Acme offers a golf resort lifestyle near Grand Traverse Bay
Acme sits on the east side of Grand Traverse Bay, where private beaches, golf courses and other outdoor activities are all part of the resort-centered township. “Acme is dominated by the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa,” says Brian McGillivary, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices who has lived in the Traverse City area for more than 25 years. “There’s no getting around it. It’s just a major part of the community.” Locals are accustomed to co-existing with tourists, shopping and dining together on and off the resort. Some call the resort home, while others settle down in nearby subdivisions and waterfront properties.
Golf courses, beaches and other outdoor activities
The resort has three golf courses, each open to the public. The Bear was designed by golf icon Jack Nicklaus — nicknamed the Golden Bear — and has hosted the Michigan Open Golf Championship several times. Gary Player, another legendary golfer, developed The Wolverine, and Spruce Run is the resort’s original course. Members also have access to a spa and a health club with fitness classes, racquet sports, and indoor and outdoor pools. Plus, the Beach Club has a members-only beach on Grand Traverse Bay. Nonmembers can still enjoy the beach at Bayside Park, which also has a playground, athletic fields and trails. The Traverse Area Recreation Trail, known locally as the TART Trail, starts in Acme and runs through the woods and by the bay to downtown Traverse City and other areas in the region. Additionally, there’s the VASA Cross Country Skiing course as well as Mt. Holiday, a ski resort in the winter and a summertime destination for zip lining.
Stores and restaurants in the resort and by the bay
The resort has six dining options, including Aerie, which offers fine dining on the 16th floor of the Tower inside Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. At the golf clubhouse, The Grille serves up burgers and sandwiches on the patio and at the bar. The resort’s Gallery of Shops features several businesses, including a pro shop, Whirligigs Candy & More and a few clothing stores.
Outside the resort, Meijer is the primary shopping destination for groceries and other essentials. Some local shops are also around, including Lost Treasures and Wilson Antiques, both of which sell vintage items on bayside Munson Avenue, not far from several local restaurants. Bayview Inn Bar & Grill serves as a sports bar with water views. Locals can also hang out over craft beer at Stone Hound Brewing Co. or grab some Mexican food at Osorio Tacos Y Salsas.
Homes on and off the resort, including waterfront properties
The median home price in Acme is about $520,000. The resort features a mix of condos and contemporary single-family homes with golf course views. Monthly homeowners association fees can range from $70 to $390. “Living in a subdivision doesn’t give you a resort membership, but you can obtain resort services,” McGillivary says. “Instead of calling a contractor, you can call resort maintenance and they will send someone out to fix your water heater.”
Subdivisions outside the resort offer a different experience. “Much of the area is wooded other than the golf course,” McGillivary says. “You’ve got a lot of undeveloped areas, so you're bordered by a lot of public lands.” A large portion of the east side features rural farmland. To the west, luxurious waterfront houses with private beaches face Grand Traverse Bay, some selling for $1.1 million to $2.8 million.
Turtle Creek Casino, horse shows and Music House Museum
The resort owns and operates Turtle Creek Casino, about 5 miles down the road. Flintfields Horse Park sits on 130 acres in the countryside and hosts Traverse City Horse Shows, a 13-week series of equestrian competitions. Acme is also home to the Music House Museum, a barn with a large collection of instruments dating back to the late 18th century. The museum hosts events throughout the year, including live performances and workshops.
Expanding STEM education at Central High School
Students may attend Courtade Elementary School, which receives an A-minus grade from Niche, followed by East Middle School, rated B-plus, and Central High School, rated A-minus. In 2025, the high school expanded its STEM program by opening its Innovation and Manufacturing Center.
U.S. 31 is the gateway to Traverse City
Commuters take U.S. 31 to downtown Traverse City, about 5 to 15 miles away. The highway runs along the entire coast of Lake Michigan. There’s no public transportation, and it’s about a 3 to 10-mile drive to Cherry Capital Airport.
Written By
Nicolas Stuart
