Bellaire is a great place to bring a crowd. There are 90 holes of golf at Shanty Creek, a ski hill ten minutes from downtown, Torch Lake for a boat day, and big houses where everyone can sit down to dinner together. Here's how we'd plan a group trip, by type.
Golf groups
Shanty Creek's five 18-hole courses (Cedar River, The Legend, Hawk's Eye, Schuss Mountain and Summit) are all within a few minutes of each other, and more courses are a short drive away. A long weekend gets you three or four rounds without much driving.
- Check which courses are open which days. Midweek closures vary by course at Shanty Creek.
- Book tee times early, especially for a big group on a summer weekend.
- Play one round as a scramble if your group has mixed abilities.
- September is often the sweet spot: firm courses, cooler days and easier tee times.
Overlook has a heated two-car garage for clubs, and a hot tub, sauna and cold plunge for the end of the day. Our golf trip guide has a sample three-day plan, and the Shanty Creek course guide covers each course.
Family reunions
The trick with a reunion is giving everyone somewhere to be together and somewhere to get away. Overlook works well for two or three families: each gets a private king bedroom, the kids take the four-queen bunk room, and the lower level is a second living area. Alm Haus gives the kids a whole floor of their own.
- Plan one big dinner at the house and let people do their own thing the rest of the time.
- Pick activities that work for every age: the Grass River boardwalks, a beach day at Torch Lake Day Park, ice cream downtown.
- Book a pontoon for the group. See boat rentals on Torch Lake.
- Lock in dates early. Summer weekends book months ahead.
Ski groups
For a ski crew, stay close to the lifts. Northwoods Treehaus is at Schuss Mountain Resort and Alm Haus is about five minutes away, so together they sleep 21. Check the Schuss 2026–27 season guide for dates and the weekly deals, like two lift tickets for $95 on Tuesdays and the Sardine Special on MLK and Presidents' Day, when a whole carload skis for $150.
Friends' weekends
For a weekend with friends, Bellaire has an easy rhythm: a morning hike or bike ride at Glacial Hills, an afternoon on the water, dinner downtown and a nightcap in the hot tub. Our summer weekend itinerary and the wine, mead and distillery trail are good starting points.
House rules worth knowing
Every home has its own house rules, listed on its booking site, and they matter more with a big group. A few to check before you book:
- Occupancy. Each home has a maximum number of guests, and that includes kids.
- Parties and events. Overlook Bellaire doesn't allow parties or events. Our homes are for staying, not for hosting.
- Age. At Overlook, the person booking must be at least 18.
- Quiet hours. These are neighborhoods, so keep it down late at night.
Group logistics
- Plan your drivers. Things are spread out up here, so carpool and pick a designated driver for any night out.
- Shop before you arrive or on the way in. Big groups go through groceries fast.
- Book restaurants ahead for big tables, especially on summer and holiday weekends.
- Need more than 16 beds? Book two homes. See large group rentals in Bellaire.
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest rental you host near Bellaire?
Overlook Bellaire sleeps 16, with four private king bedrooms and a bunk room with four queen beds. For bigger groups, book two homes.
Can we host a party or event at Overlook Bellaire?
No. Overlook doesn't allow parties or events. It's a great place for a group to stay together, but not to host a gathering.
What is a good group activity in Bellaire?
Golf at Shanty Creek, a pontoon day on Torch Lake, skiing at Schuss Mountain in winter, or a tasting day along the local wine, mead and distillery trail with a designated driver.
Sources
Golf details from Shanty Creek Resorts. Ski deals from Shanty Creek's special offers. Home details and house rules from our own listings. Checked November 1, 2026.