your way
Five ways to spend the night
Reservations are taken by phone — call 800-729-9375 and someone at the resort will match you to the right building.
Suites
Deluxe & Whirlpool Suites
Overlooking the second fairway, with a whirlpool tub in the whirlpool rooms.
2 bed · 950 sq ft
Golf Villas
Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, full kitchen and an electric fireplace. Sleeps ten.
23 sites · Mid-April to autumn
The RV Park
Paved pull-through sites with water, sewer and 20/30/50 amp hook-ups, Wi-Fi, patio sets and a family fire pit. Unlimited golf after your first eighteen each day.
On property
A mile of river frontage
Boardwalks and bridges over the Thunder Bay River, with trails for hiking, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Featured getaways
Weekends built around one good idea
Rates vary by room type and party size. Call 800-729-9375 for current pricing.
One or two nights
The Elk Experience
Carriage or sleigh ride, the five-course dinner and wine tasting, lodging and breakfast each morning.
Five weekends in 2027
Murder Mystery
Friday reception, Saturday elk ride and gourmet dinner, two nights lodging, two breakfasts. Ages 21+.
30 Dec – 1 Jan
New Year’s Eve
Elk ride, gourmet dinner, live music from Mike Ridley, champagne and winter activity passes. Ages 21+.
Championship golf
Eighteen holes, cut through Northern Michigan pine
A public championship course rated three stars by Golf Digest, with four tee stations and yardage stakes at 200, 150 and 100 yards. A grass range, putting green and short-game area with a sand bunker sit beside the clubhouse.
The Bullseye disc golf course is open as well.
Tee times · Pro Shop 989-742-4875
Fairway Ridge Massage
Relax. Restore. Recharge.
Where performance meets wellness. Massage is available on site at the resort.
60 minutes — $90 · 90 minutes — $120 · Add cupping or hot stones — $15
Dine & drink
Two tables, and they are nothing alike
Casual · daytime
The Clubhouse Grill
All-American favorites in a casual room beside the course — pizzas, burgers and fresh salads, with wines from Northeast Michigan.
Signature · evening
Dinner at the Antler Cabin
Five courses cooked in front of you on 125-year-old wood cook stoves, under an antler chandelier, with up to six wines poured alongside.
Gather & celebrate
A room where the fire is already going
The Elk Antler Cabin takes ceremonies, receptions, holiday parties and family gatherings — booked for a minimum of four and a half hours, with an open or cash bar and lodging for everyone on the same property.
Every event is built to order, and a horse-drawn carriage or sleigh ride through the elk preserve can be part of it.
Special Events · Shelia Kolcan · 989-742-4502
Spring
April – May
The RV park opens mid-April and the course comes back.
Summer
June – August
Golf, disc golf, scenic trails and a mile of riverfront to walk and explore.
Autumn
September – November
Carriage rides through colour and the Murder Mystery weekends.
Winter
December – March
Sleigh rides, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing through scenic winter landscapes.
Upcoming
What’s on the calendar
30 December
New Year’s Eve
Elk ride, gourmet dinner, live music from Mike Ridley, champagne and two breakfasts. Ages 21 and up.
8 – 10 January 2027
Murder Mystery Weekend
Friday reception, Saturday elk ride and gourmet dinner, two nights lodging. Ages 21 and up.
12 – 14 March 2027
Murder Mystery Weekend
The second of five weekends running through 2027.
Guests love it here
“The gourmet dinner was the best meal on the trip. So many delicious courses — you have to experience it live.”
lawtonjl2002 · TripAdvisor · 4.5 / 5 from 50 reviews
Located in the heart of
Northern Michigan
On the Thunder Bay River in Hillman, about thirty-five minutes inland from Alpena and Lake Huron.
350 acres of woods and river frontage · On-site elk preserve · 18-hole championship course · On-site massage by appointment · Open in all four seasons
Reservations
800-729-9375
reservations@thunderbayresort.com
Pro Shop
989-742-4875
Tee times and outings
Clubhouse Grill
989-742-4924
Casual dining
Special Events
989-742-4502
Weddings and gatherings
Thunder Bay Resort · 27800 M-32, Hillman, MI 49746