Second Star Guide · Topics

Where to play disc golf on a destination trip

Eight rounds worth packing discs for—from two 24-hole courses beside the Huron River to high-country layouts where the walk is part of the challenge.

The case for the trip

A destination round should offer more than a basket near the hotel. These courses earn the detour through unusual terrain, substantial layouts or a setting that adds something distinct to the wider trip. Mountain operations can change quickly, so use the official links for current access before setting out.

Painterly autumn park with a disc-golf basket beneath orange-leaved trees beside a river

1Ann Arbor, Michigan

Two full courses west of Ann Arbor

Hudson Mills Metropark turns a city trip into a substantial disc-golf day without requiring a separate overnight stop.

Hudson Mills Metropark

The park has two 24-hole disc-golf courses beside the Huron River, with hiking and biking trails available when the group does not want to spend the entire day throwing. The extra holes make this a better destination choice than a quick municipal nine.

Best for
Players who want a long round, a second course or enough variety for most of a day
When to go
The park operates year-round, but weather can change course conditions; check the park page before a winter visit.
Access
Hudson Mills is in Dexter, west of Ann Arbor. A Metroparks vehicle pass is required, and disc-golf fees may apply.
Tradeoff
This is not a downtown add-on. Allow for the drive from Ann Arbor and for more playing time than a standard 18-hole round.
Official information ↗Plan the rest of an Ann Arbor trip →

At a glance

The numbered route through this guide

The list is the guide’s primary index; the map adds geographic context.

Four more trips to compare

Different settings, different reasons to go

Disc-golf basket in a wildflower-dotted alpine meadow below jagged mountains

2Ashland, Oregon

A free mountain round above Ashland

Mt. Ashland exchanges polished parkland for elevation, dirt tees and a course that must be covered on foot.

Siskiyou Crest Disc Golf Course

Mt. Ashland’s current layout has 18 holes across uphill, downhill and cross-slope terrain. The course is free, and its position on the ski-area slopes gives the round a mountain character that a valley-floor course cannot reproduce.

Best for
Experienced walkers who want elevation and uneven mountain terrain with their round
When to go
Warm season only. The operator posts opening and conditions updates on the official course page.
Access
There is no lift service for disc golf. Players hike the course, which uses dirt tees and rough fairways.
Tradeoff
This is a physically demanding outing rather than an easy recreational round. Conditions and the natural playing surface can be rough.
Official information ↗Plan an Ashland mountain day →
Summer view of Grindstone Lake and the forested mountains around Ruidoso

3Ruidoso, New Mexico

Twenty-seven wooded holes at Grindstone Lake

Ruidoso’s municipal course has enough holes to justify a dedicated outing and can share a day with the lake and trail system.

Grindstone Disc Golf Course

The Village of Ruidoso maintains a 27-hole, par-81 course within the Grindstone Lake and Trails System. Its wooded setting and unusually long layout make it one of the more substantial public courses attached to a Second Star destination.

Best for
Groups that want more than 18 holes or want to combine disc golf with lake and trail time
When to go
Conditions vary with mountain weather. Confirm current recreation-area access before the drive.
Access
The course is at Grindstone Lake in Ruidoso. Parks and Recreation lists local disc sales and rental information on the official page.
Tradeoff
A complete 27-hole round takes time; choose a shorter stopping point if the lake or another Ruidoso activity is also a priority.
Official information ↗Plan more time around Ruidoso →
Cincinnati skyline and riverfront seen across the Ohio River

4Cincinnati, Ohio

A wooded city-park round in Cincinnati

Mt. Airy Forest offers a proper disc-golf stop without sending a Cincinnati trip far beyond the city.

Mt. Airy Forest Disc Golf Course

The course sits inside Mt. Airy Forest, where wooded parkland gives the round a different setting from Cincinnati’s riverfront and central neighborhoods. It is the practical choice when disc golf matters but the trip still needs to leave room for the city.

Best for
Travelers who want a substantial outdoor break within a Cincinnati itinerary
When to go
Playable conditions depend on weather and park maintenance; consult Cincinnati Parks and the current course map.
Access
Use the Cincinnati Parks page and trail map to locate the disc-golf area and park access points.
Tradeoff
Wooded park terrain rewards control more than sightseeing pace. This is a round to schedule, not a quick stop between downtown attractions.
Official information ↗Plan the rest of a Cincinnati stay →
Wooded Razorback Greenway near Bentonville in Northwest Arkansas

5Bentonville, Arkansas

Rolling fairways in Bella Vista

Branchwood adds a disc-golf option to a Northwest Arkansas trip already shaped by trails, art and time outdoors.

Branchwood Disc Golf Course

Branchwood uses a former ball-golf property for 18 holes that mix long open fairways, wooded sections and rolling elevation. That combination provides more variety than a compact neighborhood course and fits naturally into a Bentonville–Bella Vista day.

Best for
Players who enjoy a mix of open drives, woods and moderate elevation
When to go
The course is permanent, but players should check current local conditions before traveling.
Access
The course is at 222 Glasgow Road in Bella Vista, north of Bentonville. The first tee is near the recreation center.
Tradeoff
Branchwood is not in central Bentonville. Keep it with a Bella Vista or north-corridor day rather than squeezing it between museum reservations.
Official information ↗Explore more around Bentonville →

Also consider

Good alternatives for a narrower fit

  1. 6

    Lift-served play at Winter Park

    A high-alpine course for travelers already planning a summer day at the resort.

    Winter Park Resort Disc Golf: The course moves through wooded and open mountain terrain, with the first hole reached by the Arrow lift.

    Official information ↗Plan a Winter Park summer day →
  2. 7

    Eighteen rugged holes at Red Lodge Mountain

    A ski-area course with open fairways, woods and a notably rough closing stretch.

    Red Lodge Mountain Disc Golf: The 18-hole layout starts at the top of Stache Express and shifts between open ski terrain and tighter woods.

    Official information ↗Plan more time in Red Lodge →
  3. 8

    A wooded public course in Grant County

    Pinhook provides an independent outdoor stop away from the region’s ticketed attractions.

    Pinhook Disc Golf Course: Grant County Park’s 18-hole, par-3 course sends several holes into the park’s wooded trail area.

    Official information ↗Plan the rest of a Williamstown trip →

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