What is Big Portage Lake at Waterloo State Rec. Area like?
Big Portage Lake at Waterloo State Rec. Area is one of 308 PDGA-listed courses in Michigan, and one of 1 in Grass Lake itself. The layout runs 18 holes to a par of 54 over 4,590 ft, averaging roughly 255 feet per hole. That is a comfortable middle distance where fairway drivers do most of the work.
The terrain is mixed/varied — a mix of wooded and open holes, which puts the emphasis on a complete game. The variety is the test: you will need a tunnel shot on one hole and a full-power drive on the next, often back to back.
ThrowSpot rates the course demanding overall, making it experienced players who want a real challenge. Length, tight lines, and unforgiving misses mean newer players should expect a long round. Play the shorter tees if they exist. Most groups finish in about 110 minutes, though a busy weekend morning can add half an hour of waiting on the tee.
What discs should you bring to Big Portage Lake at Waterloo State Rec. Area?
For a course like this, a putter, two mid-ranges, and a couple of fairway drivers covers the majority of shots. The variety rewards a balanced bag over a specialist one. You will use almost everything you carry.
If you are not sure what matches your arm speed, the disc selector converts your throwing distance into a speed ceiling and specific mold recommendations. It is also worth reading the wind calculator before you play on a breezy day.
Cost and access
Big Portage Lake at Waterloo State Rec. Area charges $5 to play. Pay-to-play courses are the minority in disc golf, and the fee usually reflects better maintenance, dedicated staff, or private land. Check the course signage or the local club for how payment is collected. Most park courses are open dawn to dusk; hours can change seasonally, so it is worth checking locally before a very early or late round.
Amenities at Big Portage Lake at Waterloo State Rec. Area
Amenity information comes from PDGA course records and may not reflect recent changes. If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.
Getting to Big Portage Lake at Waterloo State Rec. Area
Grass Lake, MI.
Other disc golf courses near Big Portage Lake at Waterloo State Rec. Area
More disc golf near Grass Lake
Big Portage Lake at Waterloo State Rec. Area is the only PDGA-listed course in Grass Lake, but Michigan has 308 in total. See the nearby courses above, or browse every course in Michigan.
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is Big Portage Lake at Waterloo State Rec. Area?
Big Portage Lake at Waterloo State Rec. Area has 18 holes with a total par of 54. The course measures 4,590 ft, averaging about 255 feet per hole.
Is Big Portage Lake at Waterloo State Rec. Area free to play?
No. Big Portage Lake at Waterloo State Rec. Area charges $5 to play. Check course signage or the local club for how the fee is collected.
Is Big Portage Lake at Waterloo State Rec. Area good for beginners?
It is rated advanced difficulty, so newer players should expect a challenging round. Length, tight lines, and unforgiving misses mean newer players should expect a long round. Play the shorter tees if they exist.
How long does it take to play Big Portage Lake at Waterloo State Rec. Area?
About 110 minutes for a typical group on 18 holes. Solo players move faster; busy weekend mornings can add 20 to 30 minutes of waiting.
Where is Big Portage Lake at Waterloo State Rec. Area located?
Big Portage Lake at Waterloo State Rec. Area is in Grass Lake, Michigan, at coordinates 42.33626, -84.17065. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to Big Portage Lake at Waterloo State Rec. Area?
For this layout, a putter, two mid-ranges, and a couple of fairway drivers covers most shots. The variety rewards a balanced bag over a specialist one. You will use almost everything you carry.