The fifty-year tradition of this stunning resort cut out of the majestic pine forests of Northern Michigan begins and ends with the ethics of old-fashioned rural family values. When German-born businessman Herman Otto decided that friends, family, and employees of his Detroit-based manufacturing company needed a quiet place in the wilderness as a retreat, he charged his son with the task of building a nine-hole course. Amid the undisturbed home of white-tailed deer, elk, and bald eagles, a tiny resort destination began to flourish, striking a fine balance between elegance and convenience with a conscious regard to be eco-friendly. Today, man and beast mingle happily together on a stunning, 3,500-acre, 72-hole golf, resort and real estate complex that is a wilderness experience unlike any other.

The success of the initial retreat prompted the Otto family to open Garland to the public, and by 1973 an additional nine holes were added. Two more nines brought the total to 36 holes, and ironically enough, it was a tragedy that motivated the Otto family to create the recreational and corporate retreat that exists today. A gas explosion in 1985 destroyed the existing clubhouse, and the expansions grew feverishly thereafter. Today, Garland is the only ‘AAA’ four-diamond resort in the state, and one just a select few in all of the Midwest . From the moment you pass through the large stone gates, the splendor of the gardens, the greenery, and that gorgeous log edifices that dot the property foreshadow a standard of style, grace, and hospitality one would expect from a family-run operation.

Today, Garland boasts 72 holes of golf, and designer Ron’s work on the Reflections, Fountains, Swampfire, and Monarch courses are a stunning foray into the natural ambiance of the land, and each holds up on its own merits. Otto’s newest course, the Fountains, and the Reflections layout are shorter test tailored to the shotmaker, while the Swampfire and Monarch courses provide a heroic test where missed shots often end up in penal hazards. In the dense green of summer, where the northern location and proximity to Lake Michigan to its west ensures that there is refracted light in the sky until well after 10:00 p.m. on the season’s longest days. With 18 hours of daylight, there might be just enough time to fit everything in at Garland. 

Guests of Garland Resort have a variety of accommodation options available to them, and each has its own unique characteristics and qualities. The centerpiece lodging option is the Main Lodge, a monumental log chalet with cobblestone foundations and your choice of three distinct room types. Queen rooms feature a pair of double beds and balcony space overlooking the resort’s main gardens, or backing onto the golf course. King rooms are a great choice for couples, offering views similar to those found in the Queen rooms, while the Garland Penthouse, located on the top floor of the Main Lodge, is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit with jacuzzi tub, a generous living room and fully-equipped kitchen. Accommodations in the South Wing are equally flexible, with Jacuzzi rooms facing both ways, and queen, king, and double rooms with gas fireplaces for those cold spring and autumn nights. VIP suites, with a large sitting and work area are available for those who cannot shed their responsibilities and leave business at the office. 

Outside the centrally located lodges are a host of other private abodes. Golf cottages found on the Fountains Course are perfect for foursomes or families. Single and double villas are a popular and luxurious choice for many Garland guests, and the French Country Villa, also located on the Fountains Course, are two-story, three-bedroom units with a back patio and gas grill, making it the perfect simulation of casual resort living. Villa and condominium rentals can be arranged on a weekly, monthly, or seasonal schedule.

As founder and owner of Garland Resort, Herman Otto has the privilege to do as he pleases, and the host of restaurants on the property that bear his name are again a reflection of Garland’s to provide a luxurious yet comfortable setting for its guests. The apogee of the Gaylord dining experience comes in the main dining room, where local produce and game like slow-roasted pheasant, river trout and venison center fresh local root and vine vegetables. On gorgeous nights where the sun sets behind the tops of trees, enjoy the sounds and ambiance of the outdoors from the patio, which overlooks the golf course putting green. For a more casual and energized vibe, try out Herman’s grill, either for a quick sandwich and a beer after a round of golf, or for an enjoyable dinner. Live entertainment is featured nightly here in the summertime. 

In a wondrous playground such as this, the options are limitless. Set out on foot for an afternoon in the unspoiled surrounding forests teeming with wildlife, or rent a mountain bike and take in the atmosphere at a quicker pace. An afternoon of fly fishing in one of the area’s many lakes and streams will likely yield a fat rainbow trout or northern pike, or set out to the Ausable River for a more relaxing day either canoeing or tubing. Take a swim in either the lap pool at the indoor fitness center, or head out to the heated outdoor pool. Tennis, volleyball and basketball courts can all be found on the Garland property, making it a premier destination not just for golf, but for activities the whole family can enjoy. Just as Herman Otto had hoped.

2004 Packages:

Early Season - April 29 - May 15;  Shoulder Season - May 16 - June 13 & September 19 - October 9; Holiday Season - June 27 - July 5 & August 22 - September 4; Prime Season - June 14 - September 18 (Minus Holiday Season); Late Season - October 10 - 31

Unlimited Golf Package - This package is for the die-hard golfer who wants to play until he drops. Includes two nights lodging and all the championship golf you can handle with cart. Based on one person for 2 night stay.

Early Season and Late Season

Midweek -
Main Lodge & Double Villa- $246.00 
Golf Cottage- $266.00 
South Wing,Single Villa, French Villas, Penthouse, Condos- $300.00

Weekend -
Main Lodge & Double Villa- $288.00 
Golf Cottage- $308.00 
South Wing,Single Villa,French Villa, Penthouse, Condos- $342.00 

Shoulder Season and Holiday Season

Midweek -
Main Lodge & Double Villa- $370.00 
Golf Cottage-$402.00 (Base Rate)    $429.86
South Wing,Single Villa, French Villas, Penthouse, Condos- $436.00

Weekend -
Main Lodge & Double Villa- $444.00 
Golf Cottage- $464.00 
South Wing,Single Villa,French Villa, Penthouse, Condos- $498.00 

Prime Season (Minus Holiday Seasons)

Midweek -
Main Lodge & Double Villa- $494.00 
Golf Cottage- $516.00 
South Wing,Single Villa, French Villas, Penthouse, Condos- $526.00 

Weekend -

Main Lodge & Double Villa- $548.00 
Golf Cottage- $558.00
South Wing,Single Villa,French Villa, Penthouse, Condos- $580.00 

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