Best Disc Golf Courses in Mid-Michigan: A 2026 Guide

Disc golf has quietly become one of Mid-Michigan's most popular outdoor activities, and September is an ideal month to try it. The summer crowds have thinned, the bugs are mostly gone, and the first blush of fall color makes the region's wooded courses genuinely beautiful. Best of all, most courses are free or cost only a small daily park fee, so it is an easy, budget-friendly way to get outside.

If you have never played, the concept is simple: throw a disc into a metal basket in as few throws as possible, much like ball golf. A starter set of three discs costs about $20 to $30 and will last for years. If you are heading out with kids, start on a short, open course where young arms can make real progress. For a full list of trail and park options nearby, our guide to Genesee County parks and recreation is a great companion read.

Genesee County: Goldenrod Disc Golf Course, Davison

For a first game in Mid-Michigan, start at Goldenrod Disc Golf Course on Irish Road in Davison. Owned and maintained by the Genesee County Parks and Recreation Commission, it is a full-size 18-basket course that is free to play and open year-round from dawn to dusk. The layout winds through open fields with just enough tree cover to keep things interesting without punishing beginners. It is a friendly, welcoming course where local players are happy to point a newcomer in the right direction.

Oakland County: Kensington Metropark and Bald Mountain

Oakland County is home to some of the most celebrated disc golf in the country. At Kensington Metropark in Milford, the famous Toboggan course is a legendary 18-hole championship layout that hosted the 2026 PDGA World Championships. It is challenging, hilly, and best reserved for players with some experience. Right alongside it, the Black Locust Green and Blue courses offer more approachable 18-hole rounds for everyone else. A Metropark vehicle entry permit is required.

North of there, Bald Mountain Recreation Area near Lake Orion offers two 18-hole courses, the Hills and the Lakes, both set in rolling forested terrain. Because it is a state recreation area, a Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry. It is worth the drive from Flint or Grand Blanc for a day trip with lunch packed and a couple of rounds on the agenda.

Livingston County: Chilson Woods, Howell

In Livingston County, Chilson Woods Disc Golf Course sits inside Brighton Recreation Area near Howell. The wooded, technical layout rewards accuracy over distance and feels like a proper Michigan forest round, with tight lines through mature trees and the occasional open fairway to let a drive fly. It is a fantastic course for intermediate players and offers a quiet, uncrowded experience on fall weekdays.

Saginaw County: Wickes Park and Memorial Park

Saginaw County has two standout options. Wickes Park in Saginaw is a highly rated 18-hole course set along the river, popular with local players and well maintained for a free community course. In Frankenmuth, Memorial Park offers another excellent 18-hole round right next to the town's famous downtown. You can easily pair a morning round with lunch at one of Frankenmuth's family restaurants, making it a natural weekend outing.

Lapeer County: Torzewski Park, Lapeer

The newest course in the region is at Torzewski Park on Pero Lake Road in Lapeer. This 18-hole course opened in 2023 and quickly became a favorite, with a mix of open and wooded holes that suits a range of skill levels. It is free to play and a great example of how a small community park can become a hub for outdoor recreation. For families exploring Lapeer County, it pairs well with the area's lakes and trails.

Tips for a Great Round This Fall

A few practical notes will make your round more enjoyable. Wear comfortable shoes, since most courses involve walking a mile or two over uneven ground. Bring water and a light jacket; mornings in September start cool even when afternoons warm up. Check a course directory app or the county parks page before you go to confirm hours and any fees, and always leave the course as you found it. For many courses a Michigan Recreation Passport or Metropark permit covers parking, so it is worth having one if you plan to play regularly.

Disc golf is also a wonderful way to get to know a community before you decide where to live. As a REALTOR who has helped families settle across Genesee, Oakland, Livingston, Lapeer, and Saginaw counties, I often talk with buyers about the parks and recreation that shape day-to-day life. If you are considering a move and want to understand which neighborhoods offer the best access to trails, courses, and outdoor amenities, I would love to help you find the right fit.