Unearth The Voyage
Imagine waking up to snow-dusted pines outside your window, then spending the afternoon carving through fresh powder on a groomed ski run, and finishing the day soaking in a hot tub while the stars come out over Northern Michigan. That is the kind of trip that stays with you long after you unpack.
Tucked into the rolling hills of Gaylord, this resort does not ask you to choose between adventure and relaxation because it hands you both. I have stayed at places that promise a lot and deliver a little, but this one genuinely surprised me at every turn.
From world-class golf in the warmer months to extreme snow tubing in winter, the variety here is real and well-executed. Whether you are planning a family getaway, a golf trip with friends, or a romantic winter retreat, the experience waiting for you in Northern Michigan is worth every mile of the drive up.
Where It All Begins: Location and First Impressions
The moment you turn off the highway and follow Wilkinson Road toward the resort, something shifts. The trees get taller, the air gets crisper, and the noise of everyday life starts to fade.
Treetops Resort sits at 3962 Wilkinson Rd, Gaylord, MI 49735, just an eight-minute drive from Interstate 75, which makes it surprisingly easy to reach from Detroit or Traverse City.
The setting is Northern Michigan at its most honest: no forced charm, no manufactured scenery. Just real hills, real forest, and a resort that has grown naturally into the landscape over the decades.
You can reach the front desk at (989) 732-6711 or explore everything they offer at treetops.com.
Check-in is smooth, the staff greets you by name almost immediately, and the vibe is casual without feeling careless. The resort earns its 4.3-star rating from over three thousand reviews not through flashy gimmicks but through consistent, genuine hospitality that starts at the front door.
A Resort With Roots: The Story Behind Treetops
Treetops Resort has been part of Northern Michigan’s story for decades, and that history shows in the way the place carries itself. It did not spring up overnight as a trendy getaway.
It grew slowly, adding golf courses, ski runs, and amenities over the years until it became one of the most complete four-season resorts in the Midwest.
The golf program came first, attracting serious players who wanted championship-level design in a natural setting. The ski operation followed, transforming the resort’s rolling terrain into a winter destination that draws families, beginners, and experienced skiers alike.
What makes the history feel alive rather than dusty is that longtime guests genuinely return year after year. Some families have been coming for three consecutive years, booking the same weeks, watching the property evolve.
That kind of loyalty does not happen at a place that is coasting on its reputation. It happens at a place that keeps earning it, season after season, through small improvements and consistent care.
Five Golf Courses and Endless Fairways
Golf at Treetops is not a side activity. With five distinct courses, including the Premier, Tradition, and Masterpiece layouts, it is the heartbeat of the resort’s warmer season.
Each course plays differently, using the natural elevation changes and tree lines of Northern Michigan to create challenges that feel earned rather than manufactured.
Pace of play here is genuinely good. Guests who have played all three courses across a long weekend report smooth rounds even on busy Saturday mornings, with only minor backups at the most popular tee times.
The staff on the courses is courteous and clearly trained to keep things moving without rushing anyone.
The courses are well maintained, with fairways that reward accurate drives and greens that test your reading ability without being punishing. For golfers who want variety, the five-course lineup means you can play a different layout every day of a week-long stay and still not repeat yourself.
That kind of depth is rare even at dedicated golf resorts.
Skiing the 23 Runs: Something for Every Level
Twenty-three ski runs sounds like a lot, and at Treetops, it genuinely is. The mountain covers enough vertical to keep intermediate skiers happy for a full day, and the variety of terrain means beginners and experts share the same resort without ever feeling like they are in each other’s way.
First-time skiers benefit from three dedicated beginner hills that are patient and forgiving, giving newcomers the confidence to progress without feeling overwhelmed. On the other end of the spectrum, the black diamond runs and terrain features keep experienced riders sharp and entertained.
Night skiing is also available, with freshly groomed runs at five in the afternoon that feel almost untouched.
Lift tickets are priced competitively, with deals that can drop as low as ten dollars per person during holiday promotions. Weekday skiing is noticeably more relaxed, with lift lines rarely exceeding fifteen to twenty people.
The slopes are consistently well maintained, and the ski rental operation handles both downhill and cross-country equipment.
Xtreme Tubing: The Unexpected Star of Winter
Nobody talks about a resort’s tubing hill the way guests talk about Treetops’ Xtreme Tubing, and that says everything. The two groomed lanes send riders down at speeds that produce genuine laughter, the kind you cannot fake or plan.
Group formations add to the chaos in the best possible way, with triangle spins and linked tubes turning every run into something slightly unpredictable.
The magic carpet ride back up the hill is easy to use, which matters when you want to squeeze as many runs as possible into your one-hour session. Sessions run at thirty-five dollars per person, booked by the hour, and the check-in shack sits on the far side of the mountain, so arrive a few minutes early and look for the signage.
Snow falling during a tubing session while the ski resort glows across the slope is one of those small, specific experiences that feels almost cinematic. The staff, led by a team known for genuine warmth, turns a simple activity into a highlight that guests mention long after they leave.
Cross-Country Skiing Through Northern Michigan Pines
Cross-country skiing at Treetops is a quieter, more personal experience than the downhill runs, and that contrast is exactly why it works so well as part of a longer stay. The trail network winds through varying terrain, offering easy loops for beginners and harder routes that challenge even experienced Nordic skiers.
Grooming quality varies by trail and by day, which is worth knowing before you head out. The harder trails can be genuinely demanding, especially after fresh snowfall before the grooming crew gets through.
That said, the variety of difficulty levels means a parent and an eleven-year-old can ski together for hours without either one feeling bored or left behind.
Cross-country ski rentals are available on-site, which removes the logistical headache of traveling with gear. One staff member even guided a pair of guests to a scenic overlook during their outing, then followed up the next day to check that they had found it.
That kind of personal touch is not something you can fake or manufacture.
Rooms, Chalets, and Houses: Lodging for Every Group
Treetops offers three distinct lodging styles, and choosing the right one makes a noticeable difference in your experience. Standard rooms at the Inn are practical, spacious, and well-positioned near the tubing hill, ski lifts, and the main restaurant.
They come with minifridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, and high-speed internet, covering the basics without unnecessary fuss.
For families or larger groups, the two- and three-bedroom houses are the obvious choice. Full kitchens, fireplaces, and separate living and dining rooms transform a resort stay into something closer to a home base.
Private chalets are also available for guests who want even more separation from the main lodge activity.
Rooms are generally clean and comfortable, though some guests note that the decor leans toward the well-worn side of casual. Sound travels between adjoining rooms more than you might expect, so light sleepers should plan accordingly.
The balcony views, especially at night when the tubing hill lights up the slope, are a genuinely pleasant bonus that no room description fully prepares you for.
Dining at the Top of the Hill and Legends Grill
Eating well at a ski resort is never guaranteed, which is why the dining options at Treetops earn a quiet but real appreciation from guests. The Top of the Hill restaurant handles casual American fare with a focus on satisfying portions and reasonable prices, particularly at breakfast.
The mountain views from the dining room do not hurt either.
Legends Grill operates as the upscale option, and on most visits it delivers. The menu runs toward hearty American classics, and the kitchen generally executes them well.
Late lunch at Legends is a popular choice after a morning on the slopes, with food that hits the right notes after a few hours in cold air.
A sports bar rounds out the dining lineup, though guests have noted that the food options there could be more varied. The resort does not currently offer room service or direct delivery to rooms, which is worth knowing if you are traveling with young children or planning a low-key evening in.
Breakfast is available at the mountain restaurant, not in the lodge itself.
The Pool, Spa, and Fitness Amenities
The pool situation at Treetops is genuinely fun for families, with an indoor-outdoor setup that lets you swim in heated water while cold air nips at your face. Hot tubs are available alongside the pool, and the facility also includes both a dry sauna and a wet sauna, giving you real options for post-ski recovery.
The pool area is popular, which means it can get crowded during peak weekend hours. Managing the hot tub capacity during busy periods is an area where the resort has received feedback, and it is worth visiting during off-peak times if a quieter soak is what you are after.
The pool ceiling has shown some minor maintenance issues noted by guests, though the overall setup remains a strong amenity.
Beyond the pool, the spa offers services including manicures and pedicures, making it a solid option for guests who want a recovery day between ski sessions. The fitness center handles the basics for anyone who wants to keep up with a workout routine during their stay.
The full amenity package makes longer visits feel genuinely worthwhile.
Family-Friendly Touches That Actually Matter
Some resorts call themselves family-friendly and mean they tolerate children. Treetops actually builds the experience around families in a way that shows up in small, specific details.
The front desk keeps a sign-out sheet for board games and family games, which sounds minor until you are stuck inside on a stormy afternoon with restless kids.
The ice rink behind the hotel is a low-key bonus that does not get enough attention in official marketing. It is the kind of feature that turns a regular evening into a memory without requiring a reservation or extra cost.
The playroom on-site kept a two-year-old happily entertained while older siblings skied, which is the kind of practical solution that parents quietly celebrate.
The staff consistently goes beyond the expected when families need help. Medicine is available at the front desk without markups, a policy the management describes as not wanting to profit from a sick child.
That philosophy, more than any single amenity, captures what makes Treetops feel like a place that genuinely cares about the people staying there.
Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips for a Smooth Stay
A few practical details can turn a good trip into a great one at Treetops. Weekday visits are noticeably less crowded than weekends, with shorter lift lines and a more relaxed pace across all the amenities.
If skiing is your main reason for coming, note that slopes typically open at two in the afternoon, so plan your morning activities accordingly and do not count on early first tracks.
Lift ticket prices fluctuate based on demand and timing, so booking in advance when prices are lower is a smart move. The digital ticketing system is newer and still working out some usability issues, so double-check all name entries before completing your purchase to avoid complications at the window.
The resort phone number is (989) 732-6711, and the website at treetops.com carries current pricing, package deals, and seasonal promotions. Rooms book quickly during winter weekends and peak golf season, so reserving early is genuinely important.
Pack layers, bring your own snacks if you prefer late-night room options, and let the Northern Michigan air do the rest.
